Tag: HEA

Health Care

Happiness Begins Today With Launch Of Four Oceans

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– Innovative direct sales company embodies the science of happiness that starts with learning, relationships, physical activity, experience and giving.

PLANO, Texas, April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — FourOceans Global, LLC, announced today that the company is officially open.  Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Four Oceans is the leading lifestyle and professional development learning and experiential social selling company focused on a positive, meaningful life defined and attained through “sustained happiness.”

Four Oceans: The smartest place on Earth for you to be, happy.

Four Oceans: The smartest place on Earth for you to be, happy.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150406/196721LOGO

Founded by industry veteran Robert Oblon who has put together a world-class executive team, Four Oceans looks to elevate global happiness beginning with its 2014 acquisition of The Success Training Network (formally called TSTN) plus many thought leaders in the field of happiness headlined by Shawn Achor, the world’s most recognized Positive Psychologist, Four Oceans is poised to revolutionize the direct selling and self-improvement industries.

“When I was introduced to the concept that the formula for happiness was backwards, I knew that we could elevate an entire industry with what Shawn Achor is proving in neuroscience and positive psychology,” said Oblon. “Four Oceans embodies the science of what happiness researchers have found ~ that sustained happiness is not realized through the attainment of money, things or accomplishments. Rather, sustained happiness comes from the relationships we have, a sense of belonging, physical activity, experience and learning, and giving. And bringing these elements to our members are the drivers behind Four Oceans.” After co-creating WorldVentures, one of the world’s largest direct selling companies in travel, Oblon has helped numerous companies with marketing, video production, web-development and technologies before deciding to launch Four Oceans as a hybrid company that can help everyone in direct selling, even while they’re in other direct selling companies.

“The business of Four Oceans is to deliver a compelling product, a superior customer experience, an enriching business process to recruit and retain Partners, and to be a hassle-free workplace of choice,” said James Menge, startup and travel industry veteran and Four Oceans CEO. With senior leadership roles at American Airlines, Virtuoso, Silverrail and SilverCar, Menge brings a robust business background that will take Four Oceans from launch through a long-term growth mode. Added Menge, “Industry relationships that include the Direct Selling Association (DSA), controls and governance that ensure company compliance, and overseeing business operations are objectives in maintaining stability for our Partners and customers.”

Jeff Cohen, another direct sales industry veteran, has been named the President of Four Oceans, and was recognized for his work and selected to ExecuRank’s TOP CMO #35 of 2012 while at MONAVIE. “Most of us wish we could learn how to make ourselves better, smarter, successful people. The pressures of daily living, maintaining balance in our personal and professional lives, keeping up with friends and family, a demanding schedule, the work environment, insufficient family and personal time, limited rest and relaxation, and the changing environment all contribute to a life that is frustrating, unfulfilled, out of balance, and a disturbance of our natural happiness,” said Cohen. “Now we have a unique opportunity to gain personal and professional improvement with Four Oceans,” he added. Cohen’s vast experience in direct selling formally helped grow the $1Billion direct selling company MONAVIE and has spent a career creating consumer products and media and has been recognized with Reggie, BPME, BPA, Telly and Addy Awards.

“Our mission has always been focused on widening access to learning for everyone,” says Dave Neill, Four Oceans Chief Marketing Officer.  “We are fortunate to be able to bring the worlds leading thought and success trainers together into a single learning and social portal.  Our members have a real need for greater convenience, flexibility and access to learning opportunities, whether to get ahead at work or simply to keep their minds engaged.  With our proprietary self-development on-demand model, Four Oceans is the conduit, connecting people to new ideas with like-minded people from around the world with leading experts.”

Four Oceans plans to establish itself as a leader in lifestyle and professional development. The company will provide members an alternative to the variety of stores and online outlets that sell self-help books, tapes and CD’s through the company’s virtual Happiness curriculum membership.

HAPPINESS CURRICULUM
Four Oceans’ unique subscription-based membership offers curated curriculum from world leading experts that support the founding principles of sustained “Happiness” for all with core values for individuals, families, community at home and in business.

“Happiness is not the belief that we don’t need to change; it’s the realization that we can,” says Shawn Achor, Four Oceans featured trainer and author of bestseller ‘The Happiness Advantage’.

Customers who subscribe to the Four Oceans “Happiness” products & services gain access to learning and development content from leaders in the fields of positive psychology, happiness and personal development. Four Oceans’ products offer members a lesson and quiz-based learning program that teaches both the principles and practical application of what is learned. Achor says, “Knowledge is only part of the battle. Without action, knowledge is often meaningless”.

Beginning with the ’21 Days of Happiness’ course, offered free to subscribers, Four Oceans products offer personal development and self-improvement for anyone who wants to learn how to elevate their lives personally and professionally.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Four Oceans operates a social selling model that allows individuals to participate in an income generating opportunity.  Through their groundbreaking compensation model, the Four Oceans “Happiness” business opportunity allows individuals to join as Partners, benefiting from both their personal sales of memberships to customers, and from the efforts of others that they may sponsor into the program.

Four Oceans’ commitment to learning and personal development extends to their Partners by training on the key fundamentals specific to building a successful business. The Partner development program will teach powerful personal skills basics like how to approach new people, and how to invite them to work with you; professional skills including how to conduct effective one-on-one meetings; and taking their Four Oceans business to the next level.

INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION
In addition to today’s announcement of their US launch, Four Oceans also announced plans for pursuing an ambitious expansion plan across Asia and Europe. “We are committed to developing inspirational, life enhancing product which will continue to add value to our membership and create an amazing opportunity for our Partners,” said Beverley Warburton, Executive Vice President of Global Expansion. 

“We are excited with large numbers already embracing the Four Oceans concept in the US and Southeast Asia, and we will roll out the Four Oceans opportunity as quickly as we are able to deliver an uncompromised product and service to Partners and Customers around the globe.  We have the technology and the demand. Four Oceans is a unique possibility for Partners to build an elevating, sustainable business in an uncertain world,” added Warburton.

Four Oceans will continue pre-launch activities in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the Philippines, launching those markets in succession during 2015.

About Four Oceans
Four Oceans is a lifestyle brand that is disrupting the idea that hard work and sacrifice precedes happiness and success. The social selling company, based in Plano Texas, is at the forefront of the happiness movement. Starting with the ’21 Day of Happiness Course,’ Four Oceans learning and self-improvement programs are helping people around the world elevate their lives personally and professionally.

Four Oceans offers individuals two ways to get involved with the company. The first way is to sign up to be a Four Oceans customer and take advantage of “Happiness” self-improvement and life skills curriculum and experiential programs.  Alternatively, people can become a Four Oceans Partner, joining people worldwide currently enjoying the satisfaction and reward of owning their own business rewarding them for selling products and helping others. Partners earn income and other cash and business incentives based on personal and group performance.

Four Oceans is headquartered in Plano, Texas, serving the US and Asia.  For more information about Four Oceans, visit FOUROCEANS.com and follow FOUROCEANS on Facebook (Facebook.com/FOUROCEANS) and Twitter (@weareFOUROCEANS).

MEDIA CONTACT
John Halcomb
behappy@fouroceans.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150407/8521502149

Health Care

The Sales from China Jo-Jo Drugstores’ Official Online Pharmacy Site Jumped More Than 200%

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HANGZHOU, China, April 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — China Jo-Jo Drugstores, Inc. (NASDAQ CM: CJJD) (the “Company” or “China Jo-Jo“), a leading China-based retail and wholesale distributor that offers pharmaceutical and health care products through its online and retail pharmacies, today announced that, based on its preliminary internal estimate, the online sales from its official online pharmacy site, www.dada360.com, increased more than 200% during the latest quarter ending March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period last year. The total quarterly revenue generated from the Company’s own official online pharmacy site has exceeded RMB10,000,000 (approximately USD1.6 million).

The main growth engine was the online purchase from customers of certain commercial health insurance providers, such as Shanghai Jianbao Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Jianbao”), who issued and distributed Yikatong (the “E-Pharmacy-Card”), a popular pharmacy and health insurance benefit card with over 180,000 current users. As previously announced, the Company established a strategic partnership with Shanghai Jianbao early this year, and the two parties have since carried out close cooperation, including the integration and upgrades of their sales systems, and the development of a mobile App (such as WeChat). The goal of these devices is to direct the majority of Shanghai Jianbao’s online E-Pharmacy-Card transactions to the Company’s official website for pharmacy sales. The management expects that its online sales to reach a monthly revenue of RMB 10 million (approximately USD1.6 million) by end of 2015.

Furthermore, China Jo-Jo has recently enforced major changes to its e-commerce site, such as modifying and optimizing product offerings based on its historical sales data, offering competitive prices and providing more technical features and sales supports to the fast growing mobile users. The Company will also launch a new direct sales campaign to all E-Pharmacy-Card holders, by utilizing emails, WeChat, and reward points program.

Mr. Lei Liu, Chairman of the Company, stated, “While we are thrilled to see the recent surge in the sales of our own online pharmacy, mainly driven by E-Pharmacy-Card business, we believe this is just the beginning of a long term trend. Due to the aging Chinese population and the rapidly growing healthcare cost, Chinese government strongly encourages private enterprises and individuals to participate in various commercial insurances and pharmacy benefit plans, in addition to the government sponsored Social Health Insurance (SHI) program. Our E-Pharmacy-Card business is one of the examples of our strategic decision to collaborate with commercial health insurance providers to leverage our online and offline pharmacy network. We hope to report more exciting news and financial performance to our shareholders in the coming months. “

About China Jo-Jo Drugstores, Inc.

China Jo-Jo Drugstores, Inc., through its own retail drugstores, wholesale distributor and online pharmacy, is a leading retailer and wholesale distributor of pharmaceutical and healthcare products in China. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 60 retail pharmacies in Hangzhou. The Company’s wholesale subsidiary not only supplies its retail stores, but also distributes drug and other healthcare products to other drugstores and drug vendors. The Company routinely posts important information on its corporate websites at www.jiuzhou-drugstore.com (Chinese) and www.chinajojodrugstores.com (English).

Forward Looking Statement

Statements in this press release regarding the Company that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from such statements. Any such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, financial guidance, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “project,” “plan,” “seek,” “intend,” “anticipate,” the negatives thereof, or comparable terminology. Such statements typically involve risks and uncertainties and may include financial projections or information regarding the progress of new product development. It is routine for the Company’s internal projections and expectations to change as the quarter and year progresses, and therefore it should be clearly understood that the internal projections and beliefs upon which the Company bases its expectations may change. Although these expectations may change, the Company is under no obligation to inform you if they do. Actual results could differ materially from the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including the risks associated with the effect of changing economic conditions in the People’s Republic of China, variations in cash flow, reliance on collaborative retail partners and on new product development, variations in new product development, risks associated with rapid technological change, and the potential of introduced or undetected flaws and defects in products. Readers are referred to the reports and documents filed from time to time by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of these and other important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in forward-looking statements.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-sales-from-china-jo-jo-drugstores-official-online-pharmacy-site-jumped-more-than-200-300061196.html

Health Care

Sentinel Studies Find New Microcurrent Generating Wound Dressing Effective in Disrupting Bacterial Biofilms

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TEMPE, Ariz., April 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Procellera® from Vomaris Innovations, Inc. (now available through Arthrex as JumpStart™) – the only wound dressing powered by Advanced Microcurrent Technology™, has been found to significantly disrupt bacterial biofilms, according to two new published research studies in PLoS ONE and the Journal of Wound Care1-2.

Studies conducted at The Ohio State University (OSU) Wexner Medical Center, and The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) and its Diagnostics and Translational Research Center (DTRC) both confirmed significant anti-biofilm efficacy of Procellera Technology. Bacterial biofilms are complex networks of microorganisms bound together and covered with a slimy protective barrier. They can be found in living tissues, indwelling medical devices, and implants. Biofilm-associated bacteria are extremely resistant to antibiotics and have been implicated in wound infections, resulting in delayed healing, poor clinical outcomes and significant healthcare costs.

In the OSU study, researchers evaluated the effects of Procellera / JumpStart technology to better understand its antimicrobial properties, particularly related to the disruption of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterial species is often present in chronic wound infections and readily forms biofilm, making it extremely difficult to treat effectively with available antibiotics.

“This work presents clear evidence that this wireless electroceutical dressing disrupts bacterial biofilm,” said Chandan K Sen, Ph.D., Professor of Surgery and Director of the Comprehensive Wound Center at OSU Wexner Medical Center. “Our findings introduce the option of a new affordable technology platform to fight chronic wound infection in which bacterial biofilms are abundant.”

Several mechanisms behind the ability of this Advanced Microcurrent Technology to disrupt the formation of bacterial biofilms were identified:

  • First, the microcurrent technology aided the generation of superoxide radicals, chemical compounds that are produced by white blood cells in the body with the goal to fight infection.
  • Second, researchers discovered that the microcurrents significantly impaired the activity of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), an electrically sensitive enzyme that is required for bacterial respiration and metabolism.
  • Finally, the research found that the microcurrents disrupted some key antimicrobial resistance genes, silenced some key redox-sensitive, quorum sensing genes and interfered with production of bacteria signaling molecules, thus preventing the bacteria from forming the complex networks that make up biofilms.

Because bacterial biofilms are known to compromise production of antimicrobial superoxide radicals by immune cells, weakening the ability of the body to fight infection, the study’s observation that Procellera initiated spontaneous generation of superoxide radicals is particularly significant.

Research performed at DTRC and HJF studied the anti-biofilm properties of Procellera Technology against ten clinical wound pathogens in a poloxamer biofilm model customized to evaluate the bioelectric dressing. Investigators demonstrated Procellera / JumpStart’s effectiveness against biofilms across multiple species of clinical wound pathogens, with up to a thousand-fold inhibition of microbial growth in several species when compared to controls. This observation is consistent with the observations reported independently from OSU.

“We are very encouraged by the implications of these results for wound care, which showed that this electroceutical dressing was effective in inhibiting growth of both mono- and multi-species biofilms, including multi-drug resistant strains,” said Dr. Mina Izadjoo, principal investigator for the DTRC/HJF study.

“Bacterial biofilms can dramatically impede wound healing and penetrate deeper into a wound bed to further infect implanted devices,” said Michael Nagel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vomaris Innovations, Inc. “Because of their resistance to treatment, biofilms present a significant challenge in today’s healthcare environment. We, at Vomaris, are extremely pleased by these latest findings by two independent laboratories about this Technology’s ability to inhibit and disrupt biofilms and the significant implications this has for infection control and wound healing.”

PLoS One study co-authors included Jaideep Banerjee, Piya Das Ghatak, Sashwati Roy, Ph.D., Savita Khanna, Ph.D., Craig Hemann, Jay L Zweier, M.D., and Daniel Wozniak, Ph.D. of The Ohio State University. The study was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health: Grant Numbers GM077185, GM069589 and DOD W81XWH-11-2-0142 to CKS; NIH NR013898 to CKS and DJW; and in part by NIH DK076566 to SR and NIH R01AI097511 to DJW.

Co-authors of the Journal of Wound Care article included Hosan Kim, Ph.D. The study was supported by Vomaris.

About Vomaris Innovations
Vomaris Innovations, Inc. is an electroceutical company specializing in microcurrent-generating solutions for the wound care market and beyond. Utilizing electricity to mimic the body’s own physiologic electric currents, which are essential for skin repair and wound healing, Vomaris’ core technology platform employs imbedded microcell batteries that generate microcurrents in the presence of a conductive medium to harness the power of electricity to support healing.

Vomaris’ flagship product, Procellera® Antimicrobial Wound Dressing is the only wound dressing in the world powered by Advanced Microcurrent Technology. It is a new generation solution for wound and incisional care with demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy3 and the ability to promote wound healing4, and is available exclusively through Arthrex as JumpStart Technology with Advanced Microcurrent Healing.

Procellera / JumpStart is currently used in multiple acute and chronic wound care settings, including clinical, animal and consumer health. The company’s ongoing mission is to develop and deliver evidence-based, patient-focused and cost-effective solutions, backed by a commitment to quality and innovation for the improvement of lives.

About Arthrex
Arthrex, Inc. is a global medical device company and leader in new product development and medical education in orthopaedics. With a corporate mission of helping surgeons treat their patients better, Arthrex has pioneered the field of arthroscopy and developed more than 8,500 innovative products and surgical procedures to advance minimally invasive orthopaedics worldwide. Arthrex remains dedicated to delivering uncompromising quality to the healthcare professionals who use its products, and ultimately, the millions of patients whose lives these products impact.

  1. Kim H, Izadjoo MJ. Antibiofilm efficacy evaluation of a bioelectric dressing in mono- and multi-species biofilms. J Wound Care 2015; 24 Suppl 2:S10-4.
  2. Banerjee J, Ghatak PD, Roy S, Khanna S, Hemann C, Deng B, et al. (2015) Silver-Zinc Redox-Coupled Electroceutical Wound Dressing Disrupts Bacterial Biofilm. PLoS ONE 10(3): e0119531. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0119531
  3. Kim H, Makin I, Skiba J, Ho A, Housler G, Stojadinovic A, Izadjoo M. Antibacterial Efficacy Testing of a Bioelectric Wound Dressing Against Clinical Wound Pathogens.  The Open Microbiology Journal 2014; 8:15-21.
  4. Banerjee J, Ghatak P, Roy S, Khanna S, Sequin EK, Bellman K, Dickinson BC, Suri P, Subramaniam V, Chang CJ, Sen CK.  Improvement of human keratinocyte migration by a redox active bioelectric dressing. PLOS ONE. 2014; 9(3).
Health Care

LKK Health Products Group Honored with “Outstanding CSR Award” for Four Consecutive Years

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HONG KONG, April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — On 27 March 2015, LKK Health Products Group (LKKHPG) claimed the “Outstanding CSR Award” for the fourth consecutive year at the Award Presentation Ceremony organized by The Mirror, an authoritative monthly magazine based in Hong Kong.

LKK Health Products Group Claims "Outstanding CSR Award" for the Fourth Consecutive Year

LKK Health Products Group Claims “Outstanding CSR Award” for the Fourth Consecutive Year

Representatives of the Government of Hong Kong SAR as well as renowned entrepreneurs, scholars and media practitioners from the cross-strait four regions were invited to participate. C.Y. Leung, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, participated for the fourth consecutive year, addressing the ceremony and conferring awards on some recipients. Totally 32 companies claimed the “Outstanding CSR Awards”.

Mr. Harry Yeung, Senior Vice President of LKKHPG, said, “We are very grateful to The Mirror for recognising our CSR practices for four years in a row. This spurs us to better perform CSR in the future. Upholding the core value of ‘Si Li Ji Ren’, we always believe that CSR is the bound duty of a company, and strive to make constant innovations in fulfilling responsibilities towards health, quality, employees, partners, environment and community, with the establishment of healthy life as the long-term goal.”

LKKHPG is a member of Lee Kum Kee Group, a century-old Hong Kong enterprise. Headquartered in Hong Kong, LKKHPG’s businesses cover Chinese herbal plantation, R&D, production, sales and services of TCM health products, mobile internet platform, and real estate investment. As of 31 December 2014, LKKHPG had had near 4,000 employees. Its members include Infinitus (China) Company Ltd., Infinitus (Hong Kong) Company Ltd., Infinitus International Company Ltd., Infinitus International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd., Naturale (China) Pharma Co., Ltd, and HeHa Digital Health Ltd.

Apart from holding Infinitus World Walking Day for five consecutive years with participation of over 760 thousand people, LKKHPG also conducted lots of exploration and implementation in CSR in 2014, including:

  • Crystalizing its unique health philosophy “Four Regulations” into a set of concrete guidance;
  • Promoting a new walking activity among employees, among whom 700 employees have become “Walking Talents” by succeeding in walking over 10,000 steps daily for seven consecutive days;
  • Launching the composite membrane self-standing refill packs under the principles of minimizing, repeating, recycling and degradation when designing packages of new products;
  • Carrying out 18 public service activities in the areas of poverty alleviation and education support in the Chinese mainland through the Si Li Ji Ren Foundation.

CONTACT: Samson Su, +86-20-38168859, samson.su@infinitus-int.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150402/0861502586

Health Care

AMRI to Close Holywell, U.K. API Manufacturing Facility

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ALBANY, N.Y., April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — AMRI (NASDAQ: AMRI) announced today that it has decided to close its Holywell, U.K. facility following a consultation process with employee representatives. The Holywell site provides chemical development services and small- and large scale-manufacturing services of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and intermediates.

“This was a difficult decision as it impacts team members who have made valuable contributions to AMRI,” said William S. Marth, AMRI President and Chief Executive Officer. “We will work diligently to ensure the closing of the Holywell facility goes as smoothly as possible for our customers and employees.”

AMRI will transition activities at the Holywell site to other facilities within the AMRI network and plans to cease operations at the site by the end of 2015. Closure of the site is expected to affect approximately 62 positions.

About AMRI
Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI) is a global contract research and manufacturing organization that has been working with the Life Sciences industry to improve patient outcomes and the quality of life for more than two decades. With locations in North America, Europe and Asia, our key business segments include Discovery and Development Services (DDS), Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), and Drug Product Manufacturing. Our DDS segment provides comprehensive services from hit identification to IND, including expertise with diverse chemistry, library design and synthesis, in vitro biology and pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, as well as natural products. API Manufacturing supports the chemical development and cGMP manufacture of complex API, including potent, controlled substances, biologics, peptides, steroids, and cytotoxic compounds. Drug Product Manufacturing supports pre-clinical through commercial scale production of complex liquid-filled and lyophilized parenteral formulations. For more information about AMRI, please visit our website at www.amriglobal.com or follow us on Twitter (@amriglobal).

About AMRI API Manufacturing
With demonstrated success in large scale API Manufacturing, we offer the preeminence and scale to support the chemical development and cGMP manufacture of complex Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). Our global manufacturing footprint, which also includes manufacturing in Europe and India, provides customers with access to global markets and low-cost manufacturing of APIs or intermediates. In addition, we have the skills and infrastructure to adequately provide complex API research and development, analytical support and support with global regulatory activities.

Health Care

Aptuit To Expand API Capacity Due To Increased Demand For Integrated Development

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– Opens 1600L/1000L reactor stream at Oxford, UK and increases API capacity at Verona, Italy

GREENWICH, Conn., April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Jonathan Goldman, CEO, Aptuit LLC, announced that Aptuit has increased its global capacity for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Manufacture due to increased demand for API, and for its integrated and comprehensive candidate-to-IND development solution.

Dr. Goldman stated, “Customer demand for our high quality, integrated, fully inclusive candidate-to-IND solutions has increased over 300% on an annual basis. As part of our strategy of investing in our infrastructure, we therefore have opened a 1600L/1000L reactor stream at our internationally renowned API facility in Oxford, UK and increased throughput at our 400L reactors at our world-class, fully integrated, former large Pharma R&D center of excellence in Verona, Italy.

Dr. Goldman explained that Aptuit’s strategy will allow increased throughput of integrated development programs, as well as deliver standalone API at 40-120 kg batch scale for early to mid-stage clinical trials. “There is a gap in the market for high quality API at this scale, and Aptuit is delighted to serve this need.”

“As recognized by our recent 2015 Life Science Leader CMO Leadership Award for Quality, our company differentiates in API by quality, best-in-class science, and delivery of complex chemistry solutions. Our ability to combine this with drug product and analytical services results in unique integrated offerings in both CMC and complete IND enabling solutions. The innovative approach has created strong demand amongst customers, and stimulated our plan to re-invest to increase our capacity in API.

Dr. Goldman concluded, “Our mission is to help discover and develop new medicines with outstanding quality and world class scientific problem solving. Aptuit is committed to being the best-in-class provider of fully integrated drug discovery and development services, supported by a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.”

Aptuit LLC provides the most complete set of integrated early discovery to mid-phase drug development services in the pharmaceutical industry including Drug Design & Discovery, API Development and Manufacture, Solid State Chemistry, CMC, Preclinical and IND enabling GLP/GMP programs. Fully integrated drug discovery & development services are available from a single site at The Aptuit Center for Drug Discovery & Development center in Verona, Italy. The company maintains resources around the world, with facilities in the US, UK and Italy. Aptuit LLC is partnered with Welsh, Carson, and Anderson & Stowe, one of the world’s leading private equity investors.

For more information about Aptuit, visit www.aptuit.com

CONTACT: Nerina Coppini, nerina.coppini@aptuit.com

Health Care TNM

Pyrexar Medical Acquires Hyperthermia Assets of BSD Medical

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— Promising Cancer Treatment Technology Now Under New Leadership

SALT LAKE CITY, April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Pyrexar Medical begins operations today after completing the acquisition of hyperthermia assets held by Perseon (NASDAQ:PRSN), formerly BSD Medical (NASDAQ:BSDM). This acquisition includes substantially all hyperthermia assets, products, services and related intellectual property.

BSD-500 Hyperthermia System

BSD-500 Hyperthermia System

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150402/196321

Medical device industry veteran Mark Falkowski has been named Chief Executive Officer bringing to Pyrexar more than 30 years of successful executive leadership experience with prominent medical companies like GE Healthcare, Imatron, Carestream and OEC/Diasonics.

Mr. Falkowski recruited seasoned capital equipment executives, A. Robert Depalma, Brian Chard, Rex Harmon and Drew Wilkens. Also joining, former Perseon employees Paul Turner, Ray Lauritzen, Richard Faux, Dennis Bradley and a group of highly trained system design, production and customer support team members directly associated with the hyperthermia product line. The new group’s goal is to build a sales and customer focused company.

Mr. Falkowski said: “New minimally invasive treatment technologies are vital to winning the fight against cancer and I look forward to taking an active part in bringing this important cancer fighting medical technology to market.”

Pyrexar will be presenting and exhibiting at the upcoming Society for Thermal Medicine Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL (April 14-17, 2015).

ABOUT PYREXAR MEDICAL:

With the acquisition of BSD Medical assets, Pyrexar Medical takes its place as pioneer and worldwide market leader in the development and manufacture of innovative and highly effective hyperthermia treatment systems with established distribution and support networks in the US, Europe and Asia. PYREXAR HyperThermia (PYREXAR HT) treatments increase the effective dose of ionizing radiation in solid tumors up to 3X without increasing toxicity of healthy tissues.

Multi-center clinical trials in the US, Europe and Asia over the past 30 years document dramatic improvement in survival rates when PYREXAR HT is combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of chest wall recurrences after breast cancer, locally advanced cervical cancer, high risk soft tissue sarcoma, melanoma and other malignancies.

Pyrexar Medical is based in Salt Lake City, UT, USA. For more information please visit our web page at: pyrexar.com

Pyrexar Medical Media Contact:
Drew Wilkens
VP of Digital Marketing
+1-844-797-3927
drew.wilkens@pyrexar.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150403/8521502127

Health Care

WuXi PharmaTech Lists Shares of Small-Molecule Manufacturing Subsidiary STA on New Third Board in China

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SHANGHAI, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: WX), a leading open-access R&D capability and technology platform company serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary SynTheAll Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (“STA”) has received approval from the National Equities Exchange and Quotations (“NEEQ”) in China to list its shares on the New Third Board, the over-the-counter (OTC) stock exchange in China. STA shares will be listed beginning April 3, 2015. WuXi does not currently plan to issue new STA stock to the public immediately upon listing. In March 2015, following receipt of required government approvals, WuXi agreed to sell a 5.55% stake in STA stock to members of STA management and WuXi management at a price based on a third-party appraisal of the STA equity value. This sale will be settled in early April for approximately $28 million in total cash consideration, with WuXi recognizing a related gain on the sale in the second quarter of 2015. Two thirds of the shares purchased by the management employees are subject to a lock-up, with 1/3 available for sale on the first anniversary of the listing date and another 1/3 available for sale on the second anniversary of the listing date.

STA provides process chemistry services and manufactures small-molecule advanced intermediates and APIs for customer use in preclinical and clinical trials and for marketed small-molecule drugs. Its operations are located in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone and Jinshan, both in Shanghai, and in Changzhou. STA does not include WuXi’s biologics manufacturing business. STA’s business is significantly more capital intensive than WuXi’s laboratory services business and is in the process of building new facilities in Changzhou to increase its production capacity. STA filed this application to list on the New Third Board late last year to allow the flexibility to raise capital eventually from the Chinese capital markets to fund its future growth and to pursue potential mergers and acquisitions.

The New Third Board was established by the State Council in January 2013 as a national OTC stock exchange to supplement trading activities on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, including the related Growth Equity Market (GEM) exchanges. China’s GEM exchanges provide for trading of stock of growth companies that do not otherwise satisfy the requirements for listing on the main Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. The New Third Board provides a pricing mechanism for valuing a company’s stock. Policies are currently expected to be introduced in the second half of 2015 to enable NEEQ-registered companies to transfer to the GEM exchanges.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but instead are predictions about future events. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about the public issuance of STA shares. Future events are inherently uncertain, and our forward-looking statements may turn out to be incorrect. WuXi may decide not to issue STA shares to the public in the near term or at all. Among other factors impacting WuXi’s ability to offer new shares in STA, these actions are subject to market conditions and various PRC exchange and regulatory approvals. WuXi and STA may not realize the anticipated benefits of the listing, with a number of related risks including: STA may be unable to raise cash in amounts sufficient to meet its cash needs, WuXi’s ownership interest in STA will be diluted to the extent STA shares are sold to third parties, WuXi management could become distracted, and the trading price of WuXi’s ADSs could become more volatile as a result of the trading price of STA’s shares and business developments. Additional information about these and other relevant risks can be found in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014 (expected to be filed in April 2015). The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

About WuXi PharmaTech

WuXi PharmaTech (NYSE: WX) is a leading open-access R&D capability and technology platform company serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, with operations in China and the United States. As a research-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi PharmaTech provides pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies with a broad and integrated portfolio of laboratory and manufacturing services throughout the drug and medical device R&D process. WuXi is also building a platform to provide clinical diagnostic services directly to physicians and their patients globally. WuXi PharmaTech’s services are designed to help its global partners in shortening the cycle and lowering the cost of drug and medical device R&D. The operating subsidiaries of WuXi PharmaTech are known as WuXi AppTec.

For more information, please contact:

Ronald Aldridge
Director of Investor Relations
+1 (201) 585-2048
ron_aldridge@wuxiapptec.com

Aaron Shi
Director of Corporate Communications
+86-21-5046-4362
aaron_shi@wuxiapptec.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wuxi-pharmatech-lists-shares-of-small-molecule-manufacturing-subsidiary-sta-on-new-third-board-in-china-300060162.html

Health Care

Cyclists Put Students’ Minds Into Gear by Pedalling Half Way Around the World

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INTREPID adventurers excite secondary school students with tales from their recently completed cycle from London to Hong Kong

HONG KONG, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Laurence Gribble and Nick Codrington pedalled into Hong Kong on Saturday, completing an impressive 17,000 kilometre expedition across Europe, the Middle East and China.

Lam Woo students welcome Gribble and Codrington to their school

Lam Woo students welcome Gribble and Codrington to their school

Having set off from Buckingham Palace in July, Gribble and Codrington, aged 23 and 24 respectively, endured nine months of snow-covered deserts, instant noodles and “the worst roads in the world” to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

On Wednesday, the British explorers took time out from a well-deserved rest to inspire students from SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School, Kwai Hing, where 900 students gathered in anticipation of their arrival.

The pair did not disappoint as they described tales of “face-offs with wolves in Tajikistan” and “breaking the world record for speed across the Taklimakan desert” as well as “the extraordinary hospitality of local people” and experiencing “the pinnacle of teamwork and friendship”.  

Alexander Keech, the school’s Chatteris Native-speaking English Tutor (CNET), has been helping students track Gribble and Codrington’s progress enroute to Hong Kong. He hoped hearing stories about this remarkable feat would inspire students to chase their own dreams and adventures.

Form 4 student Jack said: “They talked about the people they met on their journey, so in my future, if I want to plan an adventure on my own, I will plan it so I can meet different cultures, learn from others, and encounter people with other experiences.”

Lam Woo Principal, Chan Ka Yun, added: “Our students can learn from Laurence and Nick about their spirit and determination…about helping others and learning something new, and about going through a long, long journey to raise money.”

Chatteris Educational Foundation enjoyed collaborating with Lam Woo teachers and the Royal Geographical Society (Hong Kong) to organise the event with a shared commitment to broadening the horizons of Hong Kong students. Chatteris, a registered non-profit organisation with 25 years history, provides students with rich and varied English learning experiences by placing overseas English speaking university graduates in local schools.

Gribble and Codrington finished the talk by explaining that they chose Hong Kong as their final destination because “it is one of the most famous cities in the world, and we wanted to make that connection between London and Hong Kong.”

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150401/8521502087a

Health Care

New United Family Healthcare Hospital Unveiled in Qingdao, U.S. Ambassador in Attendance

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QINGDAO, China, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — United Family Healthcare (“UFH”) welcomed U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus and Vice Mayor of Qingdao Ms. Luan Xin as they attended the inauguration of the organization’s newest international-standard facility in China, Qingdao United Family Hospital (“QDU”). Ambassador Baucus and Vice Mayor Luan together participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, joining United Family Healthcare Board Chair Ms. Roberta Lipson in delivering speeches on healthcare and partnership between their two nations.

Ceremonial ribbon cutting at Qingdao United Family Hospital’s inauguration. (from left to right, Qingdao United Family Hospital GM Rex Hancock, United Family Healthcare Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs David Rutstein, UFH Board Chair Roberta Lipson, U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus, and Qingdao Vice Mayor Luan Xin)

Ceremonial ribbon cutting at Qingdao United Family Hospital’s inauguration. (from left to right, Qingdao United Family Hospital GM Rex Hancock, United Family Healthcare Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs David Rutstein, UFH Board Chair Roberta Lipson, U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus, and Qingdao Vice Mayor Luan Xin)

Ms. Lipson echoed U.S. Ambassador Baucus and Vice Mayor Luan’s comments, stating, “We are proud to be opening Qingdao United Family Hospital, which specializes in comprehensive, world-class, personalized healthcare for the people of Qingdao. It is a shining example of the benefits to be gained for all by integrating best practices in Western and Chinese healthcare. We are looking forward to rolling out more cooperative projects like this in the future.”

With the rapid pace of Qingdao’s economic and social development, building an international business environment has become increasingly important for the port city’s future. The founding and operation of QDU will not only help to enhance the overall competitiveness and regional influence of the city, but also introduce international-standard healthcare to Qingdao. As healthcare resources are set to diversify, the Qingdao Laoshan District Health Board has expressed interest in opening a project exploring the new patient-centered, private international healthcare model offered by QDU and UFH.

With a total construction area of 30,000 square meters, QDU is a facility that offers multidisciplinary care and represents an significant multimillion US dollar investment for UFH. As a full-service hospital, residents of Qingdao and the greater Shandong area will benefit from UFH’s premium outpatient and inpatient medical services.

A tour of Qingdao United Family Hospital’s international-standard facilities. (Given by United Family Healthcare Board Chair Roberta Lipson (right) to U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus (left) and Qingdao Vice Mayor Luan Xin (center))

A tour of Qingdao United Family Hospital’s international-standard facilities. (Given by United Family Healthcare Board Chair Roberta Lipson (right) to U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus (left) and Qingdao Vice Mayor Luan Xin (center))

About Qingdao United Family Hospital (QDU)

The newly-unveiled Qingdao United Family Hospital, a full-service facility in the city's scenic Laoshan District. The hospital offers comprehensive, international-standard healthcare.

The newly-unveiled Qingdao United Family Hospital, a full-service facility in the city’s scenic Laoshan District. The hospital offers comprehensive, international-standard healthcare.

Located in the scenic Shilaoren Community of Laoshan District, just 30 minutes from the heart of downtown, UFH’s newest hospital will offer patients not only premium healthcare but also a beautiful environment in which to heal.

After opening, the hospital will begin with a beautiful 20,000 square meter facility, delivering comprehensive international-standard healthcare including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Eye Clinic, and ENT services, as well as other specialties. QDU is staffed by an international team of physicians who will serve the city’s multinational patients with experience, compassion, and dedication.

QDU’s Hospital’s mission is to provide high-quality medical and healthcare services to the expatriate and Chinese populations throughout Qingdao and Shandong province. The hospital will combine UFH’s unique service model of international healthcare management with advanced medical equipment and technology to promote the development of the Chinese medical industry. QDU will also conduct academic exchanges focusing on international standards for diagnosis, treatment, and management, to lay the foundation for international cooperation in healthcare.

In addition, UFH has signed direct billing agreements with a number of major insurance providers, helping patients to settle claims directly with their providers. For more information, or to make an appointment at QDU, please call their 24hr Service Center at 4008-919191.

About United Family Healthcare (UFH)

United Family Healthcare (UFH), the healthcare services division of Chindex International, Inc., is a pioneering, international-standard healthcare organization in Asia whose mission is to provide comprehensive, integrated healthcare services in a uniquely warm and caring patient and family service-oriented environment.

After 18 years in China, UFH has established itself in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuxi, Tianjin, Mongolia, and now Qingdao as the provider of choice for those who want the very best in personalized healthcare. UFH constantly strives for quality, safety, and service excellence. In China, all facilities in its system with long-term operation are accredited with the gold standard for quality by Joint Commission International (JCI). More information is available at http://www.ufh.com.cn.

Qingdao United Family Hospital Contact Information and Location

Qingdao United Family Hospital (QDU)
Shilaoren Community, 319 Hong Kong East Road,
Laoshan District, Qingdao
Urgent Care Hotline: (0532) 8163 3120
24hr Service Center: 4008-919191
http://qingdao.ufh.com.cn

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150402/0861502574-a
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150402/0861502574-b
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150402/0861502574-c