Takeda continues collaboration run to bolster global immuno-oncology footprint, says GlobalData
The need to develop novel innovative cancer drugs at affordable prices is forcing large pharmaceutical firms to collaborate with biotech companies and academic institutions. Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals too is focusing on strategic collaborations to bolster its global immuno-oncology (IO) footprint, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
In January 2021, Takeda entered a broad strategic collaboration with KSQ Therapeutics to research, develop and commercialize novel immune-oncology therapies for cancer. The deal includes an exclusive, worldwide license to develop two T-cell targets previously identified and validated using KSQ’s CRISPRomics technology, with the potential to introduce two additional T-cell targets, and natural killer (NK) cell targets to the collaboration.
According to GlobalData’s Pharma Intelligence Center, Takeda has completed 22 IO strategic drug development collaborations between 2016 and 2020.
Ms. Sasmitha Sahu, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The latest collaboration further builds on the multiple research collaborations consistently entered by Takeda since the past five years to advance the company’s novel IO portfolio. These deals are noteworthy given that IO tops the 10 most important themes driving the future performance of pharma R&D over the next two to four years.”
Oncology is one of the top four core therapeutic areas for Takeda. The company reported year-to-date oncology sales of US$3.03bn* (JPY318.5bn) until December 2020 in its FY2020 (April 2020-March 2021) Q3 results, which was over 10% of its overall sales. Leading brands such as Velcade (bortezomib), leuprorelin, Ninlaro (ixazomib), Iclusig (ponatinib), Adcetris (brentuximab), and Alunbrig (brigatinib) were instrumental behind the growth.
Ms. Sahu adds: “Takeda's marketed oncology portfolio contains only targeted therapies. The company is yet to harness the potential of standalone biologics-based IO therapies regardless of numerous IO deals.”
According to Takeda’s FY2020 Q3 results, TAK-007, an allogenic CAR-NK cell therapy for CD19+ hematological malignancies, is expected to be approved by 2024. Furthermore, five oncology cell therapy programs are expected to be in clinical development by the end of FY2021.
Takeda also announced that its newly opened manufacturing facility in the US will initially focus on oncology, specifically to develop next-generation cell therapies.
Ms. Sahu concludes: “Takeda has been very actively forging IO collaborations to build a well differentiated oncology pipeline and expand beyond targeted therapies. Moreover, Takeda’s dedicated manufacturing capabilities will further help in its global plans within the IO market.”
This press release was written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData’s team of industry experts
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.
HADLIMA® (adalimumab injection) Now Available for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Adult Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Plaque Psoriasis, Adult and Pediatric Uveitis
HADLIMA® is a biosimilar biologic drug (biosimilar) to the reference biologic drug HUMIRA®. A biosimilar is authorized based on its similarity to a reference biologic drug that was already authorized for sale.1
Approximately six million Canadians live with arthritis2 and 270,000 live with inflammatory bowel disease.3
An estimated 3.8% of Canadians live with hidradenitis suppurativa4, one million live with psoriasis5, and every year around 2% of the population is newly diagnosed with uveitis.6
KIRKLAND, QC, Feb. 18, 2021 /CNW/ - Merck Canada Inc., an affiliate of Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announces today that HADLIMA® is available and approved for the following indications:
Reducing the signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response and clinical remission, inhibiting the progression of structural damage and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
In combination with methotrexate (MTX), reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients, 2 years of age and older, who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Reducing the signs and symptoms of active arthritis and inhibiting the progression of structural damage and improving the physical function in adult psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients.
Reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy.
Reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy, including corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants.
Treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and/or azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or who are intolerant to such therapies.
Treatment of active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adult and adolescent patients (12 to 17 years of age weighing ≥ 30 kg), who have not responded to conventional therapy (including systemic antibiotics).
Treatment of adult patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (Ps) who are candidates for systemic therapy.
Treatment of non-infectious uveitis (intermediate, posterior and panuveitis) in adult patients with inadequate response to corticosteroids or as corticosteroid sparing treatment in corticosteroid-dependent patients.
Treatment of chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis in pediatric patients from 2 years of age who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant to conventional therapy, or in whom conventional therapy is inappropriate.7
HADLIMA® is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to a specific protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), which is made by the body's immune system. People with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, HS or psoriasis have too much of TNF-alpha in their bodies.8 The presence of extra TNF-alpha in the body can attack normal healthy body tissues and cause inflammation, particularly in the bone, cartilage, joints, digestive tract and skin tissues. By binding to TNF-alpha, HADLIMA® decreases the inflammation process of these diseases.9
Approximately six million (one in five) Canadians are living with arthritis, making it Canada's most prevalent chronic health condition.10 While there are many different subtypes of arthritis, inflammatory arthritis includes a group of conditions that impact the body's immune system. The most common forms of inflammatory arthritis are RA, AS and PsA.11
An estimated 270,000 Canadians live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of disorders caused by inflammation in the intestines.12 The main forms of IBD are CD and UC.13 By 2030, the number of Canadians with IBD is expected to rise to 400,000 or approximately 1% of the population.14
It is estimated that over one million Canadians are currently living with HS, a chronic skin condition that causes lumps to appear in the folds of the skin.15 Psoriasis, also a chronic skin condition, affects approximately one million Canadians, and Ps affects approximately 90% of this patient population.16
Uveitis, an inflammatory disease that causes damage to the eye, causes about 20% of legal blindness. Every year, approximately 2% of the Canadian population is newly diagnosed with uveitis.17
"HADLIMA® further expands Merck's portfolio of biosimilar treatments to address inflammatory and dermatological immune diseases," says AnnA Van Acker, President, Merck Canada. "We are very proud to bring more solutions and therapeutic choices to help improve the lives of Canadians with these chronic conditions."
About HADLIMA®
HADLIMA® is a biosimilar biologic drug (biosimilar) and authorized based on its similarity to HUMIRA®. A biosimilar is a biologic drug that is highly similar to a biologic drug already authorized for sale.18 Biosimilars are assessed and approved by Health Canada against the same rigorous standards used to ensure the quality, efficacy and safety as in any other biologic drug.19 Biosimilars provide patients more treatment options to help manage their disease and symptoms.
Clinical efficacy and safety studies have been conducted in patients with RA to demonstrate clinical comparability between HADLIMA® and HUMIRA®. The extrapolation of these data to support uses of HADLIMA® in IBD is based on the demonstrated comparability, in terms of product quality, non-clinical, human pharmacokinetic and clinical characteristics. Randomized clinical trials have not been conducted to compare HADLIMA® to HUMIRA® in patients with JIA, PsA, AS, adult CD, UC, HS, Ps, and adult uveitis.22
The types, frequency and severity of adverse events were comparable between HADLIMA® and HUMIRA® in the RA clinical trial. The most common expected adverse reactions with HADLIMA® are injection site reactions and cough and cold symptoms. It should not be administered to patients with severe infections such as sepsis and tuberculosis. HADLIMA®contains a Boxed Warning to alert health care professionals and patients about an increased risk of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare, serious lymphoma that is often fatal, which has been identified in patients treated with adalimumab injection. The Boxed Warning also notes allergic reactions, other cancers, lupus-like symptoms, nervous system diseases, serious infections and blood problems.
The Merck Harmony Patient Program provides free confidential patient-assistance services to patients who have been prescribed HADLIMA® (adalimumab injection). To learn more visit MerckHarmony.ca.
About Merck
For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals — including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola and emerging animal diseases — as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world.
In Canada, Merck markets a broad range of vaccines, pharmaceutical and animal health products and is one of the top R&D investors in Canada, with investments totaling $89 million in 2019 and more than $1.3 billion since 2000. Based in Kirkland, Québec, Merck employs approximately 650 people across the country. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit www.merck.ca and connect with us on YouTube and Twitter @MerckCanada.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).
CANADIAN BRAND EVIVE NUTRITION REVOLUTIONIZES THE FOOD INDUSTRY WITH BLENDER-FREE SMOOTHIE CUBES AND 2 IN 1 LUNCHES
After winning over Canada’s Dragon’s Den investors, Evive expands product sales across Canada and the US
Nutritious, time-saving and satisfyingly delicious, Evive’s blender-free smoothies – starring whole fruits and veggies, superfoods and plant-based protein – are proving it’s possible to eat healthy without sacrificing time, budget or flavour.
A rising star among nutrition brands worldwide, Evive was founded in Sherbrooke, Quebec, by Dominic Dubé and Claudia Poulin, who saw a gap in the market for delicious, wholesome meals that don’t require time-consuming prep or cooking. Dominic stepped away from his Engineering degree and Claudia paused her Master’s program, and together the health-savvy couple crafted their debut product prototype in their parents’ garage. In 2019, the pair appeared on Dragon’s Den t o resounding success, receiving an investment offer that exceeded their initial ask. Today, their commitment to healthy food and impactful entrepreneurship continues to flourish as Evive, the product of their passions, swiftly expands across North America.
Evive has earned a place in the hearts of busy moms, students, entrepreneurs, gym-goers and anyone else seeking a high-quality, easily consumable meal in a hurry. The brand’s superfood-packed, certified organic and vegan smoothies are purposefully designed to promote physical and psychological health, with each combination tested and approved by nutritionists. Requiring just 30 seconds to make – simply pop the cubes in a bottle, add water, juice or plant-based milk and shake – the smoothies are also budget-conscious, priced between $3,65 and $4.25 per portion. Fourteen functional flavours are currently available, each boasting ingredients targeted for brain support, glowing skin, detoxification and boosting energy, among other coveted benefits.
In addition to its cult-status smoothies, Evive offers a variety of healthy bowl and soup cubes that can be heated in mere minutes and added to their newly released lunch sides that includes pasta, rice or quinoa for decadent yet vitamin-packed sustenance. Whether Bam Chili boasting a cornucopia of black beans, tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, lime, corn and carrots enhanced with a sizzling blend of spices, to Mac Squash, whose flavourful mix of butternut squash, cashew, onion, nutritional yeast and miso offers an ultra-healthy substitute to the typical mac-and-cheese, Evive is granting consumers an attractive alternative to cooking that enhances access to antioxidant-rich ingredients.
“I’m very excited to introduce Evive to Canadian and US consumers, particularly as we approach the holiday season and need no-hassle and nutritious meals to fuel us through hectic days,” said Claudia Poulin, co-founder of Evive Nutrition. “The brand has come such a long way, and we are delighted by the support and love we’ve received from consumers and partners over the years. We designed Evive to inject flavour and fun into healthy eating, and we’re happy that people are enjoying our smoothie cubes as much as we do!”
Evive’s commitment to health and wellbeing extends to a passion for sustainability. In 2019, the company introduced its “Plant a Tree” initiative with Compensation CO2 Quebec, where the purchase of a box of 24 or 36 smoothies helps create and expand the Evive forest. Evive aims to plant more than 5,000 trees by the end of 2020, with an overarching goal of obtaining carbon-neutral certification in 2023. All products are packaged in recyclable containers made from salvaged water bottles, and shipment boxes are lined with compostable hemp for an eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene coolers.
The first Canadian brand to successfully ship frozen foods, Evive sells its palate-pleasing products on their website through a subscription program. Online shoppers are able to customize their orders based on product preference, delivery frequency, product count and benefit of free shipping directly to their door. Products are also available at 2,000 stores across Canada, and 100 in the US. For more information, visit evivenutrition.ca.
About Evive Nutrition
Evive is a pioneering nutrition brand whose antioxidant-packed, time-saving and satisfyingly delicious blenderless smoothies have raised the standard for budget-friendly, ready-to-go meals. Starring whole fruits and veggies, superfoods and plant-based protein, the brand’s smoothies and meal cubes are purposefully designed to promote physical and psychological health, with each combination tested and approved by nutritionists. Evive’s commitment to health extends to the health of the planet, with its “Plant a Tree” initiative supporting an overarching goal to obtain carbon-neutral certification by 2023. The brand has expanded quickly across Canada and the US, thanks in part to a successful appearance on Dragon’s Den that resulted in offers from all five investors and a final agreement exceeding the initial ask. evivenutrition.ca.
Drake’s Organic Spirits® Expands National Distribution
for ready-to-drink cocktails with innovative new Boxtails™
Minneapolis, MN (February 17, 2021)-Drake’s Organic Spirits, founder of the better-for-you and better-for-the-planet spirits category, announced today that its new ready-to-drink (RTD) all-organic Boxtails are being offered by more major liquor retailers across the country.
Drake’s Organic Boxtails are now available at 25 WB Liquors & Wine locations across Texas, all 22 Lee’s Discount Liquors locations in Nevada, 20 Rouses Markets in Louisiana and seven WinCo locations in Arizona. Boxtails can also be found in Cub Wine & Spirits locations in Minnesota and Crown Wine & Spirits and Mega Wine & Spirits in Florida.
Boxtails are pre-mixed organic craft cocktails featuring Drake’s ultra-premium organic certified vodka and rum. Offered in Watermelon Tini, Mango Punch, Mojito and Black Cherry Limeade, Drake’s Organic Boxtails provide a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious organic cocktails with less waste than canned seltzers. Boxtails are Certified USDA Organic Gluten Free®, Non-GMO, vegan and kosher. Each box contains 1.75 liters of pre-mixed organic cocktails with 12% alcohol similar to a standard mixed cocktail.
“Top liquor retailers across the country are adding Boxtails to their shelves because their customers want the convenience and great taste that Boxtails offer,” said Drake’s Founder/CEO Mark Anderson. “Boxtails are easy to pour, easy to store and made with only the best sustainably farmed organic ingredients. Like all Drake’s Organic Spirits products, Boxtails contain no unnecessary chemicals, pesticides or artificial colors.”
Drake’s Organic Spirits can be found in 33 states as well as Japan, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. A complete list of locations offering Drake’s Organic Spirits products can be found at https://www.drakesorganicspirits.com/find-us.
In addition to award-winning organic vodka, white rum and spiced rum, Drake’s product line includes Spiked Ice freeze-and-eat adult treats and organic Bloody Mary and Mojito mixes. Drake’s Organic Spirits is the first and only spirits line in the world certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher.
About Drake’s Organic Spirits Launched in 2017, Minneapolis-based Drake’s Organic Spirits is the first and only spirits line in the world certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher. Drake’s uses the highest quality USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients to create a line of ultra- premium, 12x distilled spirits and mixes at a better price than the leading premium brands.
Drake’s Organic Premium Vodka was awarded Double Gold and Drake’s Organic White Rum received Gold at the most recent Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL. The highly-respected awards are widely considered among the most prestigious in the industry because judges are industry experts who blind taste-test each spirit.
Health Food Innovator Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc. – First To Introduce Miso-Cup® Instant Soup & Gluten-Free Baked Brown Rice Snaps® To American Consumers –Marks 40th Anniversary Milestone
CARPINTERIA, CA., MARCH 8, 2018 - The first Whole Foods Market wouldn’t open in Austin, Texas, for another two years. The first Sprouts wouldn’t make its debut in Arizona for another 24 years. Vegetarians were relegated to the shadows in most supermarket settings, and for much of the population, the term Vegan sounded like something out of “Star Trek.”
The year was 1978 and the health food revolution was in its infancy. But a young man named Joel Dee with a vision of what the industry could one day become saw the future. And it was delicious.
As a young man, Joel worked alongside his two brothers and their father, Edward, in the family’s iconic New Jersey-based business, Smarties Candy Company. But, as fate would have it, Joel’s interests extended well beyond the confection industry.
“I was responsible for export sales at the candy company and found it difficult to maintain a healthy, satisfying diet while on-the-road,” Joel recalls today. “Health food stores sold wholesome foods that required a kitchen and a long cooking time, both in short supply to a `road warrior’ such as myself. Conventional supermarkets sold convenience foods that were laced with preservatives and artificial ingredients, which I was determined to avoid. To make things even tougher, I had recently become vegetarian, so my restaurant menu options were often limited to salad and potatoes... not exactly a balanced diet.”
Adds Joel, “I was a traveling salesman who needed portable, nourishing, easy to prepare vegetarian food without artificial ingredients, but I couldn’t find it anywhere in 1976 America. I wondered: Could I be the only person who wants this? I hadn’t planned to start a new business, but I felt somewhat obliged to. If I wouldn’t take on the job of creating wholesome, vegetarian convenience foods, it occurred to me that no one else would either.”
With that motivation in mind, Joel began a two year effort to develop Miso-Cup® instant soup mix and, with its launch in 1978, Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc. was born.
A History of “Firsts”
As it turned out, introducing instant Miso-Cup soup would be only the first of numerous company innovations that would continue for the next forty years. In 1979, for example, Edward & Sons introduced Baked Brown Rice Snaps® whole grain, gluten free crackers, decades before American shoppers would demand gluten free groceries on a massive scale. Numerous “first-to-market” vegan organic products followed, including canned coconut milk, hearts of palm, pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges, Worcestershire sauce, croutons, panko, ice cream cones and many more.
According to Joel, “We tend to do `firsts’ because that’s what we’re passionate about. We are driven to provide new options to our health-aware consumers, while creating markets for our ethical organic farmers and packers around the globe. We’re proud of our activities that protect native forests and support conversion from conventional to organic farming, which nourishes the environment while enhancing the well-being of everyone along the supply chain from farm to table.”
Indeed, Joel and his team have successfully developed so many different products over these past 40 years that they’ve chosen to create subsidiary brands to market and distinguish them all, including the flagship Edward & Sons® brand as well as Native Forest®, Let’s Do Organic®, Let’s Do Gluten-Free®, More Than Fair®, Nature Factor®, Road’s End Organics®, Premier Japan® and The Wizard's®.
Regardless of the brand name on the package, however, all products under the Edward & Sons umbrella are defined by the company’s longstanding commitment to excellent vegetarian food and to its enduring motto: Convenience Without Compromise.®
As Joel sums up, “We remain a vegetarian company that’s mission-driven to offer consumers delicious and nourishing convenience foods free of artificial ingredients. That’s how we’ve run the business for the past 40 years and it’s how I envision Edward & Sons to be run for the next 40 years - and beyond.”
Why Sleep Is So Important During a Training Regimen
Athletes have enough problems to deal with, and the last thing they need is excessive fatigue. Getting enough sleep is simple when you manage your time well and consider the many benefits to your health. Getting enough sleep while you train vigorously is essential for the following reasons.
Naps Are Not Practical
People who don't sleep at night are more likely to fall asleep during the day. Napping is appropriate when you're in college and studying for exams, but when you're a fast-moving athlete training for a big game, you need to remain awake. Most training sessions occur during the day and continue for long hours until the evening. The best solution is to get enough sleep at night.
Boost Energy Levels
Sleep reinvigorates the body to give you the energy needed to stay active. You cannot run fast or remain focused when you're tired from a lack of sleep. Then, you'll think only of lying down to take a quick nap and never remain wholly focused on performing well.
Improve Overall Health
Sleep is beneficial at improving the health of every organ and system in your body. Sleeping gives your body's cells enough rest at night to rebuild themselves during the day. Sleep is needed the most for people with serious health conditions that interfere with their sleep. Those who have difficulty breathing can invest in CPAP supplies to open their airways wider while they sleep.
Improve Healing
Having a healthy body improves your chances of healing from a sports injury. Your body is strong enough to repair wounds, fight off infections and rebuild connective tissue. Your immune system is strong, making you less likely to get sick and miss important training days.
Improve Moods
People who get enough sleep at night are less moody and irritable. A calm, stable mood is important to have during a strenuous training regimen. It's easy to get frustrated with a mundane routine or not want to take orders from the instructor. You could get mad at yourself when you don't meet a certain goal. A lack of sleep makes everything more stressful when you're dealing with situations that are already difficult.
A good night's sleep is recommended to people of all ages and backgrounds. There is no group that benefits more than athletes who are undergoing vigorous training regimens. If they want to perform their best, it's not an option that they receive the recommended number of hours of sleep every night.
Novacap Closes TMT VI at US$1.865 Billion
Firm's largest ever investment vehicle brings assets under management to more than C$6 Billion, builds momentum for 40th anniversary
MONTREAL, Feb. 17, 2021 /CNW/ - Novacap, one of Canada's leading private equity firms, announced today the closing of Novacap TMT VI ("TMT VI" or "the Fund") at US$1.865 billion, including significant commitments from the Novacap partners and employees as well as from Novacap's Executive Fund. The Fund is the largest ever raised by Novacap.
With strong demand, TMT VI was significantly oversubscribed, exceeding its target of US$1 billion. Virtually all investors in the firm's TMT V vehicle committed to TMT VI, while adding important new investors from the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The investor base for TMT VI includes sovereign wealth funds, public and corporate pension plans, insurance companies, endowments and foundations, family offices and advisory firms.
"We are extremely gratified for the opportunity to partner with such a prominent group of investors from around the globe," said Pascal Tremblay, President, CEO and Managing Partner of Novacap. "The successful closing of TMT VI continues the strong momentum in all our verticals: TMT, Industries and Financial Services. The Novacap franchise has never been stronger, and we are grateful for this momentum as we enter our fifth decade. Just as we have done throughout our history, TMT VI will seek to invest in growing, market-leading businesses led by talented entrepreneurs seeking a value-added partner to accelerate growth."
The Fund will continue the successful strategy of Novacap's previous TMT funds by making control growth investments in profitable technology and technology-enabled businesses. Sectors of interest include software, business services, internet infrastructure, and e-commerce, including solutions in the energy and healthcare markets. TMT VI will be led by partners Pascal Tremblay, Stéphane Tremblay, François Laflamme, Ted Mocarski, Eric Desrosiers, and David Lewin and supported by investment and operations teams with extensive experience in the TMT sector.
Recent milestones in the firm's TMT vertical include the exits of Intelerad and PKWare, and the initial public offering of Nuvei Corporation (TSX:NVEI, NVEI.U). Nuvei was the largest ever IPO of a Canadian technology company, with a current market capitalization of C$10.3 billion.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC acted as exclusive advisor and placement agent for TMT VI and Davies, Ward, Phillips & Vineberg LLP acted as legal counsel.
About Novacap
Founded in 1981, Novacap is a leading Canadian private equity firm with more than C$6B of AUM that has invested in more than 90 platform companies and completed more than 140 add-on acquisitions. Applying its sector-focused approach since 2007 in TMT, Industries and now Financial Services, Novacap's deep domain expertise can accelerate company growth and create long-term value. With experienced, dedicated investment and operations teams as well as substantial funding, Novacap has the resources and knowledge to build world-class businesses. Novacap has offices in Brossard, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit www.novacap.ca.
SOURCE Novacap Management Inc.
Aifred Health Partners with Pender & Howe Executive Search to Recruit for VP of Software Development & Delivery
MONTREAL, Feb. 17, 2021 /CNW/ - Pender & Howe Executive Search has announced the Vice President of Software Development & Delivery recruitment on behalf of Aifred Health. Aifred is a digital health company focused on clinical decision support in mental health, starting with depression. Aifred was recently selected as one of the 3 finalists for the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE out of 700 teams and is competing for the grand prize of US$3.0 million which will be awarded in June 2021.
Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Aifred operationalizes best-evidence guidelines, together with AI-based insights, to support better treatment management, and matching of individual patients to the right treatment. Aifred plans to encompass a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, leveraging their treatment-agnostic AI model. At its core, Aifred is focused on bringing better mental healthcare to all.
As a result of organizational growth and recent $4M seed financing co-led by MEDTEQ+ and BDC Capital, with additional support from the Desjardins Group, Highline Beta and other private and institutional investors, Aifred is seeking a qualified and experienced Vice President of Software Development & Delivery with proven success in running EHR/EMR integration implementation projects, deploying digital health tools and managing software development. The Vice President of Software Development & Delivery will execute the Aifred product development vision, from requirements to development, and from validation to seamless deployment at all customer sites across the U.S. and Canada.
This position will be based in Montreal, but a remote location within Canada may be considered.
About Pender & Howe
Pender & Howe is a boutique retained executive search firm that specializes in identifying world class executive leaders for governing boards and decision makers. More information about Pender & Howe is available at www.penderhowe.com.
For a full position description as well as details on how to apply for consideration, please visit https://cutt.ly/akR9pdR
SOURCE Pender & Howe Executive Search
Why ‘virus nationalism’ could be self-defeatingBradford virus expert set to deliver next Cafe Scientifique talk
17 February 2021 PRESS NOTICE: Further to the below press release, which was sent out earlier today with an incorrect date: this has now been amended to include the correct date.Virus nationalism, where countries hoard virus vaccines in order to prioritise their own citizens, could end up being self-defeating, argues one virus expert.Dr Conor Meehan is a lecturer in Molecular Microbiology in the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Bradford (UK). He is due to deliver a talk at the next Cafe Scientifique event hosted by the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford on Thursday February 25, from 6.30pm (GMT).Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Meehan said: “The problem is if we vaccinate in some countries and not others, the virus has the potential to mutate into a version which is potentially able to withstand vaccines, which would make everything up to this point a waste of time and money.“A good example is South Africa, which had to wait a long time for vaccines and now they have a new strain that might make some vaccines less effective. You need to be looking at vaccinating all of the countries, not just the ones who have the money to make the vaccines.“The row between the UK and Europe illustrated a number of things, including misunderstandings about how the manufacturing process works and political problems. The point is, the virus doesn't have a passport, there are no borders for pathogens, so they will just go where they want to go. So, taking care of one country and not others - unless you are an island that is completely shut down like New Zealand - is not feasible. Or you just end up making all the vaccines invalid and have to start again.”Dr Meehan, who has conducted pioneering work which has advanced our understanding of tuberculosis, is due to deliver a talk at the next Cafe Scientifique hosted by Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum, comprising a 30-minute lecture, followed by a question and answer session.He will cover topics including the ‘R’ number, herd immunity, vaccines, new strains of the virus and lockdowns.For more information about the event, CLICK HERE. The event is free to join but booking is required.Café Scientifique is suitable for all ages and abilities, but some events may have adult themes or content Pictures: 1) Dr Conor Meehan, lecturer in Molecular Microbiology in the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Bradford. Picture credit: University of Bradford. 2) National Science and Media Museum, Bradford. Picture credit: National Science and Media Museum.
Organizations, experts address increased physical inactivity during pandemic
Change for Good Health seeks to make it easier for Canadians to access exercise for their health
TORONTO, Feb. 17, 2021 /CNW/ - A group of Canadian businesses, community organizations, non-governmental organizations, researchers and healthcare experts are working together to examine how the pandemic is contributing to unhealthy lifestyles and consider ways to make physical activity available to more people in Canada, especially marginalized communities and vulnerable populations.
Championed by David 'Patch' Patchell-Evans, a physical fitness pioneer in Canada and the founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness and Fit4Less, the Change for Good Health project is intended to address the health impacts of inactivity, as well as longstanding inequities when it comes to accessing physical activity. Patch is working with Toronto-based social good consultants impakt, to convene a group of experts to co-create potential solutions to the heightened risks of inactivity exposed by the pandemic, leveraging existing research and programs.
"I believe that fitness should be a right for everyone living in Canada, but to make that a reality, we have to give everyone the opportunity to be physically active, particularly those who face significant barriers in the first place. It should just be part of living here, like going to school or seeing a doctor," said Patchell-Evans. "We know most people aren't active enough, and the pandemic has really brought this health issue to the forefront. It will take a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to help more people get moving for their mental and physical health. We need diverse perspectives and expertise to find the best way forward."
Before the pandemic, only about one in five Canadians (of any age) were getting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Remote work, home-schooling, shelter in place measures and the closure of fitness, recreation and sport facilities and programs are contributing to more sedentary behaviour.
On top of that, anxiety and depression have risen dramatically. Canadians are reporting their highest levels of anxiety (23%) and depression (15%) – above the levels at the peak of COVID's first wave.
There is mounting evidence that the lack of access to physical activity and recreation opportunities has put more people than ever at risk of lowered immunity, heart disease, obesity, substance abuse and increased stress and loneliness. Those risks can be even greater for people in vulnerable communities who may also be experiencing lower income, precarious home or work situations, marginalization or other conditions that threaten access to good health outcomes.
Change for Good Health will gather a diverse group of stakeholders from healthcare, academia, sport and recreation, and non-governmental organizations to take part in a series of roundtable discussions focusing on ways to collaborate and innovate to create more opportunities to be active, especially for people who need it most.
Other organizations taking part in Change for Good Health include Abilities Centre, Bootcamps for Change, Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada, Canadian Tire Jump Start Charities, Canadian Women & Sport, canfitpro, Diabetes Canada, Exercise is Medicine Canada, Global Wellness Institute, GoodLife Kids Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Jays Care Foundation, MLSE LaunchPad, Right To Play, Unsinkable, and YMCA.
Academic and medical experts participating in the round tables include Dr. Gordon Asmundson (psychology, University of Regina), Dr. Paul Oh (cardiology, University Health Network), Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed (kinesiology, University of Calgary) and Dr. Iris Lesser, (kinesiology, University of Fraser Valley), Dr. Bruce Kidd (kinesiology, University of Toronto), among others.
Participants will share their expertise and ideas at three Change for Good Health online roundtable discussions this month.
Fitness as a right, health equity. Making the case for opportunities to be physically active as a basic right and necessity, during and after the pandemic.
The impact of physical inactivity on mental, emotional, and social health.
Addressing the health and wellness of children and families through physical activity.
Participant insights and ideas will inform a discussion document and recommendations, as well as a preliminary roadmap for the future to bring opportunities for physical activity to more people in Canada.
Click here to find out more about Change for Good Health.
SOURCE GoodLife Fitness
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