Sirona Biochem CEO’s Report on Progress
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: September 28, 2018
Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX-V: SBM) (FSE: ZSB) (Xetra: ZSB) (the “Company”) provided a shareholder corporate update today from the Company’s CEO, Dr. Howard J Verrico.
Dear Shareholders,
As the summer comes to a close and we enter the final months of 2018, I am eager to share the progress of Sirona’s recent clinical development and partnering activities. We sincerely apologize for the lack of communication recently, as we had been quite busy internally pivoting our strategy. However, we are now in a position to provide a comprehensive update. Sirona’s current strategy is based on a three-pronged attack, which I will explain in detail below, to ensure success in maximizing the value of our skin-lightener TFC-1067.
Clinical Trial Development
As mentioned in our most recent news release, Sirona and its subsidiary laboratory TFChem are nearing completion of the necessary requirements in developing TFC-1067 for a proof of concept, human clinical trial. Through work with a toxicologist and extensive safety studies, a formulation of Sirona’s lead skin lightener has been prepared. The Proof of Concept Clinical Trial will begin late October at a U.S. based clinic. The trial, performed by a lead dermatologist who has worked with many of the top tier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies world-wide, will take approximately 12 weeks.
North America Strategy
Many Sirona shareholders were aware of the late stage negotiations taking place with a large North American company to license TFC-1067. Even though term sheets had been exchanged, a sudden change in focus by the potential partner company alongside a large internal reorganization has delayed talks. While interest does remain, we made the decision months ago to expand the search for new potential partners in North America. Of the several interested cosmetic companies, one company specifically has invested significant time and resources to evaluate TFC-1067. Accordingly, we are pleased with the progress to date and foresee licensing discussions advancing.
Moreover, with the clinical trial beginning soon, many lead cosmetic companies we have previously spoken to are anticipating the results and will be eager to continue moving forward at that point.
Asia Strategy
While we continue to anticipate a North American licensing deal, Asia accounts for approximately 90% of the global skin-lightening market and continues to grow rapidly. Many North American companies have difficulty penetrating the Asian markets, resulting in lack of sales channels. We believe that working with leading cosmetic companies within Asia, where a majority of sales occur, is critical to entering this market. Previously, Sirona has attempted to navigate the Asian cosmetic market, but the different business practices and relevant contacts necessary, proved to be obstacles. However, Sirona’s strategic advisors PRC Partners Limited (PRC), out of Hong Kong, with their extensive presence and experience in Asia, have helped Sirona over the last five months, specifically in China.
PRC has set up several meetings with major cosmetic companies in the People’s Republic of China. Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Géraldine Deliencourt-Godefroy, and I have made several trips to China and we are working on several deal options – either working with one major brand to develop TFC-1067 or licensing it to many players in the market through a material supplier, which would make TFC-1067 an OEM product. We are in discussions with companies regarding options.
Although the focus of these meetings has been on TFC-1067, several of the larger companies are also expressing interest in Sirona’s anti-aging compound, LIP-01. This further confirms the large cosmetic demand by the Asian market for novel products.
Ultimately, we believe that focusing on not only the North American market, but also Asia, as well as independently developing TFC-1067 through a proof of concept clinical trial, will allow Sirona to secure the most value from TFC-1067 on a global scale.
Thank you for your continued patience and support. We hope that this update on Sirona’s strategy makes you as confident as we are in regard to licensing TFC-1067. Most importantly, Sirona plans to continue improving communication and transparency moving forward.
Sincerely,
Dr. Howard Verrico, CEO
About PRC Partners
PRC Partners is a Hong Kong-based corporate development consulting firm with a strong focus on China and Japan. The company assists Canadian public companies in tapping investment funds and high-net-worth individuals in Asia.
PRC Partners has a specific focus on the discovery of undervalued and promising growth companies and serves these companies by increasing visibility and accessing capital through an experienced network of investors.
About Sirona Biochem Corp.
Sirona Biochem is a cosmetic ingredient and drug discovery company with a proprietary platform technology. Sirona specializes in stabilizing carbohydrate molecules with the goal of improving efficacy and safety. New compounds are patented for maximum revenue potential.
Sirona’s compounds are licensed to leading companies around the world in return for licensing fees, milestone fees and ongoing royalty payments. Sirona’s laboratory, TFChem, is located in France and is the recipient of multiple French national scientific awards and European Union and French government grants. For more information, please visit www.sironabiochem.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information regarding this press release, please contact:
Christopher Hopton, CFO
Sirona Biochem Corp.
Phone: 1.604.282.6064
Email: chopton@sironabiochem.com
- Published in Life Sciences, News Home, Sirona Biochem
Sirona Biochem Receives Positive Safety Data for Lead Skin-Lightener in Preparation for Clinical Trial in the US
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: September 26, 2018
Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX-V: SBM) (FSE: ZSB) (Xetra: ZSB) (the “Company”) is pleased to report further progress regarding the clinical development of its lead skin-lightener, TFC-1067.
In parallel with ongoing partnering discussions, Sirona has completed steps toward the clinical trial for TFC-1067. A toxicologist, from CEHTRA in Paris, was hired to approve Sirona’s compound for clinical use. From the pre-clinical data, the toxicologist established a clinical dose for the compound and further confirmed that it does not degrade into toxic metabolites such as hydroquinone and benzoquinone.
The Company also contracted formulation expert Gael Boutry of Global Beauty Consulting in France to develop a formulation acceptable for clinical use. The formulation (face cream) containing TFC-1067 has already been prepared, packaged and tested in an accelerated stability test to ensure shelf-life.
Over the past two months, safety studies with the formulation have been ongoing at Dermscan, Poland, and continue to provide positive data for TFC-1067. The first study, a human patch test on 10 people, confirmed TFC-1067 as a non-irritant, in contrast to many other skin-lighteners.
In early August, a second clinical trial for the Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) which assesses sensitization on a larger group (110 people) began, in preparation for future efficacy trials. Initial results from the panel show TFC-1067 as a non-sensitizer. With these tests completed, Sirona will begin their proof of efficacy clinical trial in October, at a center in the United States, led by an acclaimed dermatologist.
“The significance of the data that supports the formulated TFC-1067 cream as a non-irritant, non-sensitizer cannot be understated, as many common skin-lighteners, like hydroquinone, resorcinol, and Kojic Acid, have known toxicities at effective doses,” said Dr. Howard Verrico, CEO of Sirona Biochem. “The market has an unmet need with the safety and efficacy problems associated with the currently available skin lighteners and we are confident that TFC-1067 will meet this need. With an inventory of formulated product, we are primed to start the trial in October.”
The planned clinical trial does not prevent negotiations of a definitive agreement in the interim. Advancing the development continues to add value to TFC-1067 and shorten the time to full commercialization. This improves our future potential partners ability to share our confidence in the commercial opportunity we are creating. In parallel, meetings with North American and Asian cosmetic companies continue to move forward.
About Sirona Biochem Corp.
Sirona Biochem is a cosmetic ingredient and drug discovery company with a proprietary platform technology. Sirona specializes in stabilizing carbohydrate molecules with the goal of improving efficacy and safety. New compounds are patented for maximum revenue potential.
Sirona’s compounds are licensed to leading companies around the world in return for licensing fees, milestone fees and ongoing royalty payments. Sirona’s laboratory, TFChem, is located in France and is the recipient of multiple French national scientific awards and European Union and French government grants. For more information, please visit www.sironabiochem.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information regarding this press release, please contact:
Christopher Hopton, CFO
Sirona Biochem Corp.
Phone: 1.604.282.6064
Email: chopton@sironabiochem.com
- Published in Business, Life Sciences, News Home, Sirona Biochem
Diagnos Five Years Ahead of Google in Diabtetic Retinopathy Screening Says Harvard Professor
Diabetic Retinopathy Market Predicted to Hit US$10.11 Billion by 2022
Diagnos Launches Hypertension Screening Application
AI Healthcare Applications Expected to Grow at 52% CAGR Between 2017-2022, Hitting US$7.98 Billion
Momentum Public Relations
Blog: September 24, 2018
On September 14th, 2018 Diagnos (TSXV: ADK) held an investor presentation at a downtown Montreal bistro for retail and institutional investors. Diagnos’ flagship product is CARA, computer aided retinal analysis, a cost efficient diabetic retinopathy screening application running on the company’s artificial intelligence platform Flaire. The company has been going from triumph to triumph this year. One indication of that was the presence of Chinese investment fund representatives.
During the presentation, recently appointed Diagnos Board member Dr. Reed Maclellan described the company’s technology as being “light years ahead of the competition. I was at a recent conference and nobody, not even Google can do what Cara can. Cara can detect macular degeneration. This is the only technology in the world that can do it. Diagnos is five years ahead of Google.”
Maclellan is an adjunct professor at both Harvard and the Boston Children’s Hospital where he teaches surgery. A microcirculation specialist, Dr. Maclellan also lectures internationally and frequently speaks at conferences of the American College of Surgeons, the Plastic Surgeons Research Council and the International Society of Vascular Anomalies.
Diagnos develops screening tools that help health care providers cut costs and make early diagnoses. Cara is designed to detect diabetic retinopathy and has the potential to prevent 85-90% of diabetes induced vision loss through early detection. At last count Cara has screened 222,034 patients, in 16 countries, using 131 screening sites. If untreated diabetic retinopathy leads to blindness.
The company is currently conducting its first Canadian pilot project in Montreal at CHUM, the Centre hospitalier de l’Universite de Montreal. If the pilot project is a success, Larente expects to be setting up Cara screening centres in hospitals and clinics across Quebec. CHUM has 35,000 diabetics, 80% of whom have never had a retina screening. Once you are a diabetic you face a 50% chance of going blind.
“Our job,” Larente, Diagnos’ president said in an earlier interview, “is to screen those 35,000 diabetics and send the ones that are critical right to the ophthalmology department and mange the other ones. Manage means you come every year and you get your test done.”
Once the pilot project is completed Larente expects to see Cara screening facilities in Quebec hospitals and just as a successful pilot project in Mexico led to a government contract, he expects the CHUM pilot project to result in a contract with the Quebec Ministry of Health.
“This will actually reduce the cost to the government because now you are going to manage the diabetic population. When you start to have retinopathy you can treat the patient. There is diet, there are vitamins. There are small inexpensive treatments to make sure it doesn’t go to the critical stage. There is a very effective laser treatment for bleeding.”
The diabetic retinopathy market is growing at 6.8% CAGR and according to a news release issued by Million Insights will grow from US$5.9 billion in 2014, to US$10.11 billion in 2022.
During the presentation, Diagnos president Andre Larente, announced that while the company intended to keep on marketing to government health agencies it also intended to beef up its approach to targets like hospitals and health care providers.
Drawing on his own experience, Maclellan described why AI powered medical devices had an initial slow adoption rates. “People were afraid it would take their jobs.” That has now changed. “Once one hospital starts using it, Cara adoption will snowball.”
To show just how much AI driven platforms are gaining traction in medicine at the beginning of 2018 Research House Frost & Sullivan predicted that by 2025, 85% of surgical procedures are likely to be done by robots.
According to Market and Markets, the market for artificial intelligence applications in healthcare will grow from US$667.1 million in 2016 to US$ 7.98 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 52.68% during the forecast period.
Diagnos’ product line is expanding. In July the company launched the first application in its Cardio product line, Cara HTA. The application uses the same fundus camera used for diabetic retinopathy to screen for hypertensive retinopathy. Cara HTA also monitors the efficacy of blood pressure treatments which will allow doctors to monitor and adjust treatment as necessary.
From a revenue standpoint, Cara HTA offers the same form of recurring revenues that screening for diabetic retinopathy does. Once the screening has been initially performed patients will require additional screenings on an annual or as needed basis.
The hypertension market is huge. Almost one in two adult Americans, for example, suffer from high blood pressure, a precursor to strokes and heart attacks.
Diagnos also has a third product in development, Cara Cardio which will screen for cardiovascular disease and debut during 2019. In September Diagnos signed two agreements. The first was with another Montreal-based company Optina Diagnostics, to provide a telemedicine platform based on Cara for a period of three years. Optina will use Diagnos Cloud Services to upload images generated by Optina’s hyperspectral camera for the early detection of Alzheimer’s.
The company believes that the agreement will attract other biotech companies that need a telemedicine platform. Cara includes a telemedicine platform that allows all the medical professionals involved to see the same picture. Additionally the company has already successfully incorporated blockchain technology to maintain patient confidentiality.
In September the company also signed a three year agreement with American company 20/20NOW to provide diabetic retinopathy screening services. 20/20NOW is a pioneer in ocular telehealth.
September has been a good month for Diagnos, the future should be even better.
- Published in Blog, Diagnos, Life Sciences, News Home, Technology, Uncategorized
MedX Health appoints Spearn as CEO, director
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: September 24, 2018
MedX Health Corp. (“MedX” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: MDX) announces the following changes to its Board and Executive team, effective immediately. Scott Spearn, who joined the Company as President in April 2018 is taking on the additional role of Chief Executive Officer and is joining the Board of Directors. Rob von der Porten, previously the CEO, has been appointed as Chairman of the Board in place of Gary Van Nest who has retired from that position and remains as a director.
“With the recent launch of our DermSecure™ telemedicine platform and anticipating a global roll-out of this leading product, the transition of Scott’s role to CEO represents a natural evolution at MedX,” noted Rob von der Porten, MedX’s new Chairman. “Scott’s experience in building sales organizations and developing international markets in the medical device field will help accelerate our growth from our SIAscopy technology and our Therapeutic and Dental Laser products.”
Gary Van Nest noted, “On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Rob von der Porten for his leadership during challenging times over the past few years and developing with the MedX team solid product roadmaps such as the delivery of DermSecure™.
“I am excited to be taking on the CEO role, leading a dedicated team of hard-working people. MedX is a great Canadian company with innovative products and robust technology that is making a big difference in the health of people’s lives around the world,” said Mr. Spearn.
Mr. Spearn is a seasoned medical device executive with nearly 30 years of developing sustainable, trusted relationships with key opinion leaders, strategic partners and industry influencers. Before joining MedX, Mr. Spearn held a number of senior executive roles at a multi-national medical device company where he substantially grew revenues across several business divisions.
The Company has granted 1,000,000 share options to the incoming CEO, the options having an exercise price of $0.16, exercisable for a period of five years, and vesting over a one-year period.
About MedX
MedX, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, is a leading medical device and software company focused on skin cancer with its DermSecure™ telemedicine platform, utilizing its SIAscopy technology. SIAscopy is also imbedded in its products SIAMETRICS™, SIMSYS™, and MoleMate™, which MedX manufactures in its ISO 13485 certified facility. SIAMETRICS™, SIMSYS™, and MoleMate™ include hand-held devices that use patented technology utilizing light and its remittance to view up to 2 mm beneath suspicious moles and lesions in a pain free, non-invasive manner, with its software then creating real-time images for physicians and dermatologists to evaluate all types of moles or lesions within seconds. These products are Health Canada, FDA (US), ARTG and CE cleared for use in Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union and Turkey. MedX also designs, manufactures and distributes quality photobiomodulation therapeutic and dental lasers to provide drug-free and non-invasive treatment of tissue damage and pain. www.medxhealth.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This Media Release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180924005812/en/
Contacts:
MedX Health Corp
Scott Spearn, 905-670-4428 ext 226
President and CEO
or
Media Relations
Deborah Thompson, 416-918-9551
dthompson@medxhealth.com
- Published in Business, Life Sciences, MedX Health Corp., News Home, Technology
Tetra Bio-Pharma Takes One Step Closer to the Commercialization of Cannabis Oil-Based Retail Products
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: September 24, 2018
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc., a leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development (TSX VENTURE: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF), has made significant progress in its clinical trial for PPP005 the cannabis oil-based capsules destined for the natural health products market.
Tetra and its clinical research partner, Santé Cannabis, announced that the clinical trial in non-cancer chronic pain patients will be completed later this autumn as promised. This was the first clinical trial of its kind in evaluating the safety and efficacy of different doses and ratios of cannabis oils versus placebo. The study included a dose titration phase (gradually bringing patients to the required dose) allowing us to better understand the side effect profile of the oils as well as the development of tolerance to these effects. Thus far, no other company in the medical cannabis space has undertaken such an exhaustive study to understand the therapeutic benefits and side effects of a cannabis oil-based capsule.
Dr. Chamberland, interim CEO and CSO added, “We continue to deliver on our business model that provides for evidence-based research to support the usage of cannabis-derived products and provide the medical community with the data they have been demanding from this sector. The trial has already provided unique valuable clinical data on both safe and efficacious dose levels of CBD and THC-CBD oils. This data will allow Tetra to advance to the next phase of product development wherein the company is developing products for its commercial partner Genacol Corporation Canada, as well as food supplements for the retail market and finally, our capsules that we intend to use in the treatment of chronic and cancer related pain. Tetra has already established itself as a trailblazer in the natural health product segment with the announcement of our intention to launch a Hemp Energy Drink and we intend to build on that momentum.”
About Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.
Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX-V: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF) is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development with a Health Canada approved, and FDA reviewed, clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. The Company has several subsidiaries engaged in the development of an advanced and growing pipeline of Bio Pharmaceuticals, Natural Health and Veterinary Products containing cannabis and other medicinal plant-based elements. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing bio pharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies.
For more information visit: www.tetrabiopharma.com
- Published in Life Sciences, Medical Marijuana, News Home, Tetra Bio Pharma
CROP Boosts Nevada CBD Farm to 1,865 Acres
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: September 24, 2018
CROP Infrastructure Corp. (CSE: CROP) (OTC: CRXPF) announced today that its subsidiary, Elite Ventures Group LLC, has signed a 3-year lease agreement for 800 additional acres of turn key pivot-irrigated agricultural property. The lease cost will be $550 USD per acre in 2019 and $700 USD per acre 2020 forward, paid quarterly commencing in March 2019. The property is in close proximity to CROP’s existing 1,065-acre Hemp CBD Farm in Nye County Nevada.
The combined Nevada properties, including the original one of 315 acres, have a total pivoted area of 1,340 acres but will require the installation of additional pivots and water wheels at a cost of $300,000 USD. Seasonal fertilizer, planting and seed costs are not expected to exceed $600,000 USD. All harvesting and commercial drying equipment have been paid for during the 2018 season.
According to cannabis industry analysts the Brightfield Group, it is estimated the hemp-CBD market alone could hit $22 billion by 2022.
The two existing strains planted during the 2018 season with approximately 12-19% CBD will be planted for 2019 along with 3 additional genetics in the same range of CBD. The farm will be planted and maintained to be organic to ensure the end product is to the specification of interested buyers.
CROP CEO, Michael Yorke, stated: “CROP is preparing for the upcoming Hemp Farming Act of 2018 which would remove hemp’s controlled substance designation, thus legalizing the crop under federal law, and allowing CBD isolate to be sold across all 50 states and exported internationally. As we enter the next phase of project development in Nevada we look forward to building our GMP extraction facility and introducing our made in America CBD Isolate to infuse in to our recently announced CannaDrink beverages and licensed topical lines.”
Yorke concluded: “CROP has the largest real estate foot print in Nevada dedicated to hemp-CBD. Once the additional upgrades are completed, we anticipate that our tenant and brand licensee will have 1,340 acres under irrigation. With two crops expected annually in 2019 we foresee a harvest potential of approximately 2,680,000 lbs of CBD flower. We expect to comfortably use funds from our 2018 harvest (next 30-60 days) to organically grow into the projects new foot print.”
CROP Nevada Hemp Initiatives For 2019
- Develop 300 acres additional pivots on newly leased land as per announced as per August 22, 2018
- Planting of 1,340 acres of High CBD Hemp strains
- Initial 1-ton per day processing capability GMP ISO 9000 extraction facility for pharmaceutical grade CBD
Hemp Farming Act of 2018
The Bill, supported by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is awaiting congressional approval, which would replace the 2017 Farm Bill, which expires on September 30th. The full legalization of hemp would open the door for investment and provide access to a full range of financial, market development and advisory services that have been unavailable because of its classification as a controlled substance. These services would include small business loans (SBA’s), federal crop insurance, access to banking, USDA research.
About CROP
Crop Infrastructure Corp. is publicly listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange and trades under the symbol “CROP” and in the US under the symbol “CRXPF”. CROP is primarily engaged in the business of investing, constructing, owning and leasing greenhouse projects as part of the provision of turnkey real estate solutions for lease-to-licensed cannabis producers and processors offering best-in-class operations. The Company’s portfolio of projects includes cultivation properties in California and Washington State, Nevada, Italy, Jamaica and a joint venture on West Hollywood and San Bernardino dispensary applications. CROP has developed a portfolio of assets including Canna Drink a cannabis infused functional beverage, US and Italian distribution rights to over 55 cannabis topical products and a portfolio of 16 Cannabis brands.
Company Contact
Michael Yorke – CEO & Director
E-mail: info@cropcorp.com
Website: www.cropcorp.com
Phone: (604) 484-4206
- Published in Business, CROP Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Medical Marijuana, News Home
Tetra spinout North Bud to start trading tomorrow
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: September 19, 2018
North Bud Farms Inc. (“NORTHBUD” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that its common shares will commence trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”) at the opening of the market on Thursday, September 20, 2018 under the stock symbol “NBUD”.
“We are proud to achieve this milestone in advance of the historic legalization of Cannabis in Canada on October 17, 2018 and less than 10 months since the Company’s inception which is a testament to the dedication and execution of our experienced management team,” said Ryan Brown, Founder and CEO of North Bud Farms.
Concurrently with the CSE listing, the Company also announces that the board of directors has authorized the grant of 5,100,000 incentive stock options to certain of its directors, officers, employees and consultants. Each such option entitles the holder to acquire one common share for a period of 5 years at an exercise price of $0.25 per common share.
About North Bud Farms Inc.
North Bud Farms Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary GrowPros MMP Inc. which was acquired from Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (TSX-V: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF) in February 2018, is pursuing a license under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). North Bud Farms will be constructing a state-of-the-art purpose-built cannabis production facility located on 95 acres of Agricultural Land in Low, Quebec. North Bud Farms will be focused on Pharmaceutical and Food Grade cannabinoid production in preparation for the legalization of edibles and ingestible products scheduled for October 2019.
For more information visit: www.northbud.com
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
- Published in Life Sciences, Medical Marijuana, News Home, Tetra Bio Pharma
DIAGNOS to Provide Retinal Image Analysis using its AI Technology to 20/20NOW, the Leading Ocular Telehealth Provider in the United States
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: September 18, 2018
Diagnos Inc. (“DIAGNOS” or “the Corporation”) (TSX Venture:ADK), (OTCQB: DGNOF), a leader in early detection of critical health issues through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), announces today a three-year agreement to provide its CARA (Computer Assisted Retina Analysis) to 20/20NOW. 20/20NOW will use CARA to upload their retinal images and retrieve the results after analysis by our algorithms to detect anomalies caused by diabetic retinopathy in real time. Identifying diabetic retinopathy (“DR”) in its early stages, when it’s most treatable, is critical to prevent blindness and help at lowering health care costs.
“At DIAGNOS, we’re pleased to welcome an innovative company, 20/20NOW, as a new customer and business partner. We also want to extend a warm welcome to their network of more than 60 customers located across the United States. We will exclusively provide rapid and early detection of DR to their customers in the optical space. As 20/20NOW expands their network, we will provide them with fast and reliable detection of DR. As we introduce new healthcare applications, we will work with 20/20NOW to leverage their network and provide early detection of other illnesses to the benefit of their patients.” said Yves-Stephane Couture, Vice-President of Sales at DIAGNOS.
Telehealth industry veteran and 20/20NOW CEO, Chuck Scott, stated “Our mission at 20/20NOW is to expand access to comprehensive eye exams while also improving the standard of care, at a lower cost to our patients. Through the use of cutting-edge AI technology provided by DIAGNOS, our Ocular Telehealth eye exams represent a cost-effective tool to help solve one of the most pressing health care issue in our country today.”
Mr. Scott further stated “The opportunity exists to combine the use of AI and Ocular Telehealth to cost effectively screen and detect other critical health diseases beyond diabetic retinopathy. We believe there will be a vast array of ocular diseases that can be detected through AI and retinal screenings in the future. We look forward to partnering with DIAGNOS to bring these capabilities to market.”
About 20/20NOW
20/20NOW is the pioneer and innovator of ocular telehealth. Using state-of-the-art technology, proprietary software and patented exam processes, 20/20NOW provides comprehensive eye exams, including eye health screenings, via telehealth. The company’s telehealth model allows eye care professionals and optical retailers to provide their patients with increased access to high quality eye exams at a lower cost.
Additional information is available at www.for2020now.com.
About DIAGNOS
DIAGNOS is a publicly-traded Canadian corporation with a mission of early detection of critical health issues through the use of its Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) tool CARA (Computer Assisted Retina Analysis). CARA is a tele-ophthalmology platform that integrates with existing equipment (hardware and software) and processes at the point of care. CARA’s Artificial Intelligence image enhancement algorithms make standard retinal images sharper, clearer and easier to read. CARA is accessible securely over the internet, and is compatible with all recognized image formats and brands of fundus cameras, and is EMR compatible. CARA is a cost-effective tool for screening large numbers of patients in real-time and has been cleared for commercialization by several regulatory authorities such as Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union.
Additional information is available at www.diagnos.com and www.sedar.com.
- Published in Business, Diagnos, Life Sciences, News Home, Technology
Health Canada Reclassifies Tetra Bio-Pharma’s Inhalation Device Making it Eligible for Reimbursement
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: September 13, 2018
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (“Tetra” or the “Corporation“) (TSX VENTURE: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF), a global leader in cannabinoid-based drug development and discovery, announced today that Health Canada has re-classified the inhalation pipe device used in the delivery of its PPP001 cannabis drug to a Class 2 Medical Device. The reclassification will help pave the way towards reimbursement for patients; a key element to patient access and care. The significance of this decision is such that if PPP001 is approved by Health Canada, both the prescription drug and the inhalation device will be eligible for insurance coverage by private and provincial public insurance plans. Tetra Bio-Pharma is undertaking a Phase III trial with PPP001 treating late stage cancer patients looking to improve quality of life and reduce pain. The Company also recently announced it is starting a head to head trial to investigate cannabis versus Fentanyl in managing breakthrough cancer pain.
“We are very excited by the reclassification as we believe it will provide patients with a financial benefit in terms of coverage for the device and prescription drug,” stated Dr. Guy Chamberland, Ph.D., Interim CEO and CSO at Tetra Bio-Pharma. “Many cancer patients rely on private and public insurance plans for access to their medication. This decision by the Government of Canada is an important step forward to facilitating access to cannabis drugs. This coupled with our robust clinical trial program and the evidence we are establishing will support physicians in discussing and recommending this option with their patients.”
Dr. Chamberland further stated, “the lack of scientific data on the safety and efficacy of cannabis is a critical barrier to patient access, and something that Canadian physicians are waiting for before being comfortable to prescribe it. Equally essential is adhering to the highest standards of drug manufacturing as well as the production of the delivery mechanism – something that Tetra is committed to. There are more than 300,000 registered users of medical cannabis in the country and we can only expect this number to rise.”
Tetra has been a pioneer in the development of several cannabis drugs. To date, the Corporation has completed several safety and pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers obtaining proper dosing information and a clear understanding of the potential cardiovascular and neurological risks to patients. This information is critical to protect public health, and Tetra Bio-Pharma is engaged with Health Canada to comply with the highest drug safety standards.
About Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.
Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX-V: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF) is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development with a Health Canada approved, and FDA reviewed, clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. The Company has several subsidiaries engaged in the development of an advanced and growing pipeline of Bio Pharmaceuticals, Natural Health and Veterinary Products containing cannabis and other medicinal plant-based elements. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing bio pharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies.
For more information visit: www.tetrabiopharma.com
- Published in Business, Life Sciences, Medical Marijuana, News Home, Tetra Bio Pharma