Category: Asean

Companies partner to provide patients and sites with easy access to study information in one integrated solution

DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) (the “Company”), a leading global contract research organization (CRO), today announced an industry partnership with founding members Veeva Systems Inc., a leading provider of industry cloud solutions for the global life sciences industry, and Advarra, a leading provider of clinical research technology for clinical research investigator sites and sponsors, to deliver an integrated patient- and site-centric solution that streamlines the clinical trial experience.

In an industry faced with complex challenges to clinical trial execution, Fortrea is establishing an alliance of industry partners—beginning with founding members, Veeva and Advarra—to tackle some of these challenges head-on. Many sites are burdened by administrative operations that have multiple, complex technologies with limited interoperability. This impacts their ability to focus on what matters most—the patients—and improving their recruitment and experience participating in clinical studies.

Fortrea, Veeva and Advarra are partnering to offer a seamless, unified technology solution that integrates best-in-class technologies and leverages Fortrea’s process expertise. This will help ease the administrative burden for patients and sites and increase the accessibility of clinical trials for the public.

“We heard from our Site Advisory Board that the multitude of technologies used on a study is one of their greatest challenges,” said Fortrea Chief Operating Officer and President of Clinical Services Mark Morais. “Working with industry-leading partners and founding members, Veeva and Advarra, we’re taking action to remove complexities so we can address the pain points of sites and patients and make a difference. We are leveraging our unique vantage point in the industry that enables us to layer our expertise over the tech and data ecosystems from best-in-class partners—adding to our alliance as we go—to dramatically simplify the experience for patients, sites and sponsors.”

For sites, the partnership is set to deliver:

• a cloud-based, simplified sign-on experience for Fortrea-run studies
• access to study technologies through a single dashboard
• a unified environment with a single repository for study documents and records

For patients, the solution is being designed to offer:

• easy-to-access, step-by-step, visit-by-visit support and education throughout a patient’s trial journey
• a simplified user experience through a single platform
• self-referral functionality to search and find studies in their disease area of interest
• ongoing patient support and education via an online portal or mobile app
• a simplified mobile and web application for consenting and responding to outcome surveys

“Veeva is helping to advance clinical trials with connected applications that reduce the burden of participating for patients, streamline execution for research sites and increase transparency for sponsors,” said Jim Reilly, vice president, Veeva Development Cloud Strategy. “Extending our partnership with Fortrea to deliver Veeva Clinical Platform applications will meet the unique needs of patients, sites and sponsors while significantly improving study data quality and collaboration with sites.”

“Advarra’s mission is to break the silos that impede clinical research, so we are excited to provide our Longboat solution and IRB services as part of this innovative and collaborative partnership aimed at reducing site and patient burden,” said Elisa Cascade, chief product officer at Advarra.  “By leveraging our Longboat solution, Fortrea will deliver a reimagined clinical research experience that will improve both protocol compliance and site and patient engagement throughout the clinical trial process.”

Learn more about how Fortrea is driving healthcare innovation throughout the world at Fortrea.com. For more information on the technology platforms, visit Veeva Clinical Platform and Advarra Longboat.

About Fortrea

Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global provider of clinical development and patient access solutions to the life sciences industry. We partner with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients in need. Fortrea provides phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology, differentiated technology-enabled trial solutions and post-approval services. Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigor, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network. Our talented and diverse team of about 19,000 people working in more than 90 countries is scaled to deliver focused and agile solutions to customers globally. Learn more about how Fortrea is becoming a transformative force from pipeline to patient at Fortrea.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) @Fortrea.

Fortrea Contacts:
Fortrea Media: Galen Wilson – 703-298-0802, media@fortrea.com
Fortrea Media: Kate Dillon – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9015283

Potential First-in-Class Novel Molecule with Novel Target In-Licensed from Collaboration with Bayer

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recursion (NASDAQ: RXRX), a leading clinical stage TechBio company decoding biology to industrialize drug discovery, today announced it has signed an agreement with Bayer AG to in-license a new chemical entity that emerged from the companies’ fibrosis research collaboration. The compound represents a novel approach to treating fibrotic diseases with compelling early data suggesting the potential to reverse disease-related fibrotic processes, including immuno-mesenchymal dysfunction.

“Since initiating our research collaboration with Bayer in 2020, we have worked diligently to apply the power of the Recursion OS to identify and advance potential candidates in challenging areas of disease biology,” said Chris Gibson, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO of Recursion. “We are excited to bring this asset into our internal pipeline and accelerate the compelling science behind this program while our research collaboration with Bayer focuses on precision oncology.”

Recursion applied phenotypic screening of human cells to identify small molecules that reverse the phenotypic features of disease-state fibrocyte cells into those of healthy-state cells. Leveraging the power of Recursion’s Maps of Biology and Chemistry revealed a relationship between small molecule hits and a novel target that could impact fibrotic diseases. The most promising small molecule hits were confirmed as potent inhibitors of this novel target in validation experiments, and lead optimization studies are currently ongoing.

Fibrotic diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with high unmet need for patients. One of the biggest challenges in the treatment of fibrotic diseases is the underlying complex biology and the associated difficulty in discovering disease-modifying drug targets. Recursion’s technology is uniquely suited to accelerate discoveries in these and other complex areas of disease biology.

About Recursion
Recursion (NASDAQ: RXRX) is a clinical stage TechBio company leading the space by decoding biology to industrialize drug discovery. Enabling its mission is the Recursion OS, a platform built across diverse technologies that continuously expands one of the world’s largest proprietary biological and chemical datasets. Recursion leverages sophisticated machine-learning algorithms to distill from its dataset a collection of trillions of searchable relationships across biology and chemistry unconstrained by human bias. By commanding massive experimental scale — up to millions of wet lab experiments weekly — and massive computational scale — owning and operating one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, Recursion is uniting technology, biology, and chemistry to advance the future of medicine.

Recursion is headquartered in Salt Lake City, where it is a founding member of BioHive, the Utah life sciences industry collective. Recursion also has offices in Toronto, Montréal and the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn more at www.Recursion.com, or connect on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Media@Recursion.com

Investor Contact
Investor@Recursion.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains information that includes or is based upon “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, those regarding early and late stage discovery, preclinical, and clinical programs; licenses and collaborations; prospective products and their potential future indications and market opportunities; Recursion OS and other technologies; business and financial plans and performance; and all other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements may or may not include identifying words such as “plan,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar terms. These statements are subject to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements, including but not limited to: challenges inherent in pharmaceutical research and development, including the timing and results of preclinical and clinical programs, where the risk of failure is high and failure can occur at any stage prior to or after regulatory approval due to lack of sufficient efficacy, safety considerations, or other factors; our ability to leverage and enhance our drug discovery platform; our ability to obtain financing for development activities and other corporate purposes; the success of our collaboration activities; our ability to obtain regulatory approval of, and ultimately commercialize, drug candidates; our ability to obtain, maintain, and enforce intellectual property protections; cyberattacks or other disruptions to our technology systems; our ability to attract, motivate, and retain key employees and manage our growth; inflation and other macroeconomic issues; and other risks and uncertainties such as those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current estimates, projections, and assumptions, and Recursion undertakes no obligation to correct or update any such statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9012419

WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enovis Corporation (NYSE: ENOV, “Enovis” or the “Company”) an innovation-driven, medical technology growth company, today announced that it closed the acquisition of LimaCorporate S.p.A. (“Lima”), a privately held global orthopedic leader focused on restoring motion through an innovative portfolio of implant solutions.

Lima strengthens Enovis’ position in the global orthopedic reconstruction market with a complementary portfolio of proven surgical solutions and technologies, which will accelerate global growth and margin expansion. In addition, Lima’s portfolio includes 3D printed Trabecular Titanium implants and a comprehensive revision offering in shoulders, which will further strengthen the Company’s position in the fast-growing extremities market.

“We are excited to welcome Lima’s talented team to Enovis. The combination brings Enovis’ recon segment to $1 billion in revenues and creates a fast-growing innovator in the global orthopedic reconstruction market. This is another great example of how we use strategic acquisitions to accelerate our growth, add great technologies and talent to our company, and drive compounding value for our shareholders,” said Matt Trerotola, Chair, and Chief Executive Officer of Enovis.

About Enovis Corporation
Enovis Corporation (NYSE: ENOV) is an innovation-driven medical technology growth company dedicated to developing clinically differentiated solutions that generate measurably better patient outcomes and transform workflows. Powered by a culture of continuous improvement, global talent, and innovation, the Company’s extensive range of products, services, and integrated technologies fuels active lifestyles in orthopedics and beyond. The Company’s shares of common stock are listed in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ENOV. For more information about Enovis, please visit www.enovis.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the Company’s results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company’s and Lima’s respective businesses, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the effects of the acquisition on the Company’s and Lima’s operations, including on the combined company’s future financial condition and performance, operating results, strategy and plans, including anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, losses, future prospects, and business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the new combined company’s operations; the potential impact of the consummation of the acquisition on relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties; and the other factors detailed in the Company’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the caption “Risk Factors,” as well as the other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. In addition, these statements are based on assumptions that are subject to change. This press release speaks only as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

Investor Relations Contact
Kyle Rose
Vice President, Investor Relations
Enovis Corporation
+1-917-734-7450
investorrelations@enovis.com

Media Contact
Katie Sweet
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Enovis Corporation
Katie.sweet@enovis.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9011517

Foothill Ranch, Calif., Jan. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sweegen, the global leader in pioneering wellness ingredient and taste modulation technologies, announced a landmark victory in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which has sided with Sweegen and affirmed the invalidation of PureCircle’s patents covering the highly sought-after stevia sweetener Rebaudioside M (Reb M).

Sweegen is the primary producer of non-GMO Reb M originating from the stevia leaf, made with a proprietary clean bioconversion method. This appellate victory further solidifies Sweegen’s technological leadership position in the stevia sweetener industry at large.

Reb M, a highly coveted steviol glycoside molecule, plays a crucial role in the global production of stevia sweeteners. This Federal Circuit decision removes any lingering doubt that Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) customers may be encumbered by PureCircle’s patents for using Sweegen’s Reb M.

“As one of the staunchest stewards of proprietary technologies in wellness ingredients, Sweegen has actively defended its intellectual property rights while upholding a commitment to respecting the rights of others,” stated Sweegen’s CEO Steven Chen. “Throughout this litigation, we consistently asserted the invalidity of PureCircle’s patents, considering their case against Sweegen as baseless and spurious. This triumph in the U.S. Court of Appeals serves to highlight Sweegen’s dedication to principled innovation and fair competition within the industry.”

In May 2022, Sweegen secured a groundbreaking summary judgment, declaring PureCircle’s asserted patents related to the production of Reb M as invalid. The affirmation today of this judgment by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit solidifies Sweegen’s position and removes any impediments that PureCircle’s patents may have posed for producers in the United States. Specifically, the federal court’s Opinion confirmed the district court’s decision that certain claims in the patents were found invalid due to a lack of written description. Additionally, it determined that a specific claim in one of the patents is unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 101.

“Sweegen’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and fair competition has been reaffirmed through the successful appeal process,” said Chen. “This victory not only strengthens Sweegen’s position in the market but also contributes to the broader landscape of the stevia sweetener industry. Sweegen is positioned to lead the charge in shaping a landscape of limitless possibilities, delivering unparalleled sweetness to consumers and driving positive change on a global scale.”

Sweegen remains committed to driving positive change within the sweetener industry and will continue to invest in research and development to deliver cutting-edge solutions to its global customer base.

In Nov. 2023, Sweegen announced it was addressing the pressing issue of mislabeling within the stevia industry, specifically concerning Reb M stevia sold under intentionally false claims. Through independent testing, the company has determined that certain third-party Reb M products sold to food and beverage companies under label claims of “Reb-M 95%,” “Bioconversion Reb-M 95%,” or “Stevia (Organic) Extract Reb-M 95%” are not made through extraction or bioconversion. Sweegen continues its investigation into the adulterated Reb M.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit case is Pure Circle Inc., et al v. Sweegen, et al., case number appeal number 2022-1946.

This Appeal is from the first summary judgment case PureCircle USA Inc., et al. v. Sweegen, Inc., et al., case number 8:18-CV-01679-JVS-JDE, in the United States District Court, Central District of California, Southern Division, Judge James V. Selna. Sweegen was represented at both the US District Court and the Federal Circuit by John Christopher “JC” Rozendaal, Dennies Varughese, Michael E. Joffre, Anna G. Phillips, and Sasha Rao of the law firm Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox PLLC.

About Sweegen
Sweegen provides sweet taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.

We are on a mission to reduce the sugar and artificial sweeteners in our global diet.  Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love.  With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and brazzein, along with our deep knowledge of flavor taste modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

For more information, please contact info@sweegen.com and visit Sweegen’s website, www.sweegen.com.

Attachment

• The Federal Circuit decision removes any lingering doubt that Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) customers may be encumbered by PureCircle’s patents for using Sweegen’s Reb M.

Ana Capretz, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.capretz@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9011707