Bridgehead Software Expands Global Product Marketing Team

Rob Quinn Joins the Company to Leverage His Extensive Clinical Software Experience to Lead the Product Marketing Function, WorldwideWOBURN, Mass. and Ashtead, UK – September 26, 2017 – BridgeHead Software, a leader in healthcare data management, today announced the addition of Rob Quinn to lead Global Product Marketing. He brings more than 15 years’ experience in healthcare IT product marketing and will be instrumental in driving BridgeHead’s solution strategy and go-to-market initiatives. “Just as today’s hospitals are striving for better engagement with their patient populations, Rob will drive our efforts toward more frequent, outcome-based communications with our customers on a global scale,” said Michael Ball, chief business development officer. “Beyond his expertise in product marketing, he is well versed in clinical applications, cloud-based services, agile product design and delivery, and rapid validation – that will be invaluable to the company in the months and years ahead.”Although, primarily based out of BridgeHead’s Boston office, the Product Marketing function is a global one, because of the company’s widespread customer base and extensive partner network.“I’m excited to join BridgeHead Software,” said Mr. Quinn. “With the continued focus in Healthcare to improve patient care while reducing costs – BridgeHead’s HealthStore solution helps hospitals consolidate the vast amounts of patient information stored in siloed departmental imaging solutions or legacy EMR and ambulatory systems. Our solution enables clinicians to quickly access all this information centrally from within one view within their EMR. This helps improves patient care, streamlines the workflow for clinicians, and provides a cost savings to hospitals by eliminating the need to maintain and support legacy systems.” Prior to joining BridgeHead, Rob led Product Marketing teams for several healthcare software leaders including AGFA HealthCare, Clinical Ink, Haemonetics and Phase Forward (acquired by Oracle). As Global Product Marketing Director at AGFA, Rob led pragmatic-marketing efforts to launch the company’s enterprise imaging IT solution while also focusing on improving operational efficiency and profitability. Rob earned a BS in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts.About BridgeHead SoftwareWith 20 years’ experience in data and storage management, BridgeHead Software is trusted by over 1,200 hospitals worldwide. Today, BridgeHead Software helps healthcare facilities overcome challenges stemming from rising data volumes and increasing storage costs, while delivering peace of mind around how to store, protect and share clinical and administrative information.BridgeHead’s Healthcare Data Management solutions are designed to work with any hospital’s chosen applications and storage hardware, regardless of vendor, providing greater choice, flexibility and control over the way data is managed, now and in the future. For more information, visit http://www.bridgeheadsoftware.com or follow on Twitter at @BridgeHeadHDM.For more informationVisit http://www.bridgeheadsoftware.com Follow the BridgeHead Software blog Follow us on TwitterFollow us on LinkedInLike BridgeHead Software on FacebookFollow BridgeHead Software on Google+###UK and EMEABryony CoxMantis PRMobile: + 44 7860 951 092Email: bryonycox@mantispr.co.uk Source: RealWire

Jones Robinson Estate Agents gives another £10,000 for match funding to The Rosemary Appeal via The Good Exchange on-line matching platform

London, 7 November 2017 - West Berkshire estate agents Jones Robinson has announced it will give another £10,000 via The Good Exchange’s on-line matching platform to help the Rosemary Appeal get closer to its fundraising target to build a new cancer centre and renal dialysis unit at West Berkshire Hospital.The £10,000 gift, which is in addition to the £10,000 already generously donated, is being awarded as match funding through The Good Exchange on-line funder/fundraiser matching platform, which means all donations made to the Rosemary Appeal through The Good Exchange will be doubled, effectively turning £10,000 into £20,000.Newbury and Thatcham Hospital Buildings Trust and Newbury Cancer Care Trust have already raised over £3m in just 12 months. But the appeal still needs to raise another £1.6m and is looking for charitable trusts, corporate sponsors and individual donors and fundraisers to help. Colin Weatherup, fundraiser and spokesman for The Rosemary Appeal said: “We are extremely grateful to Jones Robinson for offering another tranche of funding to the Rosemary Appeal. Companies pledging to match individual donations through The Good Exchange demonstrate how the local community and business can work together in partnership to achieve goals that benefit the wider community and the match funding approach offers a great incentive for more donors to get involved.“We are so grateful for the amazing generosity of the local community which has enabled us to start building work but we still need your help.” Since becoming The Rosemary Appeal’s official corporate sponsor in February, Jones Robinson has been busy organising and running a number of events to raise awareness and funds.Jones Robinson Partner, Charles Robinson said: “With community at the heart of our business, becoming involved with an appeal like this is a natural step for us. It has been a real pleasure talking to people and raising awareness of this fantastic and important cause which affects so many and is so close to our hearts.” The Newbury-based estate agents held a 24-hour static cycle ride event which smashed its initial target managing to raise over £4,000 through sponsorship, cake sales and bucket donations on the day of the ride. More recently, staff organised a rounders tournament for local businesses and managed to add a further £1,250 to the fundraising pot. “It has been really rewarding for all concerned to experience the sportsmanship and camaraderie (not to mention some healthy rivalry) of the participants, as well as the positive response and kindness from our donors and well-wishers. We look forward to seeing what our appeal Task Force will come up with next…” added Charles.Ed Gairdner, COO The Good Exchange said “Businesses, charitable trusts and other organisations wanting to make the most of their donations to good causes have found The Good Exchange’s match funding capability an invaluable feature of the platform. Incentivising employees and fundraisers with an opportunity to double the money they raise energises their fundraising efforts and helps charitable organisations and projects to meet their fundraising targets significantly faster”.To make a donation to The Rosemary Appeal or to become a fundraiser please visit http://bit.ly/thegoodexchangerosemaryappealNotes to editors The Good Exchange is a cloud-based online fundraising platform which matches charities and community organisations which are fundraising for community projects with funders and corporate as well as helping them attract donors and fundraisers.The Good Exchange has helped local communities raise over £5m in the year since it launched and is now scaling its operations into Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and the rest of Berkshire. We are looking to attract new charities and community organisations seeking funds as well as charitable trusts, local authorities, corporate sponsors and individuals looking to give money to good causes.@newburyagent @RosemaryAppealFor more information please contact:Marina Stedman (Head of Marketing)DD: 01635 500326M: 07885 379907 E: marina.stedman@thegoodexchange.com @thegoodexchange https://thegoodexchange.com/ Media contactsCaitlin Mullally / Charlotte MartinThe Good Exchange team at Finn PartnersTheGoodExchange@finnpartners.com 020 3217 7060Source: RealWire

BD Launches Circulating Cell-Free DNA Blood Collection Tube for Cancer and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Applications

CE-IVD labeled PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA tube will be available in Western Europe FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. and EYSINS, SWITZERLAND, February 21, 2018 – BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, today announced the commercial availability of the CE-IVD marked PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA tube within the European Economic Area and Switzerland (Western Europe). The plastic blood collection tube, which includes a proprietary sample stabilization additive and BD Vacutainer® Hemogard™ technology to help protect healthcare worker safety, was designed to ensure accurate and reproducible results in molecular diagnostic testing applications using circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA), such as cancer and non-invasive prenatal tests. The product was developed by PreAnalytiX GmbH, a joint venture between BD and QIAGEN. Cells, including fetal cells, tumor cells, or cells from transplanted organs, release DNA into the blood stream. This DNA can be analyzed using PCR or next-generation sequencing to understand genetic characteristics of a developing fetus, a cancer tumor, or a transplanted organ from a blood draw. Molecular diagnostic tests using ccfDNA enable clinicians to gain actionable biological insights without a tissue biopsy or similar invasive test.The PAXgene Blood ccfDNA tube provides a solution for clinical laboratories to stabilize samples when the sample cannot be processed on the same day it was collected. Where standard EDTA tubes require processing within hours before cells die and release genomic DNA into blood plasma (thus changing the native ccfDNA profile), the PAXgene tube has a unique stabilization chemistry that enables collection and processing to occur days apart, addressing a critical logistical hurdle for reference labs offering molecular testing outside of the hospital setting. “Many molecular diagnostic companies, particularly in the cancer space, are developing new tests for monitoring and screening patients. They need a safe, clinically acceptable system for blood collection and ccfDNA processing that is capable of stabilizing a sample so that ccfDNA extraction can occur after the sample is transferred to another location, something that’s not possible with EDTA tubes,” said Frank Augello, general manager, PreAnalytiX GmbH. “This product will help molecular diagnostics companies in Western Europe offering ccfDNA based tests to grow their markets more quickly and ultimately help more patients access leading edge care.” “Reducing the potential for preanalytical errors is critical to ensuring the accuracy of molecular diagnostic tests,” said Uwe Oelmueller, Ph.D., vice president, head of MDx development sample technologies for QIAGEN, GmbH. “We are confident that the CE-IVD marked version of the PAXgene Blood ccfDNA tube will provide robust safety, and reliable and reproducible ccfDNA-based test results, helping to expand access to molecular diagnostic testing in Western Europe.”Since 2016, PreAnalytiX has marketed a research use only (RUO) version of the PAXgene Blood ccfDNA tube together with the QIAsymphony® PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA kit as a fully integrated and standardized system covering all preanalytical workflow steps from blood collection, stabilization, transport, storage and isolation of high quality ccfDNA. The RUO tube version has the same format and stabilization chemistry as the new CE-marked version. The RUO version of the tube will be discontinued as customers adopt the CE-IVD. For more information, visit https://www.preanalytix.com/products/blood/ccfDNA/paxgene-blood-ccfdna-tube-ivd-use.About PreAnalytiXPreAnalytiX, a joint venture between BD and QIAGEN, develops, manufactures and sells integrated and standardized systems for sample collection, stabilization and purification of high-quality RNA, microRNA and DNA from human blood, bone marrow, or tissue specimens. The company serves healthcare institutions, academic researchers, clinical laboratories and the pharmaceutical industry with a broad array of manual and automated products.About BDBD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 65,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help improve patient outcomes, improve the safety and efficiency of clinicians’ care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to better diagnose disease and advance researchers’ capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. In 2017, BD welcomed C. R. Bard and its products into the BD family. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com.About QIAGENQIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands-based holding company, is the leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions that enable customers to gain valuable molecular insights from samples containing the building blocks of life. Our sample technologies isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from blood, tissue and other materials. Assay technologies make these biomolecules visible and ready for analysis. Bioinformatics software and knowledge bases interpret data to report relevant, actionable insights. Automation solutions tie these together in seamless and cost-effective workflows. QIAGEN provides solutions to more than 500,000 customers around the world in Molecular Diagnostics (human healthcare), Applied Testing (forensics, veterinary testing and food safety), Pharma (pharma and biotech companies) and Academia (life sciences research). As of September 30, 2017, QIAGEN employed approximately 4,600 people in over 35 locations worldwide. Further information can be found at http://www.qiagen.com.Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains certain forward-looking statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) regarding PAXgene Blood ccfDNA tube. Forward looking statements may be identified by use of words such as “will”, "intend", "plan", "believe", "expect" or other words of similar meaning. All such statements are based upon the current expectations of BD and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statement, including, without limitation, regulatory changes, competition, rapid or unexpected changes in technologies, and the ability to gain market. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof except as required by applicable laws or regulations.###Contacts:Gwen Gordon BD Public Relations858.812.3724 gwen.gordon@bd.comMonique N. DoleckiBD Investor Relations201.847.5378monique_dolecki@bd.comSource: RealWire

REaD Group and Marie Curie Celebrate Award Success with Multi Award-Winning Insight Project

But the real winner is dataLondon, 5 August 2019 – Marketing data and insight agency REaD Group has further cemented its success in data-driven and insight marketing after winning a number of awards at two separate industry events, and being shortlisted for a further three categories in a third.Alongside Marie Curie, REaD Group was named as winner of the Best Use of Insight Award at the IoF National Fundraising Awards on 2nd July for the Big SHIFT project. The National Fundraising Awards celebrate the very best in fundraising and are a unique opportunity to showcase excellence in the charity fundraising sector.The award follows swiftly on the heels of REaD’s win at the Insight in Fundraising Awards in June. Together with Marie Curie, REaD took home the Most Powerful Insight using Data Analysis award. The awards recognise the best work, innovation and inspirational stories of individuals working in data, analysis and insight contributing to fundraising practices.REaD was also shortlisted for three categories in the DataIQ Awards for Transformation with Data, alongside Marie Curie; Best Use of Data in a Marketing Programme, with customer Titan Travel; and the Best Place to Work. “It is a genuine honour that REaD Group and Marie Curie have been recognised in these prestigious awards – a reflection of the power and impact that data and insight can have on a charity’s fundraising initiatives,” commented REaD CEO, Jon Cano-Lopez. “The real winner, though, is data. In these highly regulated times, all businesses need to be confident that their data is clean, accurate, complete and compliant. And with the technology available to manage data quality more efficiently and securely advancing almost daily, there really is no excuse for it not to be.”Deeper insight projects can completely transform business structures and promote new and more productive ways of working – as the award-winning project delivered with Marie Curie UK so aptly demonstrates.Marie Curie provides care and support for people living with a terminal illness, and their families across the UK, with people interacting with the charity through many touchpoints, including its hospices, nursing services and shops. The Big SHIFT project aims to model the effect of these services on fundraising income. A team of senior analysts was established, both internal and external, comprising Steve White from Marie Curie, Scott Logie and Diane Dao from REaD Group, Colin Stewart from Caversham Analytics and Andrew Lockett of Natural Data Insight.A carefully-constructed methodology enabled the creation of a baseline fundraising landscape onto which Marie Curie-specific variables were overlaid. Analysis of these ‘layers’ generated predictive models that were then mapped, highlighting areas where fundraising performance is above or below expected levels, in the context of service provision in the locality. A strategically-powerful tool, it has already delivered surprising and extremely effective insights.“This project has been a great example of successful collaboration and team work,” commented Steve White, Fundraising Strategy and Insights Manager at Marie Curie. “Understanding these impacts has not only provided invaluable insight that helps to inform our business and marketing decisions, it has also supported the business case for different areas of the organisation working more closely together.”- Ends -For an interview with REaD Group or Marie Curie, please contact:Kate Gordon, Bright Spark PR for REaD Groupkate@brightsparkpr.co.uk T 07980 921961Joe BookbinderMarie CurieJoe.Bookbinder@mariecurie.org.uk T 0207 599 7703About REaD GroupREaD Group is a marketing data and insight company that gives brands the right to be personal. Data - particularly quality data and data quality - is at the heart of everything it does: REaD believes that there isn’t a marketing challenge that data cannot solve.To genuinely engage customers, brands must create communications that are timely, relevant and permissioned. REaD uses its unrivalled data products, insight and expertise to helps its clients get closer to their customers, offering market-leading data quality and cleaning solutions and trusted marketing data.For more information visit readgroup.co.uk. About Marie Curie – care and support through terminal illnessMarie Curie is the UK’s leading charity for people with any terminal illness. The charity helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert hands-on care, emotional support, research and guidance.Marie Curie employs more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and with its nine hospices around the UK, is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS.For more information visit http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/ Like us at www.facebook.com/mariecurieuk Follow us on www.twitter.com/mariecurieuk Source: RealWire

Obesity epidemic results in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) becoming the most common cause of liver disease in Europe

World’s leading experts gather in Seville to discuss the fastest growing health epidemic in Europe now affecting 1 in 4 people.26 September 2019 – Seville, Spain The Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease prevalence in Europe is a preventable epidemic, leading researchers will report at the EASL Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Summit 2019 taking place this week in Seville, Spain.More than half of adults and one third of children in Europe are classified as overweight or obese, with the highest proportion coming from lower socio-economic groups where NAFLD is prevalent. NAFLD is the accumulation of excess fat in the liver and is now the most common cause of liver disease in Western countries due to the rapid rise in levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes. It is a major European health burden resulting in liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, as well as big increases in cardiovascular disease and non-liver cancers.Lack of physical activity and excess calorie intake leads to weight gain and fat deposition, which plays a major role in the development and progression of NAFLD.“We have reached a tipping point with obesity and NAFLD and swift action is urgently needed by policy makers to reverse the growing epidemic. Obesity is the normal response to an abnormal environment and can only be tackled by addressing the multiple physical, social and economic obesogenic drivers in society.” said Philip N. Newsome, Secretary General of the European Association for the Study of Liver Disease (EASL) and also Director of the Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research & Professor of Hepatology at the University of Birmingham. There is an acute need to improve the diagnostic tools for NAFLD, and EASL is actively supporting several such research projects. “Meanwhile we need to educate healthcare professionals how to make early diagnoses and implement interventions that can prevent progression to a more advanced disease. We also need to empower patients so they know what steps they can take to reduce their own risk.”“It is clear that many of the causes of NAFLD – sedentary behaviour, excessive energy intake and a poor diet are avoidable. If we are to reduce the incidence of obesity and NAFLD we need to have a significant re-think about the regulations regarding the sale and marketing of sugar products,” concludes Newsome.Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are one of the largest sources of added sugar with little, if any, nutritional value. Consequently, consumption of SSBs is now one of the leading causes of childhood and adult obesity and is associated with NAFLD and increased liver damage.EASL has been strongly advocating for the introduction of fiscal measures to discourage the consumption of SSBs and for legislation to ensure that the food industry improves the labelling and composition of processed foods.Helena Cortez-Pinto, EASL EU Policy Councillor and Professor at the Faculty of Medicine in Lisbon:“Across the WHO European Region children are regularly exposed to marketing that promotes foods and drinks high in energy, saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, added sugar or salt. Food and beverage advertisements, and in particular those embedded in children’s TV programmes, electronic and social media, have been shown to drive consumption of high-calorie and low-nutrient beverages and foods. EASL has argued that public health policy needs to include restrictions on the advertising and marketing to children of SSBs and industrially processed foods high in saturated fat, sugar and salt.”Researchers at the NAFLD Summit will also hear about solutions that include promoting a better diet and physical activity. EASL´s annual International Liver Congress™ taking place in London 15-19 April 2020 will have as its theme “A healthy liver for a healthy you”.“Healthy eating is an important step in the right direction, but this needs to be supported by fiscal measures from governments to encourage behavioural change.” “The Mediterranean Diet, characterised by a high intake of olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables and fish, and a low intake of red and processed meat and added sugar, is an effective solution and one that is beneficial in the treatment and also in the prevention of NAFLD,” concludes Prof. Cortez-Pinto.* * * ENDS * * *Further Information:Media enquiries:Michael Kesslermichael.kessler@intoon-media.com+34 655792699Karen MazzoliHead of Marketing & CommunicationEuropean Association for the Study of the Liverkaren.mazzoli@easloffice.euAbout EASL – The Home of HepatologySince its foundation in 1966, this not-for-profit organization has grown to over 4,000 members from all over the world, including many of the leading hepatologists in Europe and beyond. EASL is the leading liver association in Europe, having evolved into a major European association with international influence, and with a track record in promoting research in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy. More information https://easl.eu/press-release/easl-nafld-obesity-epidemic-europe/ Source: RealWire

Hitachi and Centre Léon Bérard cancer center in Lyon to launch a research collaboration in the fight against cancer with AI

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, “Hitachi”) and Centre Léon Bérard (CLB), a leading French Comprehensive Cancer Center in Lyon-France, announced today that they have entered into an agreement to jointly promote research and development aimed at improving the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of cancer and established a new research laboratory called Hitachi Lyon Lab on the CLB site, starting November 5th.In this collaboration, Hitachi and CLB will conduct research and development of novel technologies to detect and diagnose cancers exploiting medical images such as CT/MRI using artificial intelligence (AI) and to predict response to radiation therapy using tumor genomic and transcriptomic data.According to statistics from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Japan has the largest number of CTs and MRIs per million people. With the improvements of diagnostic imaging equipment, the number of images read by radiologists is increasing, and technologies that reduce the burden on radiologists using artificial intelligence are being actively developed. In addition, as a result of dramatic progress in gene analysis technology in recent years, it has become possible to analyse individual genome information at low cost, and personalized medicine that provides medical care suitable for each individual has been a key concern mainly in developed countries.Hitachi provides solutions that improve the quality and efficiency of medical care, from diagnostic/clinical fields such as diagnostic imaging equipment and particle therapy systems to informatics fields such as IT and AI. In addition, Hitachi has been contributing to maintaining and improving people’s quality of life by delivering particle therapy systems to a number of world-renowned hospitals, where more than 60,000 people have been treated with Hitachi’s systems so far.CLB is a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Lyon – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France, whose missions are care, research and education. It is affiliated to UNICANCER, the French Comprehensive Cancer Centers federation, counting twenty other cancer centers. CLB provides state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients such as innovative therapies and radiation therapy. Images, as well as molecular data from tumors, are collected and stored overtime for research purpose, upon consent from patients.Hitachi and CLB will conduct joint research at Hitachi Lyon Lab to improve the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of cancer, by combining CLB’s clinical expertise and patient data related to cancer treatment with Hitachi's know-how in diagnostic imaging and IT/AI. Specifically, they will jointly develop diagnostic imaging technologies to detect potential cancer sites and assist radiologists’ diagnosis from image data such as CT and MRI using AI. Identification of biomarkers exploiting genomic data in the context of resistance will allow to predict responses and prognoses upon radiation treatment.Hitachi will continue to accelerate global R&D with advanced medical institutions and universities in the healthcare field, and will work with partners in joint research to create new value and contribute to improving the quality and efficiency of care.About Hitachi Ltdhttp://www.hitachi-medical-systems.eu/information/boilterplates/about-hitachi-ltd.htmlAbout Hitachi Medical Systems Europe http://www.hitachi-medical-systems.eu/information/boilterplates/about-hitachi-medical-systems-europe.htmlAbout Centre Léon Bérardhttp://www.hitachi-medical-systems.eu/information/boilterplates/about-centre-leon-berard.html Contact:Hitachi Medical Systems Europe Holding AGRomea WallnoeferTel: +41 41 748 63 33r.wallnoefer@hitachi-medical-systems.com Centre Léon BérardNathalie BlancTel: +33 (0)4 78 78 51 43nathalie.blanc@lyon.unicancerSource: RealWire

SOTIO exercises second target option under existing collaboration with NBE-Therapeutics to develop next-generation antibody-drug conjugates

Basel, Switzerland & Prague, Czech Republic – November 7, 2019 – NBE-Therapeutics AG and SOTIO a.s. today announced that SOTIO has elected a second target for the development of a next generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) under their existing license and collaboration agreement. NBE and SOTIO will collaborate on the discovery, non-clinical development and manufacturing of this second undisclosed target. The development will be based on NBE’s proprietary antibody drug conjugate platform, including NBE’s site-specific SMAC-technology™ conjugation and its new, highly potent anthracycline toxin platforms. SOTIO will take global responsibility for clinical development, registration and commercialization of the ADC products.NBE-Therapeutics’ new iADC™ platform creates highly potent and safe immune-stimulatory ADCs with an anthracycline payload, inducing a long-lasting immunological anti-tumor effect. It has shown unprecedented preclinical data in efficacy, as well as safety, in multiple pipeline programs. Its lead program NBE-002 against the ROR1 target has successfully passed the GLP tox study and is in the final stages of CMC. It is expected to begin its first in-human study by mid-2020 for triple negative breast cancer and lung cancer, as well as other cancer indications. NBE is eligible for the option exercise fee, as well as milestone payments and royalties based on global net product sales. In addition, NBE will be reimbursed for its R&D expenses incurred in connection with product development in collaboration with SOTIO.Dr. Ulf Grawunder, CEO of NBE-Therapeutics commented: “We are very enthusiastic that SOTIO has nominated a second ADC program under the existing collaboration agreement between SOTIO and NBE, confirming the high quality of our ADC platform. We have now created a robust and scalable ADC platform that enables us to leverage iADC development in clinical studies for multiple programs. The collaboration with Sotio over the past years has further strengthened our technology and we are very proud to have them on board for a second iADC development program.”“Based on the very encouraging data from our first collaboration target with NBE and the SO-N102 program, as well as the data of NBE’s proprietary program NBE-002, we have now exercised the second target option in the collaboration,” mentions Dr. Radek Spisek, CEO of SOTIO. “NBE’s product platform addresses the key issues of today’s antibody-drug conjugates and has the potential to provide new and superior treatment options for cancer patients.”About NBE-TherapeuticsNBE-Therapeutics is a privately-owned Swiss, Basel-based biotech company, founded in 2012 with the vision of developing next-generation immune-stimulatory antibody drug conjugate (iADC™) products. NBE advances its products to clinical proof of concept with the goal of improving treatment options for cancer patients. The company leverages proprietary platforms covering all aspects of ADC development: its Transpo-mAb Display™ technology for antibody discovery, its SMAC-Technology™ for site-specific payload conjugation of toxins to antibodies and a novel highly effective and immune-stimulatory anthracycline-based toxin platform. The company is financially backed by the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (D), the PPF Group and Novo Holdings (DK) as institutional investors, and by additional Swiss, German and Dutch private investors. For more information about NBE visit the website www.nbe-therapeutics.com.About SOTIOSOTIO is an international biotechnology company leading the efforts of PPF Group to build a diverse biotechnology portfolio through its own research & development, collaborations, in-licensing, investments, mergers and acquisitions. The company is developing new medical therapies, focusing on the treatment of cancer. The most advanced project is its proprietary platform of active cellular immunotherapy on the basis of dendritic cells. SOTIO is verifying the safety and efficacy of its DCVAC products through multiple Phase I to Phase III clinical trials. One of its affiliates, Cytune Pharma, a French biotechnology company focusing on developing novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, is currently evaluating its SO-C101 (IL-15-based) lead program in Phase I clinical trial in collaboration with SOTIO. SOTIO is also looking to partner with other companies and institutions that develop promising oncology therapeutics. SOTIO has facilities in Europe, the United States, China and Russia and has all the functionalities needed for research, clinical development and market access in-house. For more information about the company visit the website www.sotio.com.-end-Media EnquiriesUlf GrawunderCEO, NBE Therapeutics AGT: +41 61 633 2230E: ulf.grawunder@nbe-therapeutics.com Source: RealWire