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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) — Adagio Therapeutics Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company has announced new in-vitro data demonstrating retained neutralising activity of its monoclonal antibody (mAb), ADG20, against a diverse panel of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the newly emerged Lambda and Mu variants.

Notably, findings show that ADG20 demonstrated potent in-vitro neutralising activity against all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern tested, including those with reduced susceptibility to mAb products currently available under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or in late-stage development.

According to a statement, these data will be presented during a poster session at the 2021 ISIRV-WHO Virtual Conference, which is being held Oct 19-21.

In addition, Adagio will present an encore poster highlighting recently announced data from the company’s ongoing Phase 1 trial of ADG20 in healthy participants.

“These new variant data further underscore the potential of ADG20 to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as possible future outbreaks caused by other SARS-like viruses,” said co-founder and chief scientific officer of Adagio, Laura Walker, Ph.D.

“We have intentionally designed this mAb to have both broad and potent neutralising activity as well as a half-life that extends its potential window of protection, critical features that may set it apart from other therapies available under EUA or in development today.

“With global Phase 2/3 prevention and treatment trials ongoing, we look forward to continuing our evaluation of ADG20 to assess the meaningful role it could potentially play in the arsenal of COVID-19 treatment options.”

In addition to the Phase 1 healthy participant trial, Adagio is advancing two ongoing global Phase 2/3 trials with ADG20, a treatment trial (STAMP) and a prevention trial (EVADE).

The company anticipates submitting an EUA application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for ADG20 in the first quarter of 2022.

More details at http://www.adagiotx.com.

— BERNAMA

In conjunction with World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October, BHAM goes digital in promoting bone health knowledge among Malaysians, and shares the latest findings from its osteoporosis awareness survey • 77% of the respondents have the misconception that weak bones and loss of height is part of a natural ageing process¹. • Majority of the respondents (96%) are unaware of all the factors that can increase their risk of osteoporosis such as family history, post-menopausal status, low body weight, diet low in calcium, and heavy consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and/or cigarettes1. • More than half of the respondents (57%) underestimated the impact of osteoporosis among women1, and are not aware that at least 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures at some time in their lives². KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) — Bone Health Alliance Malaysia (BHAM) unveiled today the results of a bone health and osteoporosis survey assessing the awareness, knowledge, and lifestyle habits among Malaysians. The survey aims to raise awareness about bone health; counter the misconception that osteoporosis is part of a natural ageing process which is untreatable and unpreventable; as well as educate Malaysians on keeping their bones healthy.   Based on the survey findings, BHAM is also embarking on the ‘Love Your Bones’ virtual campaign to raise public interest in osteoporosis and increase its recognition as a health priority. The virtual campaign launched in conjunction with World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) on 20 October aims to address the gaps and misconception of bone health knowledge among the high-risk group and their caregivers, while highlighting the importance of a proactive healthy lifestyle to prevent osteoporosis.   The Bone Health Alliance Malaysia (BHAM) is a collaborative partnership between Osteoporosis Awareness Society of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (OASKLS), Fragility Fracture Network Malaysia (FFNM), and Malaysian Osteoporosis Society (MOS), with Amgen Malaysia as a supporting corporate partner.   Examining Bone Health Awareness BHAM conducted a survey between September 2020 until July 2021 to evaluate Malaysians’ awareness and knowledge about bone health and osteoporosis, perceptions about the disease, lifestyle habits and behavioural patterns. The survey conducted via offline and online included 807 male and female respondents from a diverse age group of 21-80 years old. 60% of the respondents were above 50 years old.   The survey findings revealed that a staggering 96% of respondents who were unaware of all the factors that can increase their risk of osteoporosis1 such as family history, post-menopausal status, low body weight, diet low in calcium, and heavy consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and/or cigarettes³.   “Osteoporosis is a silent disease with no symptoms and often goes unnoticed until patients experience a fracture. While you cannot feel your bones get weaker, understanding your risk of developing osteoporosis will help you make informed choices such as initiating regular bone health assessments for those above 60 years old, especially women, for optimal bone health management. We urge those who have loved ones with risk factors for osteoporosis to consider monitoring of their relatives’ bone health by providing guidance and facilitating their bone health assessments,” said Prof Dr Chan Siew Pheng, President of Malaysian Osteoporosis Society & Consultant Endocrinologist.   In fact, based on the survey results, 82% of the respondents were unaware that they should start bone health assessments from 60 years old, and 77% respondents have the misconception that poor bone health (fragility fractures and loss of height) is part of a natural ageing process1. This validates the lack of knowledge among Malaysians that osteoporosis can be prevented through proactive lifestyle habits and there are available treatment options to improve outcomes.   Bone Health in Malaysia “We carried out this survey to identify the awareness gaps on bone health and osteoporosis among Malaysians. Historically, there is limited data related to osteoporosis in Malaysia, and our survey findings not only contribute towards building the local database of information but has given clarity to guide our awareness efforts tailored to our Malaysian community’s needs,” added Prof Chan.   Worldwide, the incidence of osteoporotic fractures is on an increasing trend2. In the local context, it is projected that there would be 3.3 million Malaysians 60 years old and above affected by osteoporosis in 2050⁴. Notably, the survey also discovered that more than half (57%) of the respondents underestimated how common osteoporosis is among women1.   “Osteoporosis affects men and women, but women are at increased risk due to lower level of hormones in menopausal stage, with at least 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 who will experience osteoporotic fractures at some time in their lives2. It is important to educate the public on the role of lifestyle modifications through proper nutritional intake and staying active to ensure good bone health, especially among women and older persons,” said Dato’ Dr Lee Joon Kiong, President of Fragility Fracture Network Malaysia & Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.   “Consume a balanced diet, which is not just rich in calcium but also protein, key nutrients for bone health. Vitamin D is another very important nutrient in bone health, which is predominantly obtained from sunlight and in limited amounts from food. Due to the major lifestyle shift experienced due to COVID-19 restricting access to outdoor activities, ensure that you get at least 10-20 minutes of daily exposure to sunlight, an essential source of Vitamin D to strengthen bone health⁵,” emphasised Dato’ Lee.     Harnessing Digital Reach to Bridge the Awareness Gap Incorporating the survey insights that digital platforms are Malaysians’ go-to source for health information1, BHAM will be launching a series of digital activities to educate Malaysians about bone health knowledge and spur action. Championing the WOD theme of ‘Love Your Bones’ by International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), the virtual campaign serves to educate patients, caregivers, and the high-risk group on how they can take care of their bone health at all stages of life and address common misconceptions about bone health.   “We hope to rally Malaysians together and promote bone health awareness while creating positive behavioural change in bone health management, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shaping healthy lifestyle habits is crucial to ensuring good bone health and preventing fragility fractures. For example, the fear of falling becomes more common as people age. Prevent falls and fractures during daily activities such as walking or exercising by fall-proofing your home and adopting a fall-prevention strategy,” said Ms Choo Yem Kuen, President of Osteoporosis Awareness Society of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.   “Speak to your doctor to understand if you are at risk of osteoporosis, learn more about your symptoms, and identify suitable preventive measures to maintain good bone health. Bone health knowledge and improved understanding of your risk factors will help towards planning your osteoporosis prevention strategy. Don’t wait till it breaks, check your bones,” advised Ms Choo.   The upcoming WOD activities on the BHAM Facebook page include ‘WFH: Workout from Home Exercises with BHAM Physiotherapists’ FB Live session, ‘How to Fall-Proof Your Home Guide’, ‘Bone-Healthy Recipes’, and highlights from the BHAM bone health awareness survey. Selected audience members can also win vouchers for a complimentary bone health screening by participating in the virtual activities.                                                                                                               Follow BHAM on Facebook and stay tuned to updates here: https://www.facebook.com/BoneHealthAllianceMY/   Download the full press kit with hi-res photos HERE   About Bone Health Alliance Malaysia (BHAM) The Bone Health Alliance Malaysia is a collaborative partnership represented by the Osteoporosis Awareness Society of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (OASKLS), Fragility Fracture Network Malaysia (FFNM), and Malaysian Osteoporosis Society (MOS). Amgen Malaysia is the Supporting Corporate Partner. The partnership is forged to pave way for bone health promotion among local communities, meaningful stakeholder engagement, as well as enhanced treatment and diagnosis with the purpose of improving patient outcomes.   Ultimately, the Bone Health Alliance Malaysia aims to instil routine bone health screening for those aged 60 years old and above, and to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment in the Malaysian healthcare system. Since most patients only found out they have osteoporosis upon a fracture, the alliance is raising awareness through the slogan of ‘Don’t Wait ‘Till It Breaks, Check Your Bones’. Follow the official Facebook page at fb.com/BoneHealthAllianceMY.    ¹ Bone Health and Osteoporosis Awareness Survey by Bone Health Alliance Malaysia. July 2021.² International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). Epidemiology Of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures. Retrieved from: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures³ IOF. Risk Factors. Retrieved from: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis/risk-factors⁴Mafauzy M. The problems and challenges of the aging population of Malaysia. Malays J Med Sci. 2000;7(1):1-3.⁵ IOF. Vitamin D. Retrieved from: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/prevention/vitamin-d  SOURCE : Hexa-Communications

HONG KONG, Oct 7 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE)–The Chairman, a Cantonese restaurant in Central, renowned for its authentic, ingredients-driven cuisine, took the No.10 spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2021. A new entrant into this year’s top ten, The Chairman was also the recipient of the Highest Climber Award, having risen an impressive 31 places from its previous ranking.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211006005557/en/

Held on 5^th October in Antwerp, Flanders, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2021 saw restaurants from 26 countries across five continents place on the list. The Chairman was the only Chinese cuisine restaurant on the list. The news come after The Chairman won two coveted titles – The Best Restaurant in Asia and The Best Restaurant in China – in March 2021 in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2021.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants also revealed its list of restaurants ranked from 51^st to 100^th. Hong Kong is represented by Vea (No.71), Belon (No.88) and Amber (No.100).

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of more than 1,000 leaders, made up of food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and international culinary experts, votes and creates the annual list of restaurants.

For the full list, please visit https://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211006005557/en/

Contact

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Vivian Li
Tel: 2807 6206
Email: vivian.li@hktb.com

During non-office hours, please call 8200 7860.

Source : Hong Kong Tourism Board

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct 5 (Bernama) — Universal Therapeutics, a multinational pharmaceutical and biotech company based in Malaysia, today announced that the Medical Device Authority of Malaysia (MDA) has approved the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kit (Saliva) for self-testing. 

Manufactured by Triplex International Biosciences (China), the easy-to-use Rapid Test Kit can quickly detect the possibility of a COVID-19 infection, with a sensitivity of 100% specificity of 100% and accuracy of 100%. The test kit works by detecting the presence of the coronavirus nucleocapsid protein in saliva samples. Infants under the age of two are not recommended to use this test kit. 

“With the relentless spread of COVID-19, new variants and the huge strain on public healthcare systems, this easy-to-use saliva self-test kit meets the demand for a quick, affordable and accurate way to detect the virus, thereby aiding virus containment efforts,” said Sidney Soares, Chief Executive Officer, Universal Therapeutics.  

The kit will be made available through Universal Therapeutics’ network of hospitals, medical facilities, medical institutions and pharmacies.

For more information, please visit https://www.universal-therapeutics.com

For MDA’s list of approved COVID-19 test kits, visit
https://portal.mda.gov.my/announcement/631-self-test-covid-19-test-kit-for-conditional-approval-approved.html 

About Universal Therapeutics:
Universal Therapeutics is a multinational pharmaceutical and biotech company based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The company’s businesses include manufacturing, distribution and white label production of pharmaceutical products, medical supplies, and PPEs in Asia and throughout the world.

Universal Therapeutics distributes nitrile gloves; three-ply face masks; KN95 and N95 masks; Covid-19 Rapid Antigen tests to wholesalers, medical institutions, and government organisations. All our products comply with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and are accredited and approved by various health ministries as safe for human use. 

Source:Universal Therapeutics

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Samuel CHAI
Chief Commercial Officer
Tel: +60 3 9213 0318
Email: GroupPR@Universal-Therapeutics.com
Website: www.Universal-Therapeutics.com 

–BERNAMA

^{College of Life Science dean Kao Ruey-Ho (left) and Department of Medical Science chair Chen Linyi (right) prepare for the post-baccalaureate program in medicine. (Photo: National Tsing Hua University)}

HSINCHU, Taiwan, Oct 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — National Tsing Hua University’s plan to establish a post-baccalaureate program in medicine has been approved at a recent cross-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry of Education. The school’s recruitment and admission application process will begin by the end of 2021, and the first class of government-sponsored students will be enrolled in September 2022.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211001005043/en/ NTHU President Hocheng Hong said that NTHU already has a strong foundation in cross-disciplinary research in medical science, including big data analysis, application of artificial intelligence (AI), bioengineering, material science, and nuclear medicine, by which the school is well-positioned to train physicians specializing in more than one expertise. As such, this new program represents a quantum jump in medical education in Taiwan.

President Hocheng said that NTHU already has sufficient number of faculty members, funding, and infrastructure for the new program. In addition to the existing 180 faculty members teaching related courses, the program has recently recruited an additional 71 full-time faculty members, and 87 physician scientists from leading medical centers throughout Taiwan as adjunct faculty members. Moreover, the provisional office of this program has raised NT$2 billion for medical education. An ongoing plan for establishing a state-of-the-art teaching hospital and medical complex in the Taoyuan Aerotropolis next to the Taoyuan International Airport is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The post-baccalaureate program in medicine is a four-year program, open for graduates from all disciplines. The government-sponsored students will be required to serve in a public healthcare facility for six years. They will have an opportunity to undertake an additional two years of advanced training in a medical center.

NTHU will draw on its extensive experience in student recruitment to admit only those applicants who meet the stringent admission qualifications, the innovative student selection process could open a new path for medical education in Taiwan.

The post-baccalaureate program in medicine will be part of the future College of Life Sciences and Medicine (currently the College of Life Science). Dean of the College of Life Science, Kao Ruey-Ho, former Superintendent of Tzu Chi Medical Center, said that applicants who apply directly to NTHU will be evaluated based on test scores, transcripts, and interviews, to select students who have demonstrated academic excellence, as well as a passion for medicine and public welfare.

Government-sponsored students in the program will take several courses designed to prepare them for practicing in a rural area, such as Community Medicine Practicum, and make good use of AI diagnosis and telemedicine technology; they will also attend seminars on altruism and dedication to public health, which will be taught by laureates of the Medical Contribution Award.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211001005043/en/

Contact

Holly Hsueh
NTHU
(886)3-5162006
hoyu@mx.nthu.edu.tw

Source : National Tsing Hua University