Leasing and Equipping 10,000 Square Foot Building Adjacent to Current Sites
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSX: MBX, OTCQB: MBXBF, Microbix®), a life sciences innovator and exporter, announces that it has secured a third manufacturing site in Mississauga, Ontario, by way of a long-term lease agreement for a property adjacent to its two current sites.
Specifically, Microbix has secured a multi-year lease to a 10,000 square foot industrial building located at 275 Watline Avenue – Immediately next to its owned biologicals facility that is used for antigens production located at 265 Watline, and closely adjacent to its leased administrative and QAPs manufacturing facility at 235 Watline. As an aside, while Microbix now controls three adjacent properties, management commits not to begin putting-up houses or hotels, regardless of what the rules of the iconic board-game Monopoly® may suggest.
It is intended that this third site will be reconfigured and equipped to support additional business activities, including, but not necessarily limited to, the following:
Implementation of further scale-up and full automation of production processes for its DxTM™ branded viral transport medium (generically known as “VTM”) can support molecular (e.g., RT-PCR) and antigen testing for various diseases, and is presently focused upon COVID-19.
Commissioning of additional space for other fully-automated production processes, including vial-formatted or FLOQSwab®-formatted quality assessment products (QAPs™).
Building-out further spaces for product development laboratories, quality control laboratories, warehousing and logistics staging areas, office spaces, and enhanced amenities for staff.
This third site takes Microbix’s total available industrial space to approximately 35,000 square feet across its three adjacent buildings, which should prove sufficient to support of near and medium-term corporate growth objectives. Management believes that the multi-year duration of this new lease justifies the leasehold improvement investments that will be required, that the location of the property is ideal, and that the rental terms are favorable.
Microbix will be taking possession of this third site as of July 1, 2021 and will immediately begin the design and approval processes for the necessary renovations. The funds required to renovate and equip this third site were secured by way of the public offering and concurrent private placement that were completed in May, 2021, and the amounts to be invested at this third site are currently expected to be in accordance with the disclosures in Microbix’s short-form prospectus dated May 12, 2021.
About Microbix Biosystems Microbix develops proprietary biological technology solutions for human health and well-being, with about 90 skilled employees and sales growing from a base of over $1 million per month. It makes a wide range of critical biological materials for the global diagnostics industry, notably antigens for immunoassays and its laboratory quality assessment products (QAPs™) that support clinical lab proficiency testing, enable assay development and validation, or help ensure the quality of clinical diagnostic workflows. Microbix antigens enable the antibody tests of over 100 international diagnostics companies, while its QAPs are sold to clinical laboratory accreditation organizations, diagnostics companies, and clinical laboratories. Microbix QAPs are now available in over 30 countries, distributed by 1WA (Oneworld Accuracy Inc.), Alpha-Tec Systems, Inc., Diagnostic International Distribution SpA., Labquality Oy, The Medical Supply Company of Ireland, R-Biopharm AG, SDT Molecular Pte Ltd, and Seegene Canada Inc. Microbix is ISO 9001 and 13485 accredited, U.S. FDA registered, Australian TGA registered, Health Canada establishment licensed, and provides CE marked products.
Microbix also applies its biological expertise and infrastructure to develop other proprietary products and technologies, most notably viral transport medium (DxTM™) to stabilize patient samples for lab-based molecular diagnostic testing and Kinlytic® urokinase, a biologic thrombolytic drug used to treat blood clots. Microbix is traded on the TSX and OTCQB, and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Sales or distribution inquiries should be directed to customer.service@microbix.com.
Forward-Looking Information This news release includes “forward-looking information,” as such term is defined in applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, discussion of the third site, its lease terms or usage, the site-related investments to be made, the referenced product lines or their uses, whether Monopoly® is iconic, Microbix’s business and business results, goals or outlook, risks associated with financial results and stability, development projects such as those referenced in its corporate presentation, regulatory compliance and approvals, sales to foreign jurisdictions, engineering and construction, production (including control over costs, quality, quantity and timeliness of delivery), foreign currency and exchange rates, maintaining adequate working capital and raising further capital on acceptable terms or at all, and other similar statements concerning anticipated future events, conditions or results that are not historical facts. These statements reflect management’s current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, actual future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and represent the Company’s judgement as of the date of this new release, and the Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking information.
Canadian study investigates immune response and vaccine hesitancy among Canada’s South Asian communities
HAMILTON, Ontario, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Government of Canada, through its COVID-19 Immunity Task Force and Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group is supporting a new pan-Canadian study that will investigate the immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine within the South Asian community. Approximately $1.5 million is being invested in this study, which will seek to understand vaccine confidence and hesitancy in this population that has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Canada’s South Asian communities are the fastest growing ethnic group in Canada, and are among the highest at-risk populations for illness from COVID-19. South Asians have a five to 10-fold higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and a 1.5 to two-fold higher mortality risk after SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to white Canadians.
The study of 3,000 South Asians in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario and the Greater Vancouver Area (GVA) in British Columbia (B.C.) will seek to understand if these ethnic differences can be explained by unique socio-cultural factors, such as multigenerational households, occupational factors such as doing essential work, and biological factors such as pathophysiological differences in susceptibility or response to infection and vaccination.
Participants in the study—called COVID CommUNITY-South Asian—will also include those from earlier studies in the GTA and GVA led by the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences.
“Our study is a prospective cohort study—meaning we enroll participants at the community vaccination clinics being held in South Asian ‘hot spots’ such as Brampton, and the rest of the GTA, and follow them forward in time to collect contextual information including their living and work conditions, clinical and health care access information,” said Sonia Anand, principal investigator of the study. Anand is a professor of medicine at McMaster, vascular medicine physician at Hamilton Health Sciences, a senior scientist at PHRI, and director of the Chanchlani Research Centre at McMaster. “This is a more targeted approach to conducting a study, rather than ‘after the fact’ approaches, such as inferring ethnicity by last name or by postal code in participant data,” she said.
“South Asian communities across Canada have been hit hard by the pandemic and it’s vital that they understand the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. This study will also help us understand why some people may be hesitant about being vaccinated,” said Scott Lear, the lead principal investigator in B.C. and a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University.
“It is critical that we increase vaccine uptake for all Canadians, but we know that the South Asian community will need specific attention and targeted outreach, particularly given the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on this ethnocultural community,” said Lawrence Loh, co-investigator and Medical Officer of Health, Peel Region, Ontario. “This study will allow us to understand where there is hesitancy, use the science to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines, and lead to more people within the South Asian community making the choice to accept this life-saving vaccine.”
“It is imperative that we study the immune response to vaccines not only in the general population, but in priority populations, such as the South Asian community,” says Scott Halperin, co-chair of the Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group and principal investigator of the Canadian Research Immunization Network. “We need to ensure that the level of antibodies achieved is comparable across various populations.”
The COVIDCommUNITY-South Asian study involves an interdisciplinary team of experts and strong collaborations with public health and South Asian community organizations. Along with Sonia Anand and Scott Lear, co-investigators include McMaster University’s Dawn Bowdish (immunology), Russell de Souza (epidemiology), Mark Loeb (infectious diseases), Sujane Kandasamy (qualitative research), Gita Wahi (pediatrics), Rahul Chanchlani (health services research) and Zubin Punthakee (epidemiology). The team also includes Shrikant Bangdiwala, Senior Scientist and Director, Statistics, PHRI, and Shelly Bolotin (sero-epidemiology) from Public Health Ontario and the University of Toronto.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 34,000, and more than 195,000 alumni in 162 countries. The Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine has a global reputation for educational advancement, and is internationally known for its research intensity and development of evidence-based medicine.
About the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI)
PHRI, a joint research institute of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, is a world leader in clinical trials, large population health studies and epidemiology expertise. PHRI has the capacity to conduct several international studies concurrently, with as many as 10,000 participants in a study. More than 80 studies are currently underway nationally and globally. Overall, PHRI research encompasses 1.5 million participants in 102 countries on six continents. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Salim Yusuf, who remains PHRI’s Executive Director, the institute’s success is a story of global collaboration and innovation through trans-disciplinary research including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, perioperative and surgery, stroke and brain health, infectious diseases, and more. For more information, visit phri.ca and on Twitter @PHRIresearch.
About Hamilton Health Sciences
Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is a hospital system of 15,000 staff, physicians, researchers and volunteers that proudly serves south central Ontario residents. We also provide specialized, advanced care to people from across the province. HHS is the only hospital in Ontario that cares for all ages, from pre-birth to end-of-life. We offer world-leading expertise in many areas, including cardiac and stroke care, cancer care, palliative care and pediatrics. We are a world-renowned hospital for healthcare research. We focus daily on improving the quality of care for our patients through innovation and evidence-based practices. As the largest employer in the Greater Hamilton region, HHS plays a vital role in training the next generation of health professionals in collaboration with our academic partners, including McMaster University and Mohawk College.
About the Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group
The Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group (VSRG) supports the monitoring of the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada. It is a consortium of Canadian organizations — the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Canadian Research Immunization Network (CIRN), the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), and the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF) — working collaboratively to pool expertise on vaccine surveillance. The VSRG reports to PHAC and is supported by the CITF Secretariat. It is co-chaired by the leaders of NACI and CIRN. Among its responsibilities, the VSRG, through the CITF Executive Committee, makes recommendations to PHAC on funding research teams that can address important aspects of the immune response, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines with public health relevance and with attention to all priority groups. For more information visit: covid19immunitytaskforce.ca/vaccine-surveillance-referencegroup-vsrg/
About the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force
The Government of Canada established the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force in late April 2020. The Task Force is overseen by a Leadership Group of volunteers that includes leading Canadian scientists and experts from universities and healthcare facilities across Canada who are focused on understanding the nature of immunity arising from the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To that end, the CITF is supporting numerous studies to determine the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada (in the general population as well as in specific communities and priority populations), understand the nature of immunity following infection, develop improved antibody testing methods, and help monitor the effectiveness and safety of vaccines as they are rolled out across Canada. The Task Force and its Secretariat work closely with a range of partners, including governments, public health agencies, institutions, health organizations, research teams, other task forces, and engages communities and stakeholders. Most recently, the Task Force has been asked to support vaccine surveillance, effectiveness and safety as part of its overall objective to generate data and ideas that inform interventions aimed at slowing—and ultimately stopping—the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Canada. For more information visit: www.covid19immunitytaskforce.ca
Pan-Canadian Survey Reveals Long-term Harm of COVID to Brain Health
Responses Suggest Economic, Health and Societal Costs with Consequences on Health Sector and Labour Force
VANCOUVER, BC and MONTREAL, June 3, 2021 /CNW/ - A pan-Canadian survey of more than 1,000 COVID long-haulers, individuals with COVID-19 symptoms that last weeks or months, reveals the impact of Long COVID on brain health. From coast to coast, cognitive impairment or "brain fog" was among the top reported symptoms, along with fatigue and shortness of breath. Additional brain-related symptoms included headaches, dizziness, and anxiety. Over 80% of respondents experienced symptoms for more than three months, and almost 50% experienced symptoms for 11 months or more. While vaccines and physical distancing are important to prevent and mitigate COVID-19, the survey suggests the impact of COVID-19 on brain health will last beyond the pandemic.
A detailed report on the survey is forthcoming and will be available on the website of the alliance members listed below. Survey results are consistent with other scientific findings, including that Long COVID is disproportionately impacting women in their middle years. This is the largest publicly available survey of people living with Long COVID in Canada to date.
"It is our hope that the data collected from this survey will highlight the implications of Long COVID on brain health. Creating awareness through lived experiences and patient collaboration will magnify the urgency to act on funding for research and rehabilitation of long-haulers," said COVID Long-Haulers Support Group Canada Founder Susie Goulding.
The survey is the result of an alliance between Viral Neuro Exploration (VINEx), COVID Long Haulers Support Group Canada, and Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC) to build awareness and increase funding for research and care on Long COVID. The alliance leverages science, clinical research, and lived experiences from patient groups, and is reaching out to other organizations with an interest in the lasting and long-term impacts of COVID-19.
"The survey underlines earlier observations that COVID-19 can cause neurological damage which persists months after the initial infection. It clearly indicates that Canada needs action on brain health in COVID and post-COVID contexts," said Neurological Health Charities Canada Manager Deanna Groetzinger.
According to the survey, nearly half of respondents received care for long-lasting symptoms in a healthcare clinic more than five times. Nearly a third received care more than 10 times. Six out of 10 had to take leave from work as a consequence of living with Long COVID, for weeks or months at a time, sometimes leading to early retirement. The responses suggest ongoing economic, health and societal costs with ripple effects into the public health sector and labour force.
"We must make the study of viral impacts on the brain a priority, beginning with COVID-19 survivors who need answers. One or more clinical trials of sufficient scale, with patients followed over time, would generate data needed to better understand Long COVID and the neurological and psychological consequences of this infection. What we learn from more research on Long COVID will also accelerate our understanding of how viruses and future pandemics may affect brain health, including as possible triggers for neurodegenerative diseases," said VINEx Global Director Inez Jabalpurwala.
In addition to its alliance with COVID Long Haulers Support Group Canada and NHCC, VINEx has become an international member of the Long COVID Alliance in the United States. This alliance, led by SOLVE M.E., was central to the bipartisan legislation introduced on May 27th to provide nearly 100 million USD in Long COVID funding for research and education initiatives.
It is currently estimated that 25-35% of COVID-19 patients are experiencing the long-term effects of the virus. The COVID-19 count in Canada as of June 2nd is 1,383,214, which means that anywhere from 345,803 to 484,125 people may have been or are currently living with Long COVID in this country.
The Survey in Numbers
The survey ran from May 5th to May 26th 2021 and reached 1,048 respondents with Long COVID from all ten provinces and three territories.
Participants ranged in age from under 18 to over 90. Nearly 60% were aged 40 to 59.
More than 87% of respondents identified as women. Members of cultural minorities represented 9% of participants*.
Before having COVID-19, nearly 63% of respondents did not have a long-term health condition.
57% of participants received a positive COVID-19 test. It should be noted that respondents may not have had access to COVID-19 tests at the times of their initial infection.
More than 85% of participants were not admitted to hospital during their initial infection.
Nearly 70% of respondents had to take leave from work. More than half had to reduce working hours, with 74%reducing their working hours by 50% or more.
*We recognise that the percentage of cultural minority respondents may be undercounted given the survey sample. The survey might not have reached cultural minorities in a proportion comparable to their shares of the Canadian population.
About
In April 2020, Rocket Science Health, a private brain-health focused medical device company, launched Viral Neuro Exploration (VINEx) as an initiative aimed at raising attention to, and investment in, how viruses affect the central nervous system and brain health. VINEx was incorporated as an independent non-profit in November 2020. While the COVID-19 crisis creates urgency and is the initial focus, VINEx's vision has a longer time horizon, and will involve other known and unknown coronaviruses, and other viruses. To achieve its vision, VINEx is bringing together thought leadership from the research community to drive actionable projects where collaboration, co-ordination and investment are needed.
The Covid Long Haulers Support Group Canada is creating awareness of the effects COVID-19 has on long-haulers, symptomatically, financially and economically. They lobby for recognition from government officials and the public and want it to be understood that long-haulers are not recovered. There is still robust, longitudinal research and rehabilitation targeted for long-haulers that need to be funded. Through their efforts of sharing lived experiences with media and creating momentum, they hope to create change.
Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC) is a coalition of organizations that represent people with brain diseases, disorders and injuries in Canada. NHCC provides leadership in evaluating and advancing new opportunities for collaboration specific to advocacy, education and research to improve the quality of life for people affected by brain conditions. NHCC is open to charities and non-profit organizations with a specific interest in brain conditions.
SOURCE VINEx
HAVN Life Launches New Line of Natural Health Products
Seven new formulations that support brain health and immune function will be available online and at select retail locations starting June 3
VANCOUVER, BC, June 3, 2021 /CNW/ - HAVN Life, a Vancouver-based biotechnology company focused on brain health, is announcing the launch of its first retail line of natural health products. The seven SKUs—Mind Mushroom, Bacopa Brain, Rhodiola Relief, Cordyceps Perform, Chaga Immunity, Reishi Recharge and Lion's Mane—are now available at yourHAVNlife.com and will be rolling out on Amazon and at select Nesters Market stores across British Columbia later this month.Canadian biotech company HAVN Life announces the launch of its first retail line of natural healthcare products, June 3
Designed to advance HAVN Life's mission of unlocking human performance and empowering people to reach their full potential, the formulations include a range of high-quality mushroom and plant extracts that help to boost immune function and reduce inflammation. With our growing need for solutions to improve productivity, combat daily stressors, and boost immune health, these formulations are naturally harvested and effective in supporting brain health and the capabilities of the mind.
The launch of this retail line is part of HAVN Life's strategy of developing natural health products in parallel with their work on the standardized extraction of psychedelic compounds as a supply chain for research and clinical applications. This work is united by a vision of helping people connect with their potential, free from the stresses and imbalances that hold us back.
"With the launch of our first retail line, we are excited to enter the natural health products market," said HAVN Life CEO Tim Moore. "The activation of our retail arm is a major milestone for the company and will enable us to build the HAVN brand as we continue researching and developing additional formulations that can help people thrive."
Modern Science Meets Ancient Wisdom
These formulations were created by HAVN Life's Chief Science Officer, Gary Leong, an industry veteran of 14 years who was previously Chief Scientific Officer at Jamieson Labs. Leveraging Gary's biopharma and wellness expertise, HAVN Life retail products offer evidence-informed, high quality natural compounds that are proven to support memory, focus, energy, and overall cognitive function:
Mind Mushroom: A source of antioxidants to fight against free radical cell damage and to balance the immune system. This formulation is an adaptogen that increases energy and resistance to stress. (CAD $54 + tax)
Bacopa Brain: Supports brain health, improves memory and has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Bacopa is a powerful plant extract that is clinically proven to support cognitive function and the nervous system. (CAD $27 + tax)
Rhodiola Relief: This adaptogen provides relief from symptoms of stress, including mental fatigue. This formulation supports mental focus and stamina. (CAD $45 + tax)
Cordyceps Perform: Cordyceps mushrooms help support a healthy immune system. Used in herbal medicine, they improve lung and kidney function and are a source of antioxidants that help fight against free radical cell damage in the body. (CAD $30 + tax)
Chaga Immunity: Chaga mushrooms are the second highest antioxidant-rich food on the planet. This superfood helps support the immune system and control inflammation in the body. (CAD $36 + tax)
Reishi Recharge: Supports the immune system and is used in herbal medicine around the world for energy, stress and liver function support. This multi-purpose mushroom has also been traditionally used to strengthen the heart to reduce fatigue, insomnia and appetite as well as coughs and wheezing. (CAD $30 + tax)
Lion's Mane: These mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and help protect against free radical cell damage. (CAD $36 + tax)
The product line uses plant-derived, non-psychoactive compounds that have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and are formulated with the highest standards of extraction and quality control. The medicinal and nutritional properties of mushrooms have long been understood across cultures and modern research is now showing us that they also contain compounds that are specifically beneficial for cognitive function and help to support overall human health and wellness.
The senior leadership of HAVN Life brings decades of natural health product experience with some of the leading brands and companies in Canada. HAVN Life Executive Chairman, Vic Neufeld was previously the CEO and president at Jamieson Labs, and Chief Operations Officer, Jenna Pozar has more than 18 years of marketing and logistics experience in the natural health and performance space, including with Jamieson Wellness. Along with Chief Science Officer Gary Leong, the team is well positioned to leverage its expertise and establish HAVN Life as a leader in the natural health products space.
HAVN Life's recent acquisition of a state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging facility in Richmond, B.C. will enable local production and rapid delivery of the product line to retailers. The site will facilitate an expanded product portfolio and, with the launch of this first retail line, is a significant step towards building a strong presence in the Canadian natural health product market.
On Behalf of The Board of Directors Tim Moore Chief Executive Officer
About HAVN Life Sciences Inc. HAVN Life Sciences (CSE: HAVN) (OTC: HAVLF) (FSE: 5NP) is a Canadian biotechnology company pursuing standardized extraction of psychoactive compounds, the development of natural healthcare products, and innovative mental health treatment to support brain health and enhance the capabilities of the mind. Learn more at: HAVNlife.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.
For a full media kit or to request interviews and/or product samples, please contact Savi Pannu:savi@emergence-creative.comor 647-896-8078
Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to statements regarding the Acquisition, the Company's business, products and future of the Company's business. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance and developments to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risk that the Acquisition will not be completed as contemplated, or at all, risks that the Company's products and plan will vary from those stated in this news release and the Company may not be able to carry out its business plans as expected. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information in this news release. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release.
The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this press release
SOURCE HAVN Life
Optimi Health Announces DTC Eligibility & Up-List to OTCQB
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTC: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN) (“Optimi” or the “Company”), developers of a vertically integrated functional mushroom brand focused on the health and wellness sector, is pleased to announce that its US-based OTC Markets listing under the symbol “OPTHF” has received approval from the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) to make the Company’s common shares eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through DTC (“DTC Eligibility”).
DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, a United States company that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. DTC Eligibility incorporates an electronic method of clearing securities that speeds up the receipt of stock and cash, and thus accelerates the settlement process for certain investors. DTC is a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, a limited-purpose trust company under New York State banking law and a registered clearing agency with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Optimi further advises that it is nearing completion of the process to up-list to the OTCQB exchange operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. Designed for developing and entrepreneurial companies in the United States and abroad, companies must be current in their financial reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process, including meeting a minimum bid price and other financial conditions. With more compliance and quality standards, the OTCQB provides investors improved visibility to enhance trading decisions. The OTCQB is recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as an established public market providing public information for analysis and value of securities.
In addition to trading in the United States, Optimi’s common shares continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under OPTI and the German Börse Frankfurt (FRA) exchange under 8BN.
Michael Stier, CEO of Optimi notes, “Today’s news is an important milestone towards broadening our market presence across the United States as we engage with this significant shareholder audience. Listing on the OTCQB will provide heightened transparency and visibility to the investment community. DTC eligibility allows current and prospective shareholders of Optimi a reliable, cost-efficient, and timely method for clearing and settlement of our common shares. Overall, today’s news positions Optimi to engage with confidence, purpose and consideration more meaningfully with current and future investors.”
On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Optimi Health Corp.
Mike Stier President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
ABOUT OPTIMI (CSE: OPTI) (OTC: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN)
Optimi is developing a sophisticated mushroom brand that focuses on the health and wellness markets. With a vertically integrated approach, Optimi intends to cultivate, extract, process and distribute high quality functional mushroom products at its two facilities comprising a total of 20,000 square feet nearing completion in Princeton, British Columbia. To fully investigate the science of mushrooms, the Company has received a research exemption under Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) for the use of Psilocybin and Psilocin for scientific purposes via its wholly owned subsidiary Optimi Labs Inc. Optimi has also applied for a dealer’s license under Canada’s Narcotic Control Regulations governing possession, distribution, sale, laboratory analysis of and research and development of Psilocybin and Psilocin formulations. Optimi is committed to expert cultivation and quality production subject to and in accordance with the terms of all applicable laws and governing regulations to ensure safe, superior Canadian fungi production.
Nabati Foods Now Listed on Leading Vegan Marketplace, GTFO It’s Vegan
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nabati Foods Global Inc.(CSE: MEAL Reserved) (“Nabati Foods” or the “Company”), a plant-based food tech company offering whole, natural, plant-based foods for health-conscious consumers, is announcing that its dairy free cheesecakes are now listed online with the major online vegan retailer, GTFO It’s Vegan.
GTFO It’s Vegan launched in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now offers more than 2,500 vegan products including plant-based meat, dairy, bread, beverages, prepared meals, and pet food. This now also includes Nabati Foods’ tiramisu cheesecake and chocolate cheesecake.
“Nabati Foods is excited to partner with a company like GTFO It’s Vegan, given our shared values and a shared commitment to plant-based foods that can improve the health of people and the planet,” Nabati Foods CEO Ahmad Yehya said. “Nabati, like GTFO It’s Vegan, is also a family-founded company committed to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility to empower consumers to live a healthier, fulfilling life. We look forward to introducing ourselves to and reaching more customers through its advanced digital platform.”
Founded in Edmonton, Nabati Foods is leading the evolution of food. All of its products are kosher, vegan, and made without refined sugar or GMOs. Nabati Foods products are now available in more than 170 stores in the U.S.
Working with GTFO It’s Vegan will accelerate the success of Nabati’s ecommerce strategy and help to grow its online footprint.
“Nabati Foods is steadily building its market share and reach, through our distinct grocery, industrial and food service offerings,” Yehya said. “This additional online exposure will help drive increased demand and interest in Nabati’s healthy, flavourful cheesecakes as the company expands across North America and looks towards entering the European market next year.”
About Nabati Foods Global Inc. Nabati Foods Global Inc. is the owner of Nabati Foods Inc. (“Nabati”), a family-founded food tech company offering whole, natural, plant-based, gluten, and soy-free foods for health-conscious consumers. Nabati was founded in 2014 and has four signature product lines including dairy-free cheesecakes, cheese alternatives, and plant-based meats. Nabati products are distributed in Canada and the U.S. through grocery, foodservice, and industrial channels. Learn more: https://invest.nabatifoods.com/
For further information, please contact: Ahmad Yehya at ir@nabatifoods.com
Disclosure and Caution
Completion of the financing is subject to a number of conditions, including ensuring the financing and listing application are compliant with CSE requirements. The transaction cannot close until the required conditions are satisfied and required approvals are obtained. There can be no assurance that the financing will be completed as proposed or at all. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative – there is no active market for Company’s securities at this time. No regulatory body has reviewed or approved the terms to this financing.
This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors - including the ability to complete the financing, the ability to satisfy the conditions required and approvals needed to complete the transaction, availability of funds and the results of financing efforts, - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.
2021 Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF
Virtual fundraiser unveiled in support of type 1 diabetes research
TORONTO, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF is the largest fundraising event in Canada that rallies the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community to unite and raise funds for T1D research.
This year’s Walk is a family-friendly, virtual, and interactive event that will bring together those impacted by T1D. The Walk aims to raise critical funds for research that will get us closer to giving Canadians freedom from T1D. Join us for a uniquely immersive and interactive experience filled with fun challenges, prizes, entertainment, and the celebration of coming together to change the future of T1D. Our community will experience the Walk within a brand new virtual and interactive world. They will be able to discover the Walk route as if they were physically there, browse our different booths, meet with friends along the way and celebrate with us during the main show.
As we commemorate the 100 years since the discovery of insulin, we are challenging participants to each walk 100km to mark this milestone and to raise funds for T1D research that will move us beyond insulin, accelerating toward a cure. Whether it is a route in your room, a track in your backyard or a loop around your neighborhood, it doesn’t matter where you walk, just that you register. And if walking isn’t your thing – we’re encouraging participants to ‘think 100!’ Like 100 bottle returns, 100 sit ups, or 100 donations.
“Research much be accelerated forward and during this period of uncertainty, it is heartening to see that we can rely on the power of community to support one other,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “The Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF is a testament to the passion and resolve of a group of people who are inspired by a common goal: to create a world without T1D.”
Sun Life has been involved with the Walk since 2014 as the National Sponsor and increased its already strong commitment to diabetes in Canada by becoming the National Title Sponsor of the Walk in 2018. Since announcing global support of the cause in 2012, Sun Life has committed more than $38 million globally in support of diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives.
“One of the fastest growing health challenges of our time, diabetes and prediabetes affects 11.5 million Canadians,” said Milos Vranesevic, Senior Vice-President, Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Life. “As we celebrate the discovery of insulin and the improvements it has had on the treatment of diabetes, there is still no cure. That is why our partnership with JDRF is so important. Sponsoring the Walk is one of the ways we can raise awareness and money to help those with diabetes live healthier lives.”
While we may not be together in person this year, we will still come together to walk the distance for the more more than 300,000 Canadians touched by T1D and their families. It is a movement that empowers people who refuse to be defined by their disease – a way the T1D community can come together and accelerate towards a cure.
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Our goal is to raise funds to support the most advanced international type 1 diabetes research and progressively remove the impact of this disease from people’s lives – until we achieve a world without type 1 diabetes. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure type 1 diabetes. JDRF is the largest charitable funder of and advocate for research to cure, prevent and treat T1D in the world. For more information, please visit jdrf.ca.
Sun Life in the community At Sun Life, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, and care initiatives; and mental health, supporting programs and organizations with a focus on building resilience and coping skills.
We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering close to 12,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada.
Can robot doctors and nurses ever replace humans? The jury is still out on that, but an artificial intelligence (AI) ‘robot revolution’ is already sweeping through healthcare.
And even as debate rages in the UK over a post-COVID return to normal face-to-face consultations with family doctors, Dr Alan Stout, of the British Medical Association, said:
“It’s highly unlikely that we will have the desire or the capacity to return to a 100% face-to-face model. The phone-first model and the use of technology will allow surgeries to remain sustainable and accessible and provides a better service than pre-Covid.”
Caption – The future is here, with a ‘robot revolution’ sweeping through healthcare.
MarketsandMarkets says the AI in healthcare market was worth $4.9 billion in 2020also creating substantially more value for an overall healthcare industry worth up to $410 billion per year by 2025.
For instance, health issues can be prevented in the first place by wearables and apps, which can make health recommendations for patients. Devices such as smartwatches and biosensors could also help detect health issues before conditions become critical.
But the next big step is virtual assistants, a market expected to take off in the next decade $2.8 billion by 2027 AI offers healthcare workers more time to focus on patient care and, with more patients willing to use home diagnostics, should enable a more decentralised healthcare system.
Paul Stannard, Chairman of the not-for-profit World Nano Foundation that fosters the nanotechnology sector, which has enabled so many healthcare breakthroughs, said:
“We may be resistant at first but virtual assistance and robotics are the future of healthcare. Japan is leading the way with a government-funded national initiative to develop data-driven AI and internet of things technologies that will increase the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery.
“AI also offers more precision as it can automate the analysis of test results, while robotics can increase the success rate of surgeries.
Stannard also co-founded the Vector Innovation Fund, which recently launched a $300 million sub-fund for pandemic protection and future healthcare, and he added:
“This pandemic has taught us a lot; we can learn from the flaws it identified and maintain investment in technologies for a more sustainable future in healthcare and prepare and protect ourselves against future pandemics so that we can meet them in a timely, systematic, and calm manner.”
Healthcare is just part of a trend towards more use of AI following the COVID outbreak. According to the Global AI Adoption Index 2021, 43% of IT professionals surveyed say their company has accelerated the rollout of AI due to the pandemic. An NHSX survey of 368 AI developers and procurers also found that the pandemic had helped accelerate progress in some areas.
Ocugen Expands COVAXIN™ Commercialization Rights to Include Canada
Ocugen to have exclusive co-development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to COVAXIN™ in Canada, in addition to its existing US rights
MALVERN, Pa. and HYDERABAD, India, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocugen, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing gene therapies to cure blindness diseases and developing a vaccine to save lives from COVID-19, and Bharat Biotech, a global leader in vaccine innovation, today announced that they have entered into an amendment to their Co-development, Supply, and Commercialization Agreement to expand Ocugen’s exclusive territory to commercialize COVAXIN™ to now also include Canada, in addition to Ocugen’s existing rights to commercialize COVAXIN™ in the United States.
“This amendment to expand our rights to commercialize COVAXIN™ into Canada speaks to our strong relationship with Bharat Biotech and our joint dedication to bring this unique yet traditional vaccine to additional countries. As we work towards the submission of the emergency use application in the US, we will simultaneously seek authorization under interim order for emergency use in Canada. We believe COVAXIN™ has the potential to play a key role in saving lives from COVID-19 in the US and Canada, as well as across the globe, due to the strong immune response it generates against multiple antigens,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-founder of Ocugen.
“COVAXIN™ has demonstrated an excellent safety record in human clinical trials and in vaccine administration under emergency use in India. Our goal for all vaccines developed at Bharat Biotech is to provide global access. With its potential effectiveness against multiple existing and emerging variants, we believe that COVAXIN™ is an important vaccine for everyone, including children, based on its unique yet traditional vaccine platform. We are diligently working with Ocugen to bring COVAXIN™ to the US market and now to the Canadian market,” said Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Biotech.
As consideration for Bharat Biotech’s grant of the rights to commercialize COVAXIN™ in Canada, Ocugen will make an upfront payment and milestone payment upon first commercial sale in Canada to Bharat Biotech, in addition to sharing the profit from sales of COVAXINTM in Canada. Similar to the US profit share arrangement, Ocugen will retain 45% of the profits from sales of COVAXINTM in Canada.
About COVAXIN™
COVAXIN™, India's COVID-19 vaccine by Bharat Biotech, is developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). COVAXIN™ is a highly purified and inactivated vaccine that is manufactured using a vero cell manufacturing platform. This platform has an excellent safety track record of more than 300 million doses of various vaccines supplied. Based on a traditional vaccine platform that has a long-established safety profile, COVAXIN™ continues to show strong results in all the studies conducted to date including a vaccine efficacy rate of 78% overall efficacy and 100% in severe COVID-19 disease, including hospitalizations, in second interim results of Bharat Biotech’s Phase 3 clinical trial.
In addition to generating strong immune response against multiple antigens, COVAXIN has been shown to generate memory T cell responses, for its multiple epitopes, indicating longevity and a rapid antibody response to future infections. With published data demonstrating a safety profile superior to published safety data from separate studies for several other vaccines, COVAXIN™ is packaged in multi-dose vials that can be stored at 2-8⁰C.
COVAXIN™ studies show potential effectiveness against three key variants of SARS-CoV-2. Scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Virology, using an in-vitro plaque reduction neutralization assay, have found that COVAXIN-vaccinated sera effectively neutralized the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.128.2, the UK variant, B.1.1.7, as well as the Indian double mutant variant, B.1.617. These studies suggest that COVAXIN vaccination may be effective against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Based on the more than 30 million doses supplied in India and other countries, COVAXIN™ has an excellent safety record. COVAXIN™ is currently being administered under emergency use authorizations in 13 countries, and applications for emergency use authorization are pending in more than 60 additional countries.
About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing gene therapies to cure blindness diseases and developing a vaccine to save lives from COVID-19. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with one drug – “one to many” and our novel biologic product candidate aims to offer better therapy to patients with underserved diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. We are co-developing Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN™ vaccine candidate for COVID-19 in the U.S. market. For more information, please visit http://ocugen.com/
About Bharat Biotech:
Bharat Biotech has established an excellent track record of innovation with more than 140 global patents, a wide product portfolio of more than 16 vaccines, 4 bio-therapeutics, registrations in more than 116 countries, and World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-qualifications. Located in Genome Valley in Hyderabad, India, a hub for the global biotech industry, Bharat Biotech has built a world-class vaccine & bio-therapeutics, research & product development, Bio-Safety Level 3 manufacturing, and vaccine supply and distribution.
Having delivered more than 6 billion doses of vaccines worldwide, Bharat Biotech continues to lead innovation and has developed vaccines for influenza H1N1, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Chikungunya, Zika and the world’s first tetanus-toxoid conjugated vaccine for Typhoid.
Bharat’s commitment to global social innovation programs and public private partnerships resulted in the introduction of path breaking WHO pre-qualified vaccines BIOPOLIO®, ROTAVAC® and Typbar TCV® combatting polio, rotavirus, typhoid infections, respectively. The recent acquisition of the rabies vaccine facility, Chiron Behring, from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has positioned Bharat Biotech as the largest rabies vaccine manufacturer in the world. To learn more about Bharat Biotech visit https://www.bharatbiotech.com/.
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include information about qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for clinical trials, and anticipated timing of clinical trial readouts and regulatory submissions. This information involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as risks associated with preliminary and interim data (including the Phase 3 interim data referred to in this press release), including the possibility of unfavorable new clinical trial data and further analyses of existing clinical trial data; the risk that the results of in-vitro studies will not be duplicated in human clinical trials; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including during the peer review/publication process, in the scientific community generally, and by regulatory authorities; whether and when data from Bharat Biotech’s clinical trials will be published in scientific journal publications and, if so, when and with what modifications; whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be satisfied with the design of and results from preclinical and clinical studies of COVAXIN, which have been conducted by Bharat Biotech in India; whether and when any biologics license and/or emergency use authorization applications may be filed in the United States for COVAXIN and whether and when an application for authorization under interim order for emergency use will be filed in Canada; whether and when any such applications may be approved by the FDA or Health Canada; decisions by the FDA or Health Canada impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of COVAXIN in the United States or Canada, including development of products or therapies by other companies. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.
COVID-19 has put Cadila Healthcare at the forefront of innovation in India, says GlobalData
Cadila Healthcare Ltd. is among the leading players in India which focuses on bringing in-house developed innovative therapies for patients. Cadila Healthcare has developed a diversified COVID-19 portfolio among the Indian players through in-house development and licensing opportunities. In line with this, the COVID-19 situation has put Cadila Healthcare at the forefront of innovation in India, says GlobalData, a leading data analytics and research company.
According to GlobalData’s ‘Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center’ (as of 27 May 2021), Cadila Healthcare’s COVID-19 portfolio includes one repurposed marketed drug and ‘seven in-house’ candidates in the pipeline, including two in Phase III, one each in Phase II and Phase I and three candidates in preclinical development.
Recently, its repurposed drug Virafin (peginterferon alfa-2b) received approval in India for the treatment of moderate cases of COVID-19. However, its vaccine ZyCoV-D, currently in Phase III (emergency approval filing expected within the next few weeks), is expected to play a crucial role in India’s vaccination drive following emergency approval.
In the past, Cadila Healthcare launched Lipaglyn (saroglitazar), a novel first-in-class molecule to treat diabetic dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and is the first drug to secure approval for NASH in India. Moreover, it became the first company to launch Humira’s (adalimumab) biosimilar in India.
Prashant Khadayate, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Cadila Healthcare has consistently focussed on innovation through its own research and development capabilities. The launch of India’s first innovative therapy Lipaglyn is credited to Cadila Healthcare. Additionally, the company has launched biosimilars of complex biologics in India ahead of other companies. Cadila has leveraged COVID-19 opportunities as fuel to enhance its innovation engine.”
To further strengthen its position within the COVID-19 market, the company has recently applied to the Indian regulatory body, the Drugs Controller General of India, to conduct clinical trials of ZRC-3308, which is a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies to treat mild COVID-19 patients.
Cadila had initially partnered with Gilead for remdesivir commercialization in 127 countries, including India. In the latest deal, it has partnered with TLC to commercialize AmphoTLC (Amphotericin B Liposome for Injection 50mg) in India to treat black fungus or mucormycosis, which has emerged as a post-COVID-19 complication in India.
Mr Khadayate concludes: “Cadila Healthcare is the only company in India with its own in-house developed vaccine and treatments for COVID-19. The company has focused on the entire COVID-19 patient journey through its marketed and pipeline drugs, including treatment for mild, moderate, and severe patients and a COVID-19 vaccine, along with a focus on COVID-19 associated mucormycosis.
“The company has tapped existing opportunities within the COVID-19 space by quickly acting through its research and development efforts and partnerships. This innovation-driven model should certainly bring long-term growth and would help Cadila Healthcare differentiate from other Indian players in the long run.”
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