March 21, 2022

Taconic Biosciences Improves rasH2 Carcinogenicity Test System Access in Asia-Pacific Region

Four-way distribution partnership provides quality, consistent rasH2 supply to India and China, better serving global customers

RENSSELAER, N.Y., March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in providing drug discovery animal model solutions, has appointed Nomura Siam International Co., Ltd. (NSI) and Nomura Jimusho. Inc. (NJI) as sales agents and distributors of the rasH2 Mouse Carcinogenicity Test System in India and China, respectively. These distribution arrangements greatly improve rasH2 access for the burgeoning pharmaceutical industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

The rasH2 transgenic mouse model is the only short-term (6-month) carcinogenicity test system that is both accepted by global regulatory authorities and readily available in commercial production. Invented by the Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), the rasH2 model is widely used as an alternative to the 2-year carcinogenicity bioassay, providing a faster, more accurate test system that better aligns with Russell & Burch’s 3R tenets. Taconic and CLEA Japan, Inc (CLEA) have provided validated and consistent rasH2 mice for use in North America, Europe, and Asia since 2006, though access in India and China has been limited. As drug discovery and development activity increases in India and China, access to a carcinogenicity assay that is accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as local authorities, is vital.

Under the new agreement, NSI serves as sales agent and distributor for India and NJI as sales agent and distributor for China. These distributors and sales agents greatly simplify the transaction process for users located in these countries. NSI and NJI will leverage CLEA and Taconic production colonies in Japan, Denmark, and the US to meet customer demand, facilitating investigator access. Taconic, CLEA, and CIEA closely monitor these colonies and perform regular functional studies using positive control compounds to assure performance critical for drug safety assessment. The arrangement also allows CLEA and Taconic to align production to meet global demand through improved visibility into rasH2 global use and needs.

“The rasH2 model has delivered on the promise of transgenic technology by demonstrating exceptional value in carcinogenicity assessment of new drugs, and the worldwide adoption of this system is a testament to its advantages in terms of speed, specificity, and total cost,” said Dr. Michael Seiler, vice president commercial products at Taconic.

“This historic collaboration ensures customers in every country have full access to the rasH2 carcinogenicity test system,” said Ryuta Nomura, CIEA chairman of the board and CEO. “This partnership will significantly increase the likelihood that all customers globally receive rasH2 as requested with minimal delay, enabling studies to be performed sooner and ultimately helping to get new life-saving medications on the market faster.”

To learn more about the rasH2 model, please call 1-888-TACONIC (888-822-6642) in the US, +45 70 23 04 05 in Europe, or email info@taconic.com.

About Taconic Biosciences, Inc.

Taconic Biosciences is a fully-licensed, global leader in genetically engineered rodent models and services. Founded in 1952, Taconic provides the best animal solutions so that customers can acquire, custom-generate, breed, precondition, test, and distribute valuable research models worldwide. Specialists in genetically engineered mouse and rat models, microbiome, immuno-oncology mouse models, and integrated model design and breeding services, Taconic operates service laboratories and breeding facilities in the US and Europe, maintains distributor relationships in Asia, and has global shipping capabilities to provide animal models almost anywhere in the world.

About CIEA:

Central Institute for Experimental Animals is a private and independent non-profit institute, founded in 1952 with the aim of contributing to medical care and medical science based on animal experiments.

About CLEA:

CLEA Japan Inc. was founded in 1965 as a total system supplier of laboratory animals, their diet and equipment, to support bioscience research and development with a vision of health, welfare, and environment for humans.

CLEA operates four breeding facilities in Japan, a joint venture facility in Thailand, and Technical Service Center near Mt. Fuji in Japan.

About Nomura Siam International Co. Ltd. (NSI):

Nomura Siam International Co. Ltd., based in Bangkok, Thailand, was jointly established in 2012 by CLEA Japan, Inc. and Nomura Jimusho, Inc. to provide a one-stop service for the laboratory animal field. As a one-stop service supplier, NSI not only sells laboratory animals but also handles a wide range of related products, including equipment for rearing animals and experiments, feeds, and bedding, as well as provides consulting services for preclinical research and designing facilities for laboratory animals.

About Nomura Jimusho. Inc. (NJI):

Established in 1933 for petroleum-related businesses and diversified the activities to deal in products with unique and distinct characteristics in fields such as oil-refining catalysts, special materials, plastic containers, specialty chemicals, and life sciences. In the life sciences field, NJI/NSI have been supplying laboratory animals and various laboratory animal equipment for over a decade to overseas market, such as China, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and recently India in the partnership with Taconic Biosciences, Inc.

Media Contact:

Aidan Bouchelle
Associate Director, Marketing Operations
518-949-7598
Aidan.Bouchelle@taconic.com

March 21, 2022

Taconic Biosciences améliore l’accès au système d’essai de carcinogénicité rasH2 dans la région Asie-Pacifique

Le partenariat de distribution quadripartite prévoit un approvisionnement constant et de qualité du test rasH2 en Inde et en Chine afin de mieux satisfaire la clientèle mondiale

RENSSELAER, N.Y., 21 mars 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Taconic Biosciences, l’un des leaders mondiaux des solutions de modèles animaux pour la mise au point de médicaments, a nommé les entreprises Nomura Siam International Co., Ltd. (NSI) et Nomura Jimusho, Inc. (NJI) en tant qu’agents commerciaux et distributeurs du système d’essai de carcinogénicité sur rongeur rasH2 respectivement en Inde et en Chine. Ce partenariat de distribution améliorera considérablement l’accès au test rasH2 au profit de l’industrie pharmaceutique dans la région Asie-Pacifique, actuellement en plein essor.

Le modèle de rongeur transgénique rasH2 est le seul système d’essai de carcinogénicité à court terme (6 mois) qui soit à la fois homologué par les autorités réglementaires mondiales et aisément disponible aux fins de production commerciale. Inventé à l’origine par le CIEA (Central Institute for Experimental Animals), le modèle rasH2 est largement employé comme alternative à l’étude de carcinogénicité sur 2 ans, grâce à un système de test plus rapide, plus précis et mieux aligné avec les tènements 3R de Russell & Burch. Taconic et CLEA Japan, Inc (CLEA) fournissent des souris rasH2 validées et cohérentes pour une utilisation en Amérique du Nord, en Europe et en Asie depuis 2006, alors que l’accès en Inde et en Chine avait toujours été limité. L’activité de découverte et de développement de médicaments progresse en Inde et en Chine, au point que l’accès à un essai de carcinogénicité validé à la fois par la FDA (Food and Drug Administration) américaine, l’Agence européenne des médicaments (EMA) et les autorités locales était devenu essentiel.

En vertu de ce nouvel accord, NSI agira en qualité d’agent commercial et distributeur pour l’Inde, tandis que NJI officiera avec les mêmes prérogatives pour la Chine. Ces distributeurs et agents de vente simplifieront considérablement la procédure de transaction pour les utilisateurs situés dans ces pays. NSI et NJI tireront parti des colonies de production de CLEA et Taconic au Japon, au Danemark et aux États-Unis afin de répondre à la demande des clients en facilitant l’accès aux enquêteurs. Taconic, CLEA et CIEA surveillent étroitement ces colonies et effectuent régulièrement des études fonctionnelles à l’aide de composés de contrôle positifs afin d’assurer des performances critiques pour l’évaluation de l’innocuité des médicaments. Cet arrangement contractuel vise également à permettre à CLEA et Taconic d’harmoniser leur production de manière à répondre à la demande mondiale grâce à une meilleure visibilité sur les usages et besoins mondiaux en matière de tests rasH2.

« Le modèle rasH2 a tenu les promesses de la technologie transgénique en démontrant sa valeur exceptionnelle lors de l’évaluation de la carcinogénicité des nouveaux médicaments. L’adoption mondiale de ce système témoigne de ses atouts en termes de rapidité, de spécificité et de coût total », a déclaré le Dr Michael Seiler, vice-président en charge des produits commerciaux chez Taconic.

« Cette collaboration historique garantit aux clients de tous les pays un accès complet au système d’essai de carcinogénicité rasH2 », a précisé Ryuta Nomura, président du conseil d’administration et PDG du CIEA. « Ce partenariat augmentera considérablement la probabilité que tous les clients du monde entier reçoivent le rasH2 conformément à la demande et avec un délai minimal, ce qui permettra aux études d’être réalisées plus tôt et, en fin de compte, contribuera à mettre plus rapidement sur le marché de nouveaux médicaments salvateurs », a ajouté M. Nomura.

Pour en savoir plus sur les produits et services de Taconic, veuillez composer le 1-888-TACONIC (888-822-6642) aux États-Unis, le +45 70 23 04 05 en Europe, ou envoyer un e-mail à l’adresse info@taconic.com.

À propos de Taconic Biosciences, Inc.

Taconic Biosciences est un leader mondial pleinement agréé dans les modèles et les services de rongeurs génétiquement modifiés. Fondée en 1952, Taconic offre les meilleures solutions animales afin que les clients puissent acquérir, générer d’une manière personnalisée, élever, pré-conditionner, tester et distribuer des modèles de recherche précieux dans le monde entier. Spécialiste des modèles de souris et de rats génétiquement modifiés, du microbiome, des modèles de souris pour l’immuno-oncologie et des services de conception de modèles intégrés et d’élevage, Taconic exploite des laboratoires et des établissements d’élevage aux États-Unis et en Europe, entretient des relations de distribution en Asie et dispose de capacités d’expédition mondiales pour fournir des modèles animaux presque partout dans le monde.

À propos du CIEA :

Le Central Institute for Experimental Animals est un institut privé indépendant non lucratif fondé en 1952 dans le but de contribuer aux soins médicaux et à la science médicale sur la base de l’expérimentation animale.

À propos de CLEA :

CLEA Japan Inc. a été fondé en 1965 en tant que fournisseur de systèmes complets d’animaux de laboratoire, comprenant leur alimentation et leur équipement, afin de soutenir la recherche et le développement bioscientifiques avec une vision sur la santé, le bien-être et l’environnement des êtres humains.

CLEA exploite quatre sites de reproduction au Japon, un site de production en coentreprise en Thaïlande, ainsi qu’un centre de services techniques à proximité du Mont Fuji au Japon.

À propos de Nomura Siam International Co. Ltd. (NSI) :

Nomura Siam International Co. Ltd., entreprise sis à Bangkok (Thaïlande), a été créée conjointement en 2012 par CLEA Japan, Inc. et Nomura Jimusho, Inc. afin de proposer un service à interlocuteur unique dans le domaine des animaux de laboratoire. En tant que prestataire de services unifiés, NSI commercialise non seulement des animaux de laboratoire, mais gère également une large gamme de produits connexes, y compris des équipements destinés à l’élevage et à l’expérimentation d’animaux, des aliments et des litières, en proposant par ailleurs des services de conseil en matière de recherche préclinique et de conception de sites pour animaux de laboratoire.

À propos de Nomura Jimusho. Inc. (NJI) :

Fondée en 1933 pour mener des activités liées au pétrole, l’entreprise s’est diversifiée au profit du négoce de produits présentant des caractéristiques uniques et distinctes dans des domaines tels que les catalyseurs de raffinage du pétrole, les matériaux spéciaux, les conteneurs plastiques, les produits chimiques spécialisés et les sciences de la vie. Dans le domaine des sciences de la vie, NJI/NSI fournit des animaux de laboratoire et divers équipements pour cobayes depuis plus d’une décennie sur le marché étranger, dont la Chine, la Corée, la Thaïlande, Singapour, l’Indonésie, la Malaisie et récemment l’Inde, en partenariat avec Taconic Biosciences, Inc.

Contact pour les médias :

Aidan Bouchelle
Directeur associé en charge des opérations marketing
518-949-7598
Aidan.Bouchelle@taconic.com

March 21, 2022

Taconic Biosciences Aprimora Acesso ao Sistema de Teste de Carcinogenicidade rasH2 na Região da Ásia-Pacífico

A parceria de distribuição de quatro vias fornece suprimento de rasH2 consistente e de qualidade para a Índia e a China, atendendo melhor os clientes globais

RENSSELAER, N.Y., March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Taconic Biosciences, líder global no fornecimento de soluções de modelo de animais para a descoberta de medicamentos, anuncia a nomeação da Nomura Siam International Co., Ltd. (NSI) e da Nomura Jimusho Inc. (NJI) como agentes de vendas e distribuidores do Sistema de Teste de Carcinogenicidade de Camundongo rasH2 na Índia e na China. Esses acordos de distribuição aprimoram muito o acesso ao rasH2 para a crescente indústria farmacêutica na região Ásia-Pacífico.

O modelo de camundongo transgênico rasH2 é o único sistema de teste de carcinogenicidade de curto prazo (6 meses) aceito pelas autoridades reguladoras globais e disponível prontamente na produção comercial. Inventado pelo Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), o modelo rasH2 é amplamente utilizado como uma alternativa ao bioensaio de carcinogenicidade de 2 anos, fornecendo um sistema de teste mais rápido e preciso que se alinha melhor com os princípios 3R de Russell & Burch. Taconic and CLEA Japan, Inc (CLEA) fornecem camundongos rasH2 validados e consistentes para uso na América do Norte, Europa e Ásia desde 2006, embora o acesso na Índia e China tenha sido limitado. À medida que a atividade de descoberta e desenvolvimento de medicamentos aumenta na Índia e na China, é essencial o acesso a um ensaio de carcinogenicidade aceito pela Food and Drug Administration dos EUA (FDA) e pela European Medicines Agency (EMA), bem como pelas autoridades locais.

De acordo com o novo contrato, a NSI irá atuar como agente de vendas e distribuidora na Índia e a NJI como agente de vendas e distribuidora na China. Esses distribuidores e agentes de vendas simplificam muito o processo de transação para usuários localizados nesses países. A NSI e a NJI alavancarão as colônias de produção da CLEA e da Taconic no Japão, Dinamarca e EUA para atender à demanda do cliente, facilitando o acesso do investigador. Taconic, CLEA e CIEA monitoram de perto essas colônias e realizam estudos funcionais regulares usando compostos de controle positivo para garantir o desempenho essencial para a avaliação da segurança do medicamento. O acordo também permite que a CLEA e a Taconic alinhem a produção para atender à demanda global por meio de uma melhor visibilidade do uso e das necessidades globais de rasH2.

“O modelo rasH2 cumpriu a promessa da tecnologia transgênica, demonstrando valor excepcional na avaliação de carcinogenicidade de novos medicamentos, e a adoção mundial deste sistema é um testemunho das suas vantagens em termos de velocidade, especificidade e custo total”, disse o Dr. Michael Seiler, vice-presidente de produtos comerciais da Taconic.

“Esta colaboração histórica garante que os clientes em todos os países tenham acesso total ao sistema de teste de carcinogenicidade rasH2”, disse Ryuta Nomura, presidente do conselho e CEO da CIEA. “Esta parceria irá aumentar substancialmente a probabilidade de que todos os clientes em todo o mundo recebam o rasH2 solicitado, com um mínimo de atraso, permitindo que os estudos sejam realizados mais cedo e, por último, ajudando na disponibilização mais rápida de novos medicamentos no mercado que salvam vidas.”

Para mais informações sobre os produtos e serviços da Taconic, ligue para 1-888-TACONIC (888- 822- 6642) nos EUA, +45 70 23 04 05 na Europa, ou envie email para info@taconic.com.

Sobre a Taconic Biosciences, Inc.

A Taconic Biosciences é uma líder global totalmente licenciada em serviços e modelos geneticamente modificados. Fundada em 1952, a Taconic oferece as melhores soluções/modelos de pesquisas em murinos, para que os clientes possam adquirir, customizar, criar, pré-condicionar, testar e distribuir valiosos modelos de pesquisa em todo o mundo. Especializada em modelos de camundongos e de ratos geneticamente projetados, microbioma, modelos de camundongos imuno-oncologia, e serviços de design e criação de modelos integrados, a Taconic opera laboratórios de serviços e instalações de criação nos EUA e na Europa, mantém relações com distribuidores na Ásia , e tem capacidades de entrega em nível global para oferecer modelos em quase qualquer lugar no mundo.

Sobre a CIEA:

O Central Institute for Experimental Animals é um instituto privado e independente sem fins lucrativos, fundado em 1952, que tem o objetivo de contribuir para os cuidados médicos e ciência médica com base em experimentos com animais.

Sobre a CLEA:

A CLEA Japan Inc. foi fundada em 1965 como um fornecedor total de sistemas de animais de laboratório, sua dieta e equipamentos, para apoiar a pesquisa e desenvolvimento de biociências com uma visão de saúde, bem-estar e meio ambiente para os seres humanos.

A CLEA opera quatro instalações de criação no Japão, uma instalação de joint venture na Tailândia, e Centro de Serviços Técnicos perto do Mt. Fuji no Japão.

Sobre a Nomura Siam International Co. Ltd. (NSI):

A Nomura Siam International Co. Ltd., com sede em Bangkok, Tailândia, foi criada em 2012 pela CLEA Japan, Inc. juntamente com a Nomura Jimusho, Inc. para fornecer um serviço único para o campo de animais de laboratório. Como fornecedora completa de serviços únicos, a NSI, além de vender animais de laboratório, também lida com uma ampla gama de produtos afins, incluindo equipamentos para criação de animais e experimentos, rações e serragens, bem como fornece serviços de consultoria para pesquisa pré-clínica e instalações de projetos com animais de laboratório.

Sobre a Nomura Jimusho Inc. (NJI):

Fundada em 1933, para atender empresas relacionadas ao petróleo ela diversificou suas atividades para lidar com produtos com características únicas e distintas em campos como catalisadores de refino de petróleo, materiais especiais, recipientes de plástico, produtos químicos especiais e ciências da vida. No campo das ciências da vida, a NJI/NSI vem fornecendo animais de laboratório e vários equipamentos de animais de laboratório há mais de uma década para o mercado internacional, como China, Coreia, Tailândia, Cingapura, Indonésia, Malásia e, recentemente, Índia, em parceria com a Taconic Biosciences, Inc.

Contato com a Mídia:

Aidan Bouchelle
Diretor Associado, Operações de Marketing
518-949-7598
Aidan.Bouchelle@taconic.com

March 21, 2022

FreedomPay Enables Sephora to Deliver Next Level Mobile POS Platform for Enhanced Consumer Experience across the Americas

Global Beauty Giant Selects FreedomPay for Next Level Commerce Solutions

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FreedomPay, the world’s leading commerce platform, announces partnership with Sephora USA, Inc. the leading prestige beauty omni-retailer, to integrate FreedomPay’s data-driven commerce technology platform in Sephora’s 500 plus stores across the Americas.

“FreedomPay is proud to announce the agreement with Sephora, to provide a world class experience to its millions of customers across the Americas,” said Chris Kronenthal, President at FreedomPay. “Our suite of touchless commerce and data solutions will enable Sephora to provide customers a fast, frictionless, and innovative consumer experience.”

The partnership allows for a safe and secure next-level Mobile POS consumer experience for shoppers with FreedomPay. The new touchless capable payment system enables Sephora clients to have complete control over their checkout experience, giving consumers the option to pay via contactless payment methods and digital wallets all on their own device, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

“Now more than ever, it is critical for us at Sephora to be able to adapt to the quickly changing retail environment and that’s especially important at the point of sale,” said Sree Sreedhararaj, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Sephora. “Our clients desire a seamless experience in every step of the shopping journey, and our partnership with FreedomPay allows us to maximize efficiencies and capabilities at checkout.”

About FreedomPay

FreedomPay’s Next Level Commerce™ platform transforms existing payment systems and processes from legacy to leading edge. As the premier choice for many of the largest companies across the globe in retail, hospitality, lodging, gaming, sports and entertainment, foodservice, education, healthcare and financial services, FreedomPay’s technology has been purposely built to deliver rock solid performance in the highly complex environment of global commerce. The company maintains a world-class security environment and was first to earn the coveted validation by the PCI Security Standards Council against Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE/EMV) standard in North America. FreedomPay’s robust solutions across payments, security, identity, and data analytics are available in-store, online and on-mobile and are supported by rapid API adoption. The award winning FreedomPay Commerce Platform operates on a single, unified technology stack across multiple continents allowing enterprises to deliver an innovative Next Level experience on a global scale. www.freedompay.com

About Sephora Americas

Since its debut in North America more than 20 years ago, Sephora has been a leader in prestige omni-retail with the mission of creating an inviting beauty shopping experience and inspiring fearlessness in our community. With the goal of delivering unbiased shopping support and a personalized experience, Sephora invites clients to discover thousands of products from more than 340 carefully curated brands, explore online and through our mobile app, enjoy services at the Beauty Studio and engage with expertly trained Beauty Advisors in more than 500 stores across the Americas. And with its new long-term retail strategic partnership, clients can now shop Sephora at Kohl’s, a fully immersive, premium beauty destination, with 200 locations in 2021, and at least 850 locations by 2023. Clients can access the free-to-join Beauty Insider program and digital community, which together enhance the experience of Sephora’s passionate clients.

Sephora has been an industry-leading champion of diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment, guided by our longstanding company values. In 2019, Sephora announced a new tagline and manifesto, “We Belong to Something Beautiful,” to reinforce its dedication to fostering belonging amongst all clients and employees and to publicly strive for a more inclusive vision for retail in the Americas. Sephora continues to give back to our communities and advance inclusion in our industry through its social impact and equity programming, called the Sephora D&I Heart Journey.

For more information, visit: https://www.sephora.com/about-us and @Sephora on social media. For media inquiries, please visit our Sephora newsroom or email ExternalComms@sephora.com

Jennifer Tayebi
Hill+Knowlton Strategies for FreedomPay
(734) 395-0780
jennifer.tayebi@hkstrategies.com

March 21, 2022

bioLytical Laboratories Inc. Receives its CE Mark for the iStatis COVID-19 Antigen Home Test

iStatis COVID-19 Antigen Home Test

The iStatis COVID-19 Antigen Home Test Kit Components

bioLytical Laboratories Inc. announced today that it is launching a new platform, iStatis, and has received its CE Mark for immediate market entry into Europe for its iStatis COVID-19 Antigen Home Test

From the makers of INSTI®, bioLytical launches a new platform, iStatis, created to ensure every person in the world has access to reliable testing
bioLytical has received its CE Mark for the iStatis COVID-19 Antigen Home Test for immediate entry to the European market
The test is portable and can be performed at home with easy-to-understand results and no additional readers or machinery needed
Test performance in clinical studies demonstrated an industry-leading 100% accuracy
bioLytical’s quality system is ISO 13485:2016 MDSAP certified

RICHMOND, British Columbia, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — bioLytical Laboratories Inc. (“bioLytical”), a global leader in rapid in-vitro medical diagnostics, announced today that it is launching its new testing platform, iStatis, across Europe after receiving its CE Mark for the iStatis COVID-19 Antigen Home Test, allowing its immediate entry into the European market.

Building on its innovative INSTI® testing platform, bioLytical launched iStatis to continue creating reliable access to testing. With new lateral flow technology in its portfolio, bioLytical can reach more people with its COVID-19 antigen home test that provides peace of mind with its industry-leading accuracy of 100%.

“We are excited to announce the addition of iStatis in Europe with our new COVID-19 rapid antigen home test,” said Rob Mackie, Chief Executive Officer of bioLytical. “With our new iStatis platform, we can expand our reach and increase access to testing across Europe. With the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, we are proud to offer Europeans a reliable and trusted test that they can take in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.”

Rapid testing is a vital tool that provides an additional way to identify infection to help reduce virus spread. Along with public health measures such as handwashing, masking, and social distancing, regular rapid testing provides an extra layer of defense against the transmission of the virus. With the pandemic evolving, testing will continue to play an integral role in the fight against COVID-19 by helping keep communities safe.

The iStatis COVID-19 Antigen Home Test will help create certainty in infection identification, providing Europeans with access to a convenient test at home, reducing the burden on busy medical facilities. With its industry-leading accuracy of 100%, portability, and ease of use, iStatis provides reliable results, making informed health decisions easier and quicker.

bioLytical will manufacture the iStatis COVID-19 Antigen Home Tests in its ISO 13485:2016 MDSAP certified facility in Richmond, British Columbia. As a global leader in ultra-rapid infectious disease diagnostics, bioLytical is working to ensure our iStatis COVID-19 Antigen Home Test kits are available across Europe.

bioLytical Laboratories Inc. is a privately-owned Canadian company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of rapid in-vitro medical diagnostics using its proprietary INSTI® technology platform and its lateral flow line iStatis. bioLytical has won several local and industry awards, including B.C. Exporter of the Year in 2019. We have been named Lifesciences B.C.’s Growth Stage Med Tech Company of the Year and are featured on B.C.’s Fastest-Growing Companies for five years in a row, including the Globe and Mail’s Fastest Growing Companies list in 2020. bioLytical moved to a significantly larger, state-of-the-art facility in Richmond, B.C., in 2020 to accommodate the extraordinary growth achieved through our team. Providing accurate results in one minute or less, the INSTI® range includes the INSTI® HIV-1/HIV-2 Antibody Test, INSTI® Multiplex HIV Syphilis Ab Test, INSTI® HIV Self Test, INSTI® Covid-19 Antibody Test, and the INSTI® HCV Antibody Test. bioLytical sells its products in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. In 2022, bioLytical launched iStatis, its new lateral flow testing platform to create additional access to testing worldwide.

By delivering accurate results in real-time, INSTI® and iStatis generate meaningful outcomes for medical professionals, patients, and public health organizations worldwide and is a key partner in tackling some of the world’s most severe healthcare challenges. Please visit www.istatis.com, www.insti.com, and www.biolytical.com for more information.

References
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/covid-19/surveillance/testing-strategies
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/options-use-rapid-antigen-tests-covid-19-eueea-first-update

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f4f21c7-51bc-481a-9b13-d4c00f6c2697

Media Contact
Communications at bioLytical
press@biolytical.com
+1-778-238-9340

March 21, 2022

Hitachi Energy to provide advanced grid connection for the world’s largest eucalyptus pulp mill in Brazil Innovative solution will enable surplus renewable electricity to be transferred into the national power grid

Innovative solution will enable surplus renewable electricity to be transferred into the national power grid

Zurich, Switzerland, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy, the global technology and market leader in power grids, announced today that it has won an order from Suzano, the world’s leading eucalyptus pulp producer and one of Latin America’s largest paper producers, to design and deliver a complete grid connection solution for the company’s new pulp mill in Brazil.

Suzano’s new factory will be the world’s largest single-line eucalyptus pulp mill and Brazil’s first pulp production facility to be fossil fuel free when completed in the second half of 2024. It will have an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons and will increase Suzano’s output by 20 percent. About half of the electricity generated will be transferred to the national power grid, enough to supply around 2.3 million people for one month.

The two companies have worked closely together on grid solutions for Suzano’s fleet of mills over the past 20 years. In this spirit of collaboration and co-creation, Hitachi Energy has contributed its pioneering technologies and its unique system integration capabilities, engineering expertise and extensive experience of local grid code requirements. This enables Hitachi Energy to design and supply complete solutions with exceptional levels of reliability, that are fundamental for these types of application.

“We are honored and delighted to be working with Suzano again on this landmark project that sets a new benchmark in sustainable pulp production and shares its emission-free electricity with society at large,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “This is another example of how our solutions are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure.”

“The construction of the new factory is the biggest investment in Suzano’s history, so it is vital that the grid connection through which we generate additional revenue from our surplus energy operates at outstanding levels of reliability and availability,” said Mauricio Miranda, Engineering Director at Suzano. “We chose Hitachi Energy as our technology partner based on more than 20 years of successful collaboration and consistent delivery of innovative, reliable solutions and exceptional project execution.”

Hitachi Energy will supply a state-of-the-art grid connection solution to enable the surplus renewable power to be transferred reliably, safely and securely into the national power grid. The solution’s compact footprint is based on advanced gas-insulated switchgear and offers excellent performance in terms of efficiency and availability, while minimizing the total lifecycle cost and CO2 footprint.

To secure reliability and availability, key elements of the grid connection, such as the transformers will be equipped with Hitachi Energy’s digital monitoring systems to provide real-time data and performance insights and enable predictive maintenance. Hitachi Energy will provide a complete solution across the value chain, from system studies and grid code compliance to design and engineering, supply and installation and commissioning.

Hitachi Energy is the world’s leading provider of grid connections and power quality solutions, with an installed base of more than 10,000 projects worldwide, over 800 of which connect renewable energy sources to the grid.

About Hitachi Energy Ltd.

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as the Social Innovation Business. Hitachi is focused on strengthening its contribution to the Environment, the Resilience of business and social infrastructure as well as comprehensive programs to enhance Security & Safety. Hitachi resolves the issues faced by customers and society across six domains: IT, Energy, Mobility, Industry, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through its proprietary Lumada solutions. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

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Hitachi Energy to connect the first fossil-free pulp plant in Brazil to the national grid

Rebecca Bleasdale
Hitachi Energy Ltd.
+41 78643 2613
rebecca.bleasdale@hitachienergy.com

March 21, 2022

Mozambique: EUTM finishes training of first two military companies

The first two Mozambican special operations companies formed by the European Union (EU) mission will complete their training this Monday, Brigadier General Nuno Lemos Pires of the Portuguese Army, commander on the ground, announced on Sunday (20-3).

Each company, one from the Navy, trained in Katembe, near Maputo, and another from the Army, trained in Chimoio in the centre of the country, has 130 elements ready to join the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado, in the north of the country.

The training of the first group of six tactical air controllers, to be integrated either into Navy or Army contingents and oversee air support for missions, will end at the same time.

Details were given to journalists on the sidelines of the visit of Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to the training base in Chimoio.

The European Union Training Mission (EUTM) officially started in November, 2021, with an expected duration of two years, and will host 140 military trainers over the period.

The mission responds to the request for help from the Mozambican government to prepare 1,100 Mozambican officers, sergeants and soldiers – six Army and five Navy special operations companies – for service in Cabo Delgado.

Of these 11 companies, two have already been deployed to the province, having been trained in 2021, before the launch of the EUTM, under a bilateral defence agreement between Portugal and Mozambique.

The EU mission has now “strengthened” cooperation, Lemos Pires said.

The EUTM, to which ten EU member states are currently committed, works in cycles of four months for each company. The largest training contingent is Portuguese – as is the commander of the mission on the ground.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

March 21, 2022

Supreme court workers go on strike

Luanda – The judicial employees of the Supreme Court (TS) started Monday a two-week strike, to demand a salary readjustment equivalent to the workers of the other superior courts of the country.

The coordinator of the TS Trade Union Commission, Domingos Feca, said that the strike was suspended due to the promise, in January, that “the much-desired salary equalisation” would be effective.

He stated that the aim of the strike is the immediate equalisation of the salaries of TS employees with the other higher courts, underlining that the measure was approved by 99.9 percent of technicians.

According to the unionist, the strike is taking place under the motto “without judicial employees, judges do not work” and “no justice is done in injustice”.

He explained that there are numerous remuneration injustices, when comparing the salaries of TS employees to, for example, those of the Constitutional Courts, Accounts and the Supreme Military.

He said that the strike will be phased out, with the first to be staged on March 21 – April 1.

The remaining covering April 18-29, May 16-27, June 13-24 and 18-29 July.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

March 21, 2022

Swimming: CNIL dominates national absolute

Luanda – Clube Náutico da Ilha de Luanda (CNIL) dominated the National Absolute Championship in a 25-meter pool, with 19189 points in men and 25610 pts in women.

This was during a competition that ended on Sunday night at Luanda’s Nádia Cruz pool.

In a universe of four teams, Ilha de Luanda beat the second-placed 1º de Agosto in both genders (with 18235 pts/men) and (16441 pts/women).

Onda Sport Clube came third, equally in both classes, with 15037 pts (male) and 18825 pts (female).

Clube Naval, recently returned to national competitions, with six athletes, was in the fourth and last position with 408 pts (men).

Youth swimmer Nyriam Morais, from CNIL, was the best athlete of the competition with seven records, five in individual and two absolute in relays.

In singles she finished the 50m backstroke with a time of 34.23, 100m freestyle (1.04.44), 100m backstroke (1.13.74), 200m freestyle (2.22.01) and 200m backstroke (2.43.20).

In 4X100m freestyle relays, the record was 4.21.71, while in the 4X400m styles it was 5.00.90, along with colleagues Welwitchia Silva, Nyriam Morais, Rafaela Santo and Maria Freitas.

In the children’s category, Rhanya Santos, also from the CNIL, set two individual records in long distance events, one in the 800m styles (11.30.37) and the other in the 400m styles (6.00.38).

Another record was obtained by cadet Kaila Santos, from 1º de Agosto, in the 100m breaststroke, with a time of 1.36.24.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

March 21, 2022

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Oscars

Final preparations are underway for the 94th Academy Awards and a long awaited return to Hollywood’s glamorous normalcy after a muted ceremony and ratings low last year. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2022 Oscars, including where to watch the live show, who’s expected to win and what the big controversies are this year.

When are the Oscars?

The Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 27, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ABC.

Who is hosting the 2022 Oscars?

Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes are taking the stage to co-host the ceremony, which has been without an emcee for the past three years. Producer Will Packer said each woman brings something different to the show.

Who is presenting?

Show producers will continue adding names throughout the week, but at the moment stars expected to hand out awards Oscar night include Bill Murray, Lady Gaga, Kevin Costner, Samuel L. Jackson, Zoë Kravitz, Anthony Hopkins, Lily James, Daniel Kaluuya, Mila Kunis, John Leguizamo, Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Lupita Nyong’o, Rosie Perez, Chris Rock, Naomi Scott, Wesley Snipes, Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Yuh-jung Youn, Ruth E. Carter, Halle Bailey, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Shawn Mendes, Tyler Perry, Tracee Ellis Ross, Stephanie Beatriz, DJ Khaled, Jennifer Garner, H.E.R., Tiffany Haddish, Tony Hawk, Elliot Page, Kelly Slater and Shaun White.

Which movies are nominated for best picture at the 2022 Oscars?

The 10 movies competing for best picture this year are: “Belfast”; “CODA”; “Don’t Look Up”; “Drive My Car”; “Dune”; “King Richard”; “Licorice Pizza”; “Nightmare Alley”; “The Power of the Dog”; “West Side Story.” Here’s the full list of 2022 Oscar nominations. (( https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2022 ))

What were the most surprising Oscar snubs?

There were a lot of surprises Oscar nominations morning.

Some exclusions that stood out include Denis Villeneuve, whose “Dune” got the second most nominations (10) behind “The Power of the Dog” (12) including best picture, but who failed to get a directing nomination for himself.

The best actress category was especially brutal this year, leaving out Lady Gaga for “House of Gucci,” Jennifer Hudson for “Respect,” Caitriona Balfe for “Belfast” and Renate Reinsve for “The Worst Person in the World.”

What are the predictions for the winners on Oscar night?

“The Power of the Dog” is the presumed frontrunner for best picture and best director, for Jane Campion, but there is also the possibility that “CODA” will take best picture, especially after it won at the Producer’s Guild Awards. Either way, it’ll be the first time a streaming service has won best picture. Other likely winners include Will Smith for best actor (“King Richard”), Jessica Chastain for best actress (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”), Troy Kotsur for best supporting actor (“CODA”) and Ariana DeBose for best supporting actress (“West Side Story”).

What else can we expect from the Oscars?

Organizers have promised that they will keep the broadcast to three hours and Packer (whose films include crowd pleasers like “Girls Trip”) wants to make it as entertaining as possible while still honoring the nominees and winners.

“The show will flow, not unlike a movie, in that there will be different themes and a different feel and different energy throughout the night,” Packer said in an interview with IndieWire. “It will not feel or look or sound like one show for three hours. It’s taking you through the course of this cinematic journey.”

Best song nominees like Beyoncé, Van Morrison and Billie Eilish are also in talks to perform.

Are there any controversies this year?

The Oscars are so high profile that every year someone is upset about something (especially when changes are involved) but this year the biggest controversy is over the decision to present some awards before the live broadcast begins and edit them into the show later. The eight awards are for shorts (live action, animated and documentary), editing, score, hair and makeup, sound and production design. The decision has its defenders, but also an army of high-profile detractors, including Campion, Villeneuve, Steven Spielberg, Chastain and Penelope Cruz.

Source: Voice of America