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Nice Healthcare Raises $30M Series A To Reinvent The Way Primary Care is Delivered

Nice Healthcare

Nice Healthcare, the clinic that comes to you, today announced that it has closed a Series A funding round of $30 million led by DNA Capital, with participation from existing investors Waterline Ventures, Conductive Ventures, and Santa Barbara Venture Partner and new investors Brown Venture Group, F.R. Bigelow Foundation, Daren Cotter, and Eddie Cisneros. Nice Healthcare is solving systemic pain points by bringing integrated primary care directly to the patient with in-home and virtual visits, lab tests, x-rays, mental health services, prescription medication and physical therapy. The company’s unique blend of innovation and personal touches are a welcomed disruption in modern medicine. Nice Healthcare focuses on bringing affordable healthcare benefits to small and medium sized businesses, the backbone of the US Economy. Small businesses generate 44% of US economic activity and employ 48% of US employees, yet few healthcare innovations are focused on this segment. Further, much of the innovation often caters to tech savvy, high earning consumers or those who are marginalized. What is often missed is the middle, working class families. Nice Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare solution that enables SMBs to offer medical care to families that is affordable and accessible. ”Healthcare innovation is worthless if it does not simultaneously and immediately reduce health insurance premiums, reduce patient out-of-pocket costs, and make care more accessible,” said Thompson Aderinkomi, Co-founder and CEO of Nice Healthcare. “Nice Healthcare has accomplished these three things from day one and this funding will enable us to bring our truly impactful model of care to more homes nationwide.” In addition to the Series A, Nice is also announcing an expansion of its C-suite to support continued growth with key executive hires, including the addition of Steven Bayer as Chief Experience Officer, Charles Wyatt as Chief Financial Officer and Shadé Akande as Chief People Officer. Since 2020, the company experienced 300% growth, added physical therapy and mental health to its service offerings and expanded into 20 markets to support demand. “We at DNA Capital are delighted to partner with Nice as they continue to scale their high touch and affordable primary care services to large cross sections of rural and suburban middle to low income working individuals and families across America,” said Partha Mishra, Partner at DNA Capital who joined Nice’s Board of Directors. “We are equally excited to back one of the most diverse founding teams and a culture that celebrates diversity and promotes respect for one another and inspires trust amongst the people they have the privilege to serve.” Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nice Healthcare is currently available in parts of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Iowa, Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington, with plans to expand into more markets. More than 400 small businesses currently use Nice Healthcare for their employees healthcare benefits. In addition to the investors who participated in Nice’s Series A financing round, OATV was an early investor and has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the company. To learn more about Nice Healthcare, visit www.nice.healthcare. Nice Healthcare is making truly integrated comprehensive healthcare accessible, allowing patients to easily get care for their everyday needs. By utilizing a mix of technology, logistics, and expert clinical care, they bring a fully integrated clinic to you, providing in-home and virtual primary care, mental health therapy, and physical therapy Their clinicians can also offer patients x-rays, 35 labs and blood draws and a formulary with over 550 medications with no out-of-pocket costs. Since launching in Minnesota in 2017, Nice has expanded its integrated care services to 12 states. Contact Details Nice Healthcare Karen Swim, APR +1 586-461-2103 pr@nice.healthcare Company Website https://www.nice.healthcare/

March 10, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

GROUNDWORK BIOAG NAMED THIRD MOST INNOVATIVE FOOD COMPANY IN THE WORLD BY FAST COMPANY

Groundwork BioAg

Groundwork BioAg® has been selected by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Food Companies for 2022. The bioagriculture company was recognized for tackling grand challenges facing humankind today: food security, soil health and climate change. Groundwork BioAg ensures farmers have access to its cost-effective mycorrhizal inoculants that increase yield while reducing the use of phosphorus, protecting against drought and permanently sequestering carbon. The company’s Rootella® product line sets the standard for quality, concentration and predictability through its mass production technology innovation. This translates to greater in-field performance to help farmers grow more productive and resilient crops. “We are honored to stand with this prestigious group of companies recognized by Fast Company for innovation that is transforming the world today,” said Dr. Yossi Kofman, CEO and Co-Founder, Groundwork BioAg. "As commercial agriculture reconciles societal shifts and climate change realities, the industry is adopting more regenerative practices that reduce farmers’ dependence on toxic and expensive chemical fertilizers. For the health of our planet and all who live here, we remain committed to restoring the world’s soils with the mainstream application of mycorrhizae – the Queen of Biologicals.” Applied on more than one million acres in 2021, Groundwork BioAg accelerated global production and expanded product formulations and application methods. Previously, the biotechnology and manufacturing processes were too complex and costly to produce a highly effective and affordable inoculant for mainstream agriculture. “The industrial agriculture revolution only took society so far and its potential has been exhausted. Groundwork BioAg’s innovations are at the epicenter of the next agricultural revolution — the bioagricultural revolution — and it will grow, as healthy plants do, from soil rich in mycorrhizae,” said Kofman. As part of its annual process, Fast Company ’s editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses across the globe and industries. The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company ’s signature franchise and provides both a snapshot and a roadmap for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the global economy. “The world’s most innovative companies play an essential role in addressing the most pressing issues facing society, whether they’re fighting climate change by spurring decarbonization efforts, ameliorating the strain on supply chains, or helping us reconnect with one another over shared passions,” said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky. Fast Company ’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2022) is available online and on newsstands beginning March 15. About Groundwork BioAg Groundwork BioAg, a global bioagriculture company, leverages the natural power of mycorrhizal fungi to improve the productivity, sustainability and profitability of mainstream agriculture and expand regenerative agriculture practices. Groundwork BioAg is the first to use innovative techniques to solve challenges inherent in high-volume mycorrhizal inoculant production. We will not rest until every hectare of arable land is protected by mycorrhizae and every farmer benefits from higher crop yields while preserving our soils. For more information, visit www.groundworkbioag.com. Contact Details AgTech PR for Groundwork BioAg Jennifer Goldston +1 816-260-0040 jennifer@agtechpr.com Company Website https://www.groundworkbioag.com

March 09, 2022 07:30 AM Central Standard Time

MyYogaTeacher Launches Official 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program Online

MyYogaTeacher

MyYogaTeacher announces the launch of a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program, which will be offered three times each year, and features live instruction by a group of highly-skilled, certified, India-based and -trained instructors. Unlike the self-paced, pre-recorded, video-based packages sold online, which offer digital materials, videos, and only a handful of live sessions led by an instructor, MyYogaTeacher’s courses are 100% live, taking place daily over a period of 95+ days. MyYogaTeacher was named one of “The 6 Best Online Yoga Classes of 2022” by Byrdie. “Our students have a wide range of reasons for pursuing teacher training,” says Jitendra Gupta, the Indian-born CEO of MyYogaTeacher, who co-founded the company with Mexican-American entrepreneur Will Allen, after pursuing yoga to improve his personal physical and mental well-being. “Some definitely have a desire to teach yoga, but others simply want to improve their practice and challenge themselves a bit further by expanding their yogic knowledge and taking their physical practice to the next level.” The program is open to students of all levels. The Yoga Alliance-certified teacher training program features 6 highly-qualified MyYogaTeacher instructors, and is led by Rohan Shroff, who earned a Masters in Science in Yoga from SVYASA University in Bangalore and has over 1300 hours of yoga teacher training from well-known and respected institutions in India. Rohan has graduated over 500 students from online and in-person teacher training programs, including over 100 MyYogaTeacher students, and he also teaches Pranayama, Meditation, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yoga Sutras, and Methodology, at MyYogaTeacher. Besides live instruction on a variety of topics–yoga history, theory, anatomy and physiology–in addition to asana practice, pranayama, chanting, meditation, yoga sutras, and more, the program includes a 150-page e-book, recordings of the classes so students can return to each session and review, plus a community setting that keeps students engaged, motivated and energize. They can also live chat with instructors (Bodhi Abishek Singh, Gomati Woli, Stuti Asher, Umesh Balavaradaraju, Bharath Ram) and fellow students. “What’s great is that your investment in teacher training is nowhere close to the cost you will incur by traveling to India during our post-Covid era,” says Gupta. “And we offer students a 14-day free trial so if they are not happy with the coursework, they can cancel.” The first round of this YTT program runs from March 5 to May 28, and the program will be offered 3 times each year. The next round will take place in the summer of 2022. Learn more about the program and featured instructors here. About MyYogaTeacher MyYogaTeacher is reconnecting yoga to its roots and sharing it through live lessons taught by the world’s foremost teachers who studied yoga at India’s most elite universities and schools. With over 100,000 registered U.S. students, it offers over 40 group classes daily, and provides private sessions, along with over one million minutes of live interactions each month. The Cupertino, California-based company was co-founded in 2018 by Jitendra Gupta and Will Allen. Gupta is the successful former co-founder of Punchh, who turned his struggle with burnout into a platform to help others. Allen is a former mechanical engineer who left the lucrative aerospace industry to travel the world, and pursue yoga and meditation over the past decade. MyYogaTeacher recently received $3 million in seed round funding, led by TSVC, with participation from Leonis Investissement, Weekend Fund, All Access Fund, and Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments. For more information, visit MyYogaTeacher.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolyn@carolynkamii.com Company Website https://www.myyogateacher.com/

March 09, 2022 04:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

Fine Hygienic Holding recognized as one of few Global Top Employers for the first time

Fine Hygienic Holding

In recognition of its excellent work environment, Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), the world leading wellness group and manufacturer of hygienic paper products and long-lasting germ protection solutions, has been recognized as a global Top Employer for 2022 by the prestigious Top Employers Institute. FHH was named Top Employer Middle East 2022, as one of few employers worldwide recognized at the awards for its outstanding human resources strategy as well as employees’ experience and culture. The group’s operations in Egypt, Jordan, KSA and the UAE all achieved the highest global benchmark of HR practices which cover the areas of People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Well-being and Diversity & Inclusion. Marking the group’s latest achievement, James Michael Lafferty, FHH’s CEO, said, “We are very proud of being recognized as a top employer in the field of FMCG. Attaining this certificate proves yet again that our motto – if we take care of our people, the business will take care of itself – is being put into action every single day. We know that our success as a company derives from the strength of our most important asset, our Fine people. That is why we are constantly working to create an environment that attracts and retains the very best, and always celebrate employees who excel both in their performance and in embodying our company values.” Fine Hygienic Holding has around 3,000 employees from more than 40 nationalities spread among its operations in the MENA region with two headquarters: Amman and Dubai. To achieve the “Top Employer” award, the company went through a multi-stage certification program. Companies from all over the world wishing to participate in the award are required to fill a detailed survey covering six HR domains consisting of 20 topics and undergo extensive auditing for each HR process. The Top Employers Institute specializes in the alignment of practices and policies through a global program based on benchmarking best HR practices to grant the global workforce with full outstanding people practices. About Fine Hygienic Holding: Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world’s leading wellness groups and MENA’s leading manufacturer of hygienic products, serves consumers in more than 80 countries around the world. Originally established as a paper manufacturer, FHH has transformed into a wellness company dedicated to enhancing global health and wellbeing. Committed to becoming “the shining star of the Arab FMCG business world,” the Group focuses on wellness, sustainability, pioneering CSR programs, and state-of-the-art production processes. Fine Hygienic Holding offers a diverse array of award-winning products including sterilized facial tissues, napkins, kitchen towels, toilet paper, baby diapers, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, as well as away-from-home products to accommodate all types of private and public institutions, in addition to its advanced range of personal protective equipment (PPE) and long-lasting germ protection solutions, it also brings Nai natural iced teas and innovative nutritional supplements, Motiva, to the market. Along with multiple accolated and awards over the years, particularly for its products and CSR initiatives, the company was recognized as a Top Employer Middle East 2022 by the prestigious Top Employers Institute in every country it operates. Contact Details Rana Kawalit │ Corporate Communication & PR Director Rkawalit@finehh.com Company Website https://www.finehh.com/

March 08, 2022 11:24 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Data from pre-clinical study of OCT461201 shows positive results

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Holdings Plc

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Holdings plc (LSE: OCTP, OTCQB: OCTHF), the pharmaceutical company developing prescription cannabinoid medicines targeting the US$ multi-billion pain market is pleased to announce positive results from a pre-clinical pain study for its lead compound, OCT461201, targeting the global Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (“CIPN”) treatment market valued at US$1.61bn in 2020 and forecasted to reach US$2.37bn by the year 2027. CIPN is a peripheral neuropathy resulting from the neurotoxic effects of common chemotherapeutic drugs. The hallmarks of CIPN are pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities. On average, an estimated 60 per cent. of people undergoing chemotherapy are affected by CIPN at 3 months. CIPN can be progressive and enduring, leading to years of debilitation and suffering. The results from OCTP’s recent study show that OCT461201 successfully reduces pain in a pre-clinical animal model of CIPN induced by paclitaxel, a widely used chemotherapy agent. Two common symptoms of CIPN are pain caused by innocuous stimuli, like light touch (mechanical allodynia) and heat or cold (thermal hyperalgesia). In the study, OCT461201 significantly reduced pain from both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia compared to untreated animals. Globally, there is an urgent need for new therapies to treat CIPN as there are currently no approved therapies for this condition. The current standard of care is the off-label use of gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) and antidepressants (e.g. duloxetine), drugs associated with serious side effects. Furthermore, in some cases their overall clinical effectiveness is inadequate, leaving cancer patients in pain, with a reduced quality of life and the prospect of having to change or stop their chemotherapy altogether. Commenting on the results of the experiment, OCTP Chief Executive John Lucas said: “To obtain such a positive result in this study is significant and provides further evidence that OCT461201 could be an effective therapy in the treatment of CIPN in cancer patients. Based on previously completed pre-clinical safety experiments, the Directors believe the administered dose of OCT461201 could have been increased by over three times. The results of this study demonstrate the opportunities open to OCT461201 in treating a major and common side effect experienced by so many cancer patients and we are more excited than ever to be starting phase 1 clinical trials early next year. These latest results reaffirm the potential of OCT461201 across multiple indications.” Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Holdings plc is the holding company of Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Ltd, a pharmaceutical company developing prescription cannabinoid medicines for approval by key medicines regulatory agencies worldwide and targeting the U$ multi-billion pain market (together the “Group”). Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant that have been shown to have a range of therapeutic effects on the body, including pain relief. The Group has a clearly defined path to commercialisation, revenues and growth. The Group is developing drug candidates through clinical trials to gain regulatory approval (FDA/MHRA/EMA) that will enable medical professionals to prescribe them with confidence.The Group’s portfolio aims to balance risk, value and time to market, whilst ensuring market exclusivity around all its key activities. The Group’s lead compound, OCT461201, is a highly potent and selective CB2 agonist and is being developed by OCT in a solid oral dosage form. OCT is conducting pre-clinical testing and development with clinical trials scheduled for Q1 2023. The Group’s product pipeline also uses a balanced drug product strategy that employs both natural and synthetic compounds for the treatment of rare diseases and includes chemically modified phytocannabinoids with improved drug-like characteristics and a proprietary library of cannabinoids. OCTP operates a partnership model with external academic and commercial partners. Caution regarding forward looking statementsCertain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''believe'', ''could'', "should" ''envisage'', ''estimate'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''plan'', ''potentially'', "expect", ''will'' or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. Contact Details Harbor Access Jonathan Paterson +1 475-477-9401 jonathan.paterson@harbor-access.com Investor Relations Ricahrd Leighton +1 475-477-9403 Richard.Leighton@Harbor-Access.com Company Website https://www.oxcantech.com/

March 08, 2022 03:26 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Industrial Defender Opens European Office in the Netherlands to Meet Increasing Global Demand for OT Cybersecurity

Industrial Defender

Industrial Defender, the leader in OT cybersecurity, today announced its expansion into Europe to meet increasing demands for industrial security in the region. Their new office, located in the Netherlands, will service a variety of critical industries across the entire EMEA region, including utilities, oil & gas, manufacturing, rail, maritime and water companies. “The desire for OT cybersecurity solutions in Europe has grown tremendously over the past few years, and we’re committed to providing a local team on the ground to meet this increasing demand,” said Dario Lobozzo, Managing Director EMEA. “This expansion ensures that our growing customer base in the region has access to the resources they need to run a successful ICS cybersecurity program.” As part of its effort to help European companies reach their highest level of cyber resilience possible during this time of escalating cyberthreats, Industrial Defender is offering critical infrastructure companies in region a complimentary OT cybersecurity strategy review through the end of March. The company is also actively hiring additional cybersecurity professionals in Europe. Interested candidates can explore open positions here: https://www.industrialdefender.com/careers/ To learn more about Industrial Defender’s European presence or to request a complimentary OT cybersecurity strategy review, reach out at https://www.industrialdefender.com/speak-with-an-ot-security-architect/. About Industrial Defender Since 2006, Industrial Defender has been solving the challenge of safely collecting, monitoring, and managing OT asset data at scale, while providing cross-functional teams with a unified view of security. Their specialized solution is tailored to complex industrial control system environments by engineers with decades of hands-on OT experience. Easy integrations into the broader security and enterprise ecosystem empower IT teams with the same visibility, access, and situational awareness that they’re accustomed to on corporate networks. Learn more at www.industrialdefender.com. Contact Details Industrial Defender Erin Anderson +1 617-675-4206 eanderson@industrialdefender.com Company Website https://www.industrialdefender.com

March 08, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia Launches Heart Disease Prevention Campaign

Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia (CCP)

Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia (CCP) — the region’s largest and most extensive cardiology practice — has launched a state-of-the-art heart disease prevention program — the CB4 Prevention Program. The practice has locations at more than 36 offices in five counties, making it uniquely qualified to reach and potentially save the highest number of patients possible. CCP has over 100 cardiologists on staff who are experts across all specialties. Each physician on the team offers comprehensive cardiovascular care and education based on the latest research, and uses cutting-edge, innovative technology to treat and diagnose cardiovascular diseases. Patients looking to identify their risk factors and take preventive action against heart disease will have access to advance testing as needed, as well as an individualized program based off of the initial consultation with a doctor through CB4. “Preventative care is an incredibly important first step for patients to take, as heart disease is easier to prevent than it is to treat,” said Dean Karalis, MD, FACC, FNLA, a CCP physician. “CB4 is about awareness as much as it is about heart disease prevention—success requires us to create a highly-individualized, ongoing program for each patient based on a number of factors including risk factors and family history.” As part of the prevention evaluation, the patient will have blood work drawn to screen for high cholesterol as well as other cardiovascular risk factors. The lab work will include a comprehensive metabolic panel and a Hemoglobin A1c Test (diabetes screener). The results of the bloodwork will give one of the practice’s 11 CB4 cardiologists — all of whom are preventative-trained and focused cardiologists — clear insight to develop a plan of action from a preventative angle. The CB4 Prevention Program can be scheduled through any of the CCP offices in the Philadelphia region. Appointments are available in person or virtually. About Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia CCP is affiliated with virtually every major hospital in the region and serves patients from over 36 offices in all five Southeastern Pennsylvania counties. Contact Details Lauren Stralo +1 484-747-0172 lstralo@levlane.com Company Website https://ccpdocs.com/

March 08, 2022 08:53 AM Eastern Standard Time

SullivanCotter Partners with Paradigm for Parity® to Champion Gender Equality in Corporate Leadership Positions

SullivanCotter

SullivanCotter, the nation’s leading independent consulting firm in the assessment and development of total rewards programs, workforce solutions, and technology and data products for the health care industry and not-for-profit sector, is pleased to announce its commitment to achieving gender parity within the firm’s executive leadership team by 2030. “Ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce has long been a cornerstone of SullivanCotter’s mission, vision and values. As a member of the Paradigm for Parity ® movement, we are reinforcing our commitment to actively closing the gender gap by enhancing female representation and ensuring women of all cultures, races and backgrounds are able to thrive and advance within our firm,” said Ted Chien, President and CEO, SullivanCotter. By implementing the Paradigm for Parity ® 5-Point Action Plan, SullivanCotter is part of a coalition of companies dedicated to promoting gender equality through the minimization or elimination of unconscious bias in the workplace. The plan calls for members to accelerate the pace of change by significantly increasing the number of women in senior operating roles to 30% in the near-term, measuring targets and maintaining accountability by providing regular progress reports, basing career progress on business results and performance, and providing sponsors, not just mentors, to help position women leaders for long-term success. "Paradigm for Parity ® is excited to welcome SullivanCotter to our coalition of companies working to close the corporate leadership gender gap for women of all races, cultures and backgrounds," said Sandra Quince, CEO, Paradigm for Parity ®. "Using our Paradigm for Parity ® Toolkit and 5-Point Action Plan, companies can act on their commitments to gender parity and accelerate the advancement of women into leadership positions. We applaud SullivanCotter’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion to achieve gender parity in corporate leadership." SullivanCotter’s Women’s Council, a group formed to raise awareness of women’s experiences and promote a workplace culture of balance and inclusivity, will help to identify opportunities and recommend initiatives designed to support the Paradigm for Parity ® Roadmap as the firm moves forward with its pledge. About the Paradigm for Parity ® Movement The Paradigm for Parity ® coalition is comprised of CEOs, senior executives, founders, board members and business academics who are committed to achieving a new norm in corporate leadership: one in which women and men have equal power, status, and opportunity. The coalition created the Paradigm for Parity ® 5-Point Action Plan for corporations to accelerate the pace of gender equity in senior executive roles. This unique agenda defines bold and specific actions that, taken together and simultaneously implemented as a package, will catalyze change and enable today’s business executives to secure the best leaders of tomorrow. Visit www.paradigm4parity.com or follow us on Twitter using @p4parity to learn more about this exciting initiative. About SullivanCotter SullivanCotter partners with health care and other not-for-profit organizations to understand what drives performance and improve outcomes through the development and implementation of integrated workforce strategies. Using our time-tested methodologies and industry-leading research and information, we provide data-driven insights, expertise, data and technology products to help organizations align business strategy and performance objectives – enabling our clients to deliver on their mission, vision and values. About SullivanCotter SullivanCotter partners with health care and other not-for-profit organizations to understand what drives performance and improve outcomes through the development and implementation of integrated workforce strategies. Using our time-tested methodologies and industry-leading research and information, we provide data-driven insights, expertise, data and technology products to help organizations align business strategy and performance objectives – enabling our clients to deliver on their mission, vision and values. Contact Details Becky Lorentz +1 314-414-3719 beckylorentz@sullivancotter.com Company Website https://sullivancotter.com

March 08, 2022 07:00 AM Central Standard Time

Q-VANT and In vitro Plant-tech Sign Agreement for the Development and Supply of Quillaja saponaria Plant Cell Culture Biomass

Q-Vant Biosciences

Q-VANT Biosciences, the first company to achieve a 100% sustainable way to meet the growing global vaccine market demand for Quillaja saponin-based adjuvants, today announced that it has signed an agreement with In vitro Plant-tech AB, a Swedish plant cell cultivation company whose technology platform and manufacturing facilities will permit the sustainable production of Quillaja saponaria biomass within bioreactors. This collaboration will create an additional source of raw materials that will enhance the sourcing matrix of Q-VANT, adding the key benefit of flexibility of being able to produce it anywhere in the world. This is in line with the company’s strategy of guaranteeing the long-term sustainability and continuity of supply for saponin-based adjuvants including QS-21 for the pharmaceutical markets. QS-21 is considered the “Gold Standard” adjuvant for enhancing immune response to vaccine antigens and is a vital component in more than 17 human vaccine candidates, including the FDA-approved GSK Shingrix® shingles vaccine and the WHO-authorized, GSK Mosquirix® malaria vaccine. In addition, saponin-based adjuvants are a key component in the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, which has been shown to be highly effective in clinical trials and has recently been authorized for emergency use by the European Union (EU) and the World Health Organization (WHO). QS-21 is traditionally extracted from the bark of mature trees native to Chile known as the Quillaja saponaria — a harvesting process that negatively impacts the forest and the sustainability of the resource. Today, with regulatory restrictions on deforestation of this tree, and projected demand for QS-21 in the billions of doses annually, shortages of QS-21 are affecting the pharmaceutical market’s ability to meet the surging need for vaccine dosages globally. Q-VANT’s Q-SAP™ (Quillaja Sustainable Adjuvant Platform) is a technology platform combining computational learning techniques and a proprietary multi-step purification process to systematically enhance Quillaja sourcing options and to drive extremely effective outputs. The first of its kind, Q-SAP enables Q-VANT to obtain adjuvant products from a wide range of Quillaja-based plant materials, which can increase production volumes by as much as 1,000 times, leading to billions of doses in a 100% sustainable way. “ In vitro Plant-tech’s plant cell technology experts have over 25 years of experience,” said Doug Klaiber, the CEO of Q-VANT. “Their expertise coupled with their cell culture platform and production capabilities will enhance our supply and is complementary to our mission to meet the growing demand and secure supply chain continuity for delivering the world with billions of doses of 100% sustainable QS-21 and other saponin-based adjuvants.” “ In vitro Plant-tech is delighted to offer our plant cell cultivation technology, cell cultivation and enhancement platforms, and production capabilities to support Q-VANT on their mission to meet the growing demand for QS-21 and other saponin-based adjuvants,” said Anna Holefors, founder and CEO of In Vitro Plant-tech. “We look forward to paving the path for a fully sustainable QS-21 production platform and helping in the development and production of life saving vaccines.” About In vitro Plant-tech: In vitro Plant-tech is a research derived company, specializing in development and production of innovative active ingredients using the plant cell cultivation (PCC) technology. This technology enables sustainable production of uniform, customised, high quality plant material. As experts within PCC, we have developed a metabolic enhancement technology (MET) platform which enables optimised production and accumulation of bioactive substances. The company's products are used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. The company also provides contract biomanufacturing and production services. For more information, visit www.invitroplanttech.se. About Q-VANT Biosciences Q-VANT is a privately held biosciences company that has solved the supply chain problem of QS-21 and other Quillaja-based saponin adjuvants for the global human and animal pharmaceutical markets. The company’s next-generation technology platform combines computational learning techniques with a proprietary multi-step purification process to increase the supply of QS-21 by more than 1,000 times – enabling the production of billions of doses annually to meet today’s increasing global market demand. Led by a team with unrivaled experience in vaccine and adjuvant development, manufacturing and global regulatory requirements, and with world-class knowledge in Quillaja saponin supply chain, agronomy, extraction and purification, Q-VANT is the first company that is vertically integrated to combine a secured sustainable Quillaja raw material supply with pharma cGMP commercial-scale production of QS-21 and other saponin-based adjuvants. For more information, visit www.q-vant.com. Contact Details Erin O'Brien +1 401-490-9700 erin.obrien@svmpr.com Company Website https://q-vant.com/

March 08, 2022 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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