IRVINE, Calif. and EDISON, N.J., July 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) in Edison, New Jersey, and Genomic Testing Cooperative (GTC), Irvine, California, announced today an agreement to establish a next generation sequencing reference laboratory for molecular profiling. The state-of-the-art laboratory, located at JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey, will use artificial intelligence software and algorithms developed by GTC.

The new genomic laboratory will be initially focused on cancer and will expand to immune diseases and various chronic diseases. It will bring genomics to the currently active screening and prevention program at HMH. Recent innovation in diagnostic testing, called molecular testing, provides a deeper insight into tumors' genomic signature. Molecular tests are looking for alterations in the cancer's DNA and RNA that drive the disease's growth and spread. Testing could reveal one cause or several causes that may offer insights into how the tumor will behave. The goal of the tests is to offer diagnostic, prognostic and predictive information about targeted options.

This new facility will not only serve the physicians in the HMH network, but will provide outreach service to physicians and hospitals on the East Coast.

"Investing in genomics and establishing a reference laboratory in genomics represents a new phase for Hackensack Meridian Health and demonstrates our commitment to be a leader in improving patient care," noted Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. "We believe that precision medicine based on genomics not only delivers better medicine but is more efficient and cost effective."

Maher Albitar, MD, chief executive officer and chief medical officer at GTC, stated, "Collaborating with HMH to open a reference laboratory on the east coast is a part of our plan in democratizing next generation sequencing and building a network of genomic laboratories that offer sophisticated high-quality molecular testing.These laboratories will use the same algorithms and artificial intelligence approach in analyzing data with cross validation, so the data can be grouped and used for developing new applications and new indications. This collaboration will allow GTC to co-develop new tests with HMH utilizing real world clinical and outcomes data provided by HMH."

"Paired DNA and RNA profiling is increasingly recognized as the new standard in precision medicine and GTC is leading in developing clinical utilizations for this approach. Although we are currently using genomic information for diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, we are only touching the surface of how this technology can be applied," said Dr. Andre Goy, physician-in-chief for Oncology at Hackensack Meridian Health and chair of John Theurer Cancer Center. He added, "The collaboration between HMH and GTC will facilitate bringing this technology faster to everyday patient care."

"HMH is highly patient focused and GTC is a leader in genomic diagnosis and this partnering will not only represent a unique opportunity for advancing medicine and health outcome, but could have implicationson health policies as well," explained Mark Stauder, chief operating officer, Hackensack Meridian Health.

The new reference laboratory will complement the previously announced next generation sequencing laboratory operated by Regional Cancer Care Associates in their practice located at the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, which provides services for RCCA physicians.

Hackensack Meridian Healthis New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive health network.

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH

Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care.

Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 17 hospitals from Bergen to Ocean counties, which includes three academic medical centers Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, JFK Medical Center in Edison; two children's hospitals - Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune; nine community hospitals Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, and Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin; a behavioral health hospital Carrier Clinic in Belle Mead; and two rehabilitation hospitals - JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison and Shore Rehabilitation Institute in Brick.

Additionally, the network has more than 500 patient care locations throughout the state which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers and physician practice locations. Hackensack Meridian Health has more than 34,100 team members, and 6,500 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

The network's notable distinctions include having four hospitals among the top 10 in New Jersey by U.S. News and World Report. Other honors include consistently achieving Magnet recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and being named to Becker's Healthcare's "150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare/2019" list.

The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University, the first private medical school in New Jersey in more than 50 years, welcomed its first class of students in 2018 to its campus in Nutley and Clifton. Additionally, the network partnered with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to find more cures for cancer faster while ensuring that patients have access to the highest quality, most individualized cancer care when and where they need it.

Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies.

For additional information, please visit http://www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org.

About Genomic Testing Cooperative, LCA

Genomic Testing Cooperative (GTC) is a privately-owned molecular testing company located in Irvine, CA. The company operates based on a cooperative (co-op) business model. Members of the co-op hold type A shares with voting rights. The company offers its patron members a full suite of comprehensive genomic profiling based mainly on next generation sequencing. The co-op model allows GTC to make the testing and information platform available to members at a lower cost because of a lower overhead. For more information, please visit https://genomictestingcooperative.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

All of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the GTC and HMH management's current expectations and includes statements regarding the value of Molecular profiling, testing, therapy, and the ability of testing to provide clinically useful information. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and HMH or GTC undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

Hackensack Meridian Health Contact:Katherine EmmanouilidisT:551-996-3764[emailprotected]

Genomic Testing Cooperative contact:Jennifer Varca (949) 540-9421[emailprotected]

SOURCE Genomic Testing Cooperative; Hackensack Meridian Health

GTC-Partners-with-HMH-to-Establish-Reference-Laboratory

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Hackensack Meridian Health Partners with Genomic Testing Cooperative to Establish a Reference Laboratory Offering State-of-the-Art Genomic Precision...

This week we are hosting our annual MedCity INVEST conference online. Today is the last session of the event and includes the diagnostics track of the Pitch Perfect contest. The conference kicked off July 20. You can check out the agenda here.

At 3:30 p.m. five diagnostics startups will present their technologies in the final track of the week long Pitch Perfect competition in which healthcare startups pitch to a team of investor judges who question them about their businesses. They include:

SEngine leverages the convergence of modern technologies and functional precision medicine in the form of the PARIS Test, to deliver more effective, less toxic treatments to cancer patients and accelerate development of novel therapeutics.

CEO: Carla Grandori MD, PhD

Headquarters: Seattle, WA

Exogene Bio is a diagnostics and medical device company whose goal is to enter the liquid biopsy market in order to simultaneously isolate exosomes and cell-free biomarkers using proprietary nanofluidic technology. This technology will then be integrated into an automated medical diagnostic device for the simultaneous detection of multiple classes of cancers using early stage biomarkers contained within exosomes and in cell-free fractions of body fluids.

CEO: Anant Kamath

Headquarters: Iowa City, IA

Amplified Sciences is a molecular diagnostics company using ultra-sensitive molecular sensing technology with composition of matter IP. The first application early detection of pancreatic cancer is an assay that will quickly prove the investment thesis due to large unmet medical need and a favorable reimbursement path.

CEO: Diana Caldwell

Headquarters: Indianapolis, IN

Atom Bioworks is a pioneer and leader in practice PEST (Pattern-matching Enabled Sensing & Theraputics) medicine by creating nanoscale biosensing and theraputics platform powered by innovative DNA nanostructures.

CEO: Sherwood Yao

Headquarters: Cary, NC

Genomtec develops smartphone-size, fully automated genetic analyser based on patent pending optical heating technology. It can be utilized in 15-minute infection or mutation detection in personalized therapy.

CEO: Miron Tokarski

Headquarters: Wroclaw, Poland

The judges for the diagnostics track include:

, H.I.G. BioHealth Partners Vice President, Philips Ventures Investment Manager, Sante Ventures Senior Associate

Check out participants in thePitch Perfect competition here. Winners for each track will be announced on July 27on our website.

All the sessions will be recorded and be available to attendees upon request.

We will be doing more online events this year. Check our events page for updates to the agendas.

For questions about INVEST, contact Laura Kittredge: lkittredge@breakingmedia.com

Photo: Adam Taylor, Getty Images

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Today at MedCity INVEST virtual: Diagnostics startups take the spotlight in the pitching contest - MedCity News

Dublin, July 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Large Volume Wearable Injectors Market (5th Edition), 2020-2030: Focus on Bolus, Basal and Continuous Delivery Devices" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report features an extensive study of the current market landscape and the likely future evolution of these self-injection devices, over the next ten years. It specifically lays emphasis on the emergence of patient-centric, convenient, cost-effective and user-friendly wearable drug delivery solutions that are capable of administering large volumes of a drug subcutaneously, in the home-care setting.

One of the key objectives of the report was to estimate the existing market size and potential future growth opportunities for large volume wearable injectors. Based on parameters, such as the number of commercialized devices, number of devices under development, price of the device and the annual adoption rate, we have provided an informed estimate on the likely evolution of the market over the period 2020-2030.

The report also features sales forecasts for the overall large volume wearable injectors market with a detailed market segmentation on the:

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, autoimmune disorders and various types of cancer, are known to be the leading causes of death and disability across the world. The clinical conditions associated with these diseases affect patients' overall quality of life. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 50% of the global population is currently estimated to be suffering from at least one chronic disease.

The past few years have witnessed introduction of several innovative pharmaceutical interventions for the treatment of a number of such diseases. However, majority of the available treatment options require parenteral administration of the drug, frequent dosing, and involve repeated hospital visits.

Treatment administration via the parenteral route is also associated with various concerns, such as dosing errors, risk of microbial contamination and needlestick injuries. These are known to be the primary factors affecting medication adherence and, thereby, have a significant impact on therapeutic outcomes. Over the past few years, a number of companies have developed advanced therapeutic delivery solutions (such as autoinjectors, pen injectors, prefilled syringes) to overcome the challenges associated with the administration of both conventional and novel drug/therapy molecules.

In fact, these drug delivery devices can prove to be potential vehicles for drug administration in disease outbreaks/pandemics (such as the one being faced due to the novel corona virus/COVID-19). Amongst modern drug delivery practices, the concept of self-injection has facilitated the administration of medications outside the clinical setting. Such practices also allow reductions in healthcare costs and enable the optimal usage of healthcare resources.

Specifically, large volume wearable injectors used for subcutaneous drug delivery, have become a preferred choice for administration of drugs in the home-care setting. Variants of these wearable devices have been designed to administer highly viscous drugs (such as biologics) in large volumes (more than 1 mL), offering numerous dosing options (basal, bolus or continuous), integrated safety mechanisms, and an almost negligible risk of needlestick injuries. Such devices have captured the interest of several stakeholders in this industry and are being used for the administration of both insulin and non-insulin drugs.

The field is presently witnessing a lot of innovation, such as the development of integrated mobile applications with smart health monitoring, artificial intelligence algorithms and other interesting features (including provisions for reminders, and the ability to connect to web-based portals for sharing medical data with the concerned healthcare providers), visual/audible drug delivery confirmation notifications, automatic drug reconstitution, and error alerts. We believe that such efforts are likely to drive growth in this market over the coming years.

Amongst other elements, the report includes:

In order to account for future uncertainties and to add robustness to our model, we have provided three market forecast scenarios namely the conservative, base and optimistic scenarios, which represent different tracks of the industry's evolution.

The opinions and insights presented in this study were influenced by discussions conducted with several stakeholders in this domain. The report features detailed transcripts of interviews held with the following individuals:

Key Questions Answered

Key Topics Covered

1. Preface2. Executive Summary3. Introduction4. Large Volume Wearable Injectors: Current Market Landscape5. Product Competitiveness Analysis6. Large Volume Wearable Injectors: Key Players7. Drug-Device Combinations: Tabulated Profiles8. Partnerships and Collaborations9. Key Acquisition Targets10. Patent Analysis11. Large Volume Wearable Injectors: Likely Drug Candidates12. Emerging Trends on Social Media13. Clinical Trial Analysis14. Case Study: Role of CMOs in Device Development Supply Chain15. Regulatory and Reimbursement Landscape for Medical Devices16. Market Sizing and Opportunity Analysis17. SWOT Analysis18. Executive Insights

Companies Mentioned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p6d8mi

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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Global Large Volume Wearable Injectors Market Outlook to 2030 with Competitive Analysis on 400+ Players - GlobeNewswire

Oxford Universitys Covid-19 vaccine candidate, AZD-1222, proved to be safe and effective with few side effects, preliminary trial results showed on Monday. According to pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, they have finalised a license agreement with Oxford University for the vaccine candidate.

Earlier this week, the BBC initially reported that the UK government has already ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, and later added that the government signed deals for an additional 90 million doses of the other promising BioNtech/Pfizer and Valneva vaccines. (These two vaccines are being researched by an alliance between the pharmaceutical companies BioNtech and Pfizer, as well as the firm Valneva.)

AstraZeneca, however, doesnt have any direct involvement with South Africas vaccine trial as the agreement to do the trial here preceded Oxfords agreement with AstraZeneca for further clinical development and manufacturing of the vaccine, said Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, during an ECN (Economist Corporate Network) Africa webinar today. Madhi is leading the SA trial.

Many other countries in similar situation

South Africas Covid-19 vaccine trial is being funded by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. At the moment, there is no agreement with AstraZeneca to prioritise access to the vaccine for South Africa, should it prove successful. But this wouldnt be unique to South Africa, said Madhi.

Many other countries are in a similar situation. I think for low-to-middle income countries, including South Africa, the best opportunity to gain access at an early stage (once the vaccines do become available) is through the initiative that is being led by CEPI (the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness) and Gavi.

Unfortunately we [South Africa] are not in the luxurious position of being able to have billions of doses become available in the next twelve months. Theres going to need to be some kind of prioritisation in terms of whos targeted for vaccines, as well as which countries gain access to the vaccines at an early stage, explained Madhi.

The initiative Madhi referred to is known as the COVAX Facility, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 150 countries are engaged in this global access to the vaccine. The website reads: The COVAX Facility, and the AMC within it, is designed to guarantee rapid, fair and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines for every country in the world, rich and poor, to make rapid progress towards slowing the pandemic.

AstraZeneca notes that commitments to supply more than two billion doses of the vaccine have so far been agreed withthe UK, US, Europes Inclusive Vaccines Alliance, CEPI, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and Serum Institute of India. The company is engaging with these international organisations for the fair allocation and distribution of the vaccine worldwide.

South Africa, fortunately, has already expressed interest in procuring vaccines through the COVAX mechanism, added Madhi.

Late-stage Phase II/III trials of the vaccine are currently underway in the UK, Brazil and South Africa and are due to start in the US. AstraZeneca also stated in a media release this week that they will continue to fulfil their commitment for broad and equitable access to the vaccine, should these late-stage clinical trials prove successful.

Smart choice to order millions of doses?

Based on the UKs decision to order 190 million doses of the promising vaccines, we chatted to two local experts on whether this is a wise move.

Professor Thomas Scriba, Deputy Director of Immunology and Laboratory Director at UCT, explained that although there is some risk involved in ordering doses for a vaccine that we dont yet know for certain works, the UK is simply trying to ensure that they get an allocation, considering the excessive demands for this vaccine should it turn out to be effective.

I guess because theyre developing it, theyre trying to get in their order to be first in line, said Scriba. This, of course, borders on the topic of 'vaccine nationalism'.

Scriba explained: In an ideal world, it should be equitable and everyone should have access to health products that can save lives and reduce morbidity and mortality. Of course, this is not an ideal world and what often happens is that certain governments and institutions invest a lot of effort and money into the development of these products, making them positioned to have more say about negotiating access to it.

I think its really important that theres strong advocacy for making it equitable around the globe, and one of the things that we can do in South Africa, for example, which will help to negotiate access to new products, is to take part in these clinical trials.

"If we are part of the international effort that develops interventions for Covid-19 (or for any other type of disease), then it also puts us in a position to negotiate access to the vaccine," said Scriba: Theres actually an ethical obligation if South African participants take part in trials, in that they took some risk, and that risk should be offset by the agreement that they would then get access to the product, should it prove to be efficacious.

Nonetheless, Scriba concluded that it potentially puts other countries which may not be in a position to participate in such trials at a disadvantage.

Its a very difficult situation, and as I said, ideally, access should be equal but, unfortunately, theres not going to be enough vaccine for all countries, especially at the beginning."

To navigate this tricky space, there will have to be some system to select who gets the vaccine and who doesnt, said Scriba.

Onus on investigators of trials to negotiate access

Honorary Professor Robert Wilkinson from the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), and Director of The Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa) echoed Scribas sentiments above, saying that if you take the risk, then you should get the benefit, and further commented that the investigators (scientists) running the trials must ensure negotiation of access to the product as part of their agreement to do the trial.

I think thats an ethical necessity. When you agree to do the trial, I think its ethically important to have negotiated potential access to the product in the event that efficacy is demonstrated.

We need to guard against a nationalist approach

Touching on the above topic of vaccine access, Madhi commented during the webinar that for most low-to-middle income countries who dont have the financial power of the US or the UK, for example, the COVAX Facility is likely the best opportunity to gain access to vaccines at an affordable price and at an early stage, said Madhi, who further cautioned against a nationalist approach.

We have been engaging locally with AstraZeneca to see what might be possible for South Africa, in terms of gaining early access, but, again, procuring it through the COVAX mechanism is our best opportunity.

Even as South Africans, we need to guard against a nationalist approach. Even if a vaccine is shown to be effective here, we cant exactly do what the US is doing right now, in insisting that because the vaccine is being developed there, they need to get priority access. I think the COVAX mechanism is a model of greater equity concerning distribution of the limited supply vaccine that will be available."

Madhi also explained that the model is an advanced market commitment to the procurement of vaccines from different manufacturers, and that middle-income countries would be able to source vaccines from the bulk that is procured, and at a cost which is extremely favourable. Low-income countries, he added, will probably have vaccines donated to them through the same mechanism.

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Covid-19 vaccine trial in SA: Will we have access to treatment if it is a success, and approved? - Health24

Breast Imaging Market by Technology [Mammography (FFDM, Digital & 3D Mammography), Breast Ultrasound, MRI, CBCT, MBI, PET-CT, ABUS, Optical Imaging], End user (Hospitals & Clinics, Breast Care Centers, Diagnostic Imaging Centers) -Global Forecasts to 2025

Market growth is largely driven by factors such as technological advancements, the rising prevalence of breast cancer, the increasing number of screening programsas well as rising number of conferences and symposiums focusing on spreading awareness about the benefits of early screening and diagnosis. The emerging markets, growing government and private investments to meet the increasing demand for breast cancer screening, and the improving reimbursement scenario are expected to present a wide range of growth opportunities for market players.

According MarketsandMarkets Research Report [215 Pages Report] The breast imaging market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 3.7billion in 2020 to USD 5.4 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.

Breast Imaging Market and Emerging Technologies:

Download PDF Brochure:www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownasp?id=897

Breast Imaging Market and Key End-users:

Key End-user industries for breast imaging products are:

Report: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestasp?id=897

Breast Imaging Market and Top Companies

Key market players profiled in the breast imaging market report includes:

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Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Growth in Breast Imaging Technologies Market scrutinized in the new analysis - WhaTech Technology and Markets...

A Wayne State University School of Medicine researcher who won a 2020-2021 University Research Grant from the WSU Office of the Provost in April has now earned his first R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Yuan He, Ph.D., is the principal investigator of Molecular Mechanism of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation, a five-year, $1.9 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The project will investigate the molecular mechanism of a natural component of the human immune system that contributes to the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases.

The NLRP3 inflammasomeis a critical component of the innate immune system that controls the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin ( IL)-1 and IL-18 in response to infection and tissue damage. Aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, Dr. He said, contributes to the pathogenesis of several inflammatory disorders, including Cryopyrin-associated autoinflammatory syndrome, gout, diabetes and Alzheimers disease.

The goal of this projectis to better understand how the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated, he said. Understanding the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation might guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies for treating NLRP3 inflammasome-driven inflammatory diseases.

Zhe Yang, Ph.D., professor of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, is a co-investigator on the grant.

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Yuan He lab wins $1.9 million to explore how a common piece of the immune system contributes to inflammation - The South End

Al Jazeera: Why pro-life activists wont protect women during childbirthClaire Provost, global investigations editor at openDemocracy, and Inge Snip, health journalism fellow at openDemocracys Tracking the Backlash project (7/22).

The Conversation: AIDS conference: COVID-19, big breakthroughs and missed targetsLinda-Gail Bekker, professor of medicine and deputy director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine at the University of Cape Town (7/22).

Forbes: Burnout, A Silent Crisis In Global HealthMadhukar Pai, Canada research chair of epidemiology and global health at McGill University and director of the McGill International Tuberculosis Centre (7/20).

The Guardian: Donald Trumps assault on the WHO is deeply worrying for global healthPeter Beaumont, senior reporter on The Guardians Global Development desk (7/22).

The Hill: Africa is on the 2020 political agenda now make it countK. Riva Levinson, president and CEO of KRL International LLC (7/20).

Financial Times: Why medicines must be tested in the developing worldDavid Pilling, Africa editor of the Financial Times (7/23).

IPS: Involve Marginalized Groups to Make Food Systems More Climate-ResilientNout van der Vaart, advocacy officer for Hivos Sustainable Diets for All (7/23).

The Lancet Global Health: Headway and hindrances for sexual and reproductive health and rightsEditorial Board (August 2020).

Ms. Magazine: Progress Towards Contraceptive Access in the PhilippinesSusan M. Blaustein, founder and executive director of WomenStrong International (7/20).

Vox: Why the next president should establish a Department of ClimateAllison Crimmins, climate scientist in Washington, D.C. (7/21).

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Opinions Address U.S. WHO Withdrawal, Women's Health, AIDS 2020 Highlights, Other Topics - Kaiser Family Foundation

Roches contributions to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the second quarter:

Commenting on the Groups performance in the first half of the year, Roche CEO Severin Schwan said: The corona pandemic continues to pose an enormous challenge worldwide. I am grateful that, in close collaboration with health authorities, we have been able to make a number of SARS-CoV-2 tests available and start several global Actemra/RoActemra phase III studies in COVID-19 pneumonia. At the same time, Roches regular business was significantly impacted by the pandemic in the second quarter. But we now see clear signs of recovery. Furthermore, the uptake of our recently introduced medicines and diagnostic tests continues to be strong. Based on our current assessment of the impact of the pandemic, we can confirm the outlook for the full year.

Outlook confirmed for 2020Based on the current assessment of the COVID-19 impact, sales are expected to grow in the low- to mid-single digit range, at constant exchange rates. Core earnings per share are targeted to grow broadly in line with sales, at constant exchange rates. Roche expects to increase its dividend in Swiss francs further.

Group resultsIn the first half of 2020, Group sales rose 1% to CHF 29.3 billion and core EPS grew 2%, ahead of sales. IFRS net income increased 3% at constant exchange rates, due to the strong underlying core results. As a result of the continued appreciation of the Swiss franc against most currencies, the IFRS net income expressed in Swiss francs decreased 5% to CHF 8.5 billion.

Sales in the Pharmaceuticals Division increased 1% to CHF 23.2 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic had an overall negative impact on the divisions sales, especially in May. Hospitalisations and out-patient visits decreased, which particularly impacted sales of Ocrevus, Hemlibra, Lucentis and MabThera/Rituxan. Key growth drivers were the cancer medicine Tecentriq, the haemophilia medicine Hemlibra, the multiple sclerosis medicine Ocrevus, Actemra/RoActemra in immunology and Perjeta in breast cancer. The new medicines (+37%) generated sales of CHF 8.9 billion and grew by CHF 2.5 billion at constant exchange rates over 2019, more than offsetting the impact of the competition from biosimilars (CHF 2.1 billion at constant exchange rates).3

Within the Roche Groups sales growth of 1% in the first half of 2020, there was 7% year-on-year growth in the first quarter and 4% decline in the second quarter. Especially in May, Roches business was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the US, overall sales decreased 4%. While sales of Hemlibra, Ocrevus, Tecentriq and Actemra/RoActemra increased, competition from biosimilars for Herceptin, Avastin and MabThera/Rituxan impacted this growth as expected. Hemlibra sales increased 80%, resulting from the ongoing rollout in the US. Ocrevus sales increased by 19% and were driven by both new and returning patient demand. Sales of both Hemlibra and Ocrevus were partly impacted by COVID-19 effects. Tecentriq sales increased by 52%, driven by the growth in the new indications ES-SCLC and triple-negative breast cancer. In the US, as well as in other countries, an increased use of Actemra/RoActemra in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia can be observed as countries included it in their treatment guidelines. Actemra/RoActemra is not currently approved for this use; Roche is conducting several phase III clinical studies in severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Results from the Covacta study are expected soon.

In Europe, sales increased (+5%) as the strong demand for Tecentriq, Ocrevus, Hemlibra, Kadcyla, Perjeta and Actemra/RoActemra was able to offset the impact of lower sales of Herceptin (-33%) and MabThera/Rituxan (-34%). The first biosimilar versions of Avastin could come to market in Europe in the second half of 2020.

In the International region (+11%), growth was mostly driven by Russia and China. Growth in China resulted from a strong uptake of Perjeta and Alecensa, partially offset by the National Reimbursement Drug List price cut and COVID-19 impact for Herceptin, MabThera/Rituxan and Avastin.

Sales decreased in Japan 2%, resulting from considerable competition from biosimilars, generics and government price cuts. This decline was partially compensated by recently launched products including Tecentriq, Hemlibra and Perjeta.

Diagnostics Division sales increased 3% to CHF 6.1 billion. The business area Molecular Diagnostics (+61%) was the main growth contributor. Sales of the recently developed cobas SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests could offset the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on products for routine diagnosis. Growth was reported in North America (+13%), EMEA4 (+5%), Latin America (+6%) and Japan (+1%). In the Asia-Pacific region (-9%), sales were strongly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in China. Overall, demand was impacted by COVID-19 in all regions in the second quarter. Routine testing decreased significantly due to a decline in regular health checks while emergency and SARS-Co-V-2 testing increased significantly.

The core operating profit increased 2% in the Pharmaceuticals Division and 9% in the Diagnostics Division.

Roches response to the COVID-19 pandemicEver since the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been partnering with healthcare providers, laboratories, authorities and organisations to provide patients with the tests, treatments and care they need.

The portfolio of our recently developed SARS-Co-V-2 tests as well as our existing diagnostics menu for critical care have become a significant factor in supporting patient management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Roche is working closely with healthcare providers around the world, and has significantly increased production to provide tests globally.

To date no major manufacturing supply chain issues have been identified and the Groups planned drug launches, filings, pivotal phase III trial readouts and pivotal trial starts are largely on track. The Group is continuously monitoring the situation.

Overview of Roche Diagnostics COVID-19 products launched in the first six months 2020

Covacta, a global phase III randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, was initiated to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous Actemra/RoActemra plus standard of care in hospitalised adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia compared to placebo plus standard of care. The first patients were enrolled in early April; the results of this study are expected soon.

Remdacta, a global phase III, randomised, double-blind, multicentre study, was initiated to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Actemra/RoActemra plus the antiviral remdesivir, versus placebo plus remdesivir in hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, in collaboration with Gilead Sciences, Inc. The study began enrolment in June. Data from the Remdacta trial are designed to supplement the phase III Covacta trial; results are expected later this year.

Empacta is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III multicentre study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Actemra/RoActemra in the treatment of COVID-19 associated hospitalised pneumonia in patients that are often underrepresented in clinical trials. Started in the US in May 2020, the study was expanded to sites in other countries, including Brazil, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa and Peru. Results are expected later this year.

Mariposa, a global phase III randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, was initiated to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 8 mg/kg vs 4 mg/kg intravenous Actemra/RoActemra plus standard of care in hospitalised adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The results of this study are expected later this year.

Roche has also initiated an internal early research programme focused on the discovery of medicines for COVID-19 and is evaluating a large number of potential collaborations. Currently, a total of six Roche medicines, including Actemra/RoActemra, Esbriet, Avastin and Pulmozyme, already approved for other diseases, are being studied in 28 Roche or Roche supported clinical trials in COVID-19 infection. Additionally, several new compounds are being investigated in pre-clinical research.

Regulatory achievements in the second quarterRegulators around the globe granted approvals for new Roche medicines, line extensions of existing medicines and new tests.

The FDA approved Tecentriq in combination with Avastin for the treatment of people with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have not received prior systemic therapy. The application was reviewed under the FDAs Real-Time Oncology Review pilot and Project Orbis initiative, helping to bring this new treatment option rapidly to patients in the US and around the world.

The FDA also approved Tecentriq as a first-line (initial) treatment for adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumours have high PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 stained 50% of tumour cells [TC 50%] or PD-L1 stained tumour-infiltrating covering 10% of the tumour area [IC 10]), as determined by an FDA-approved test), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumour aberrations.

The FDA approved Phesgo, a fixed-dose combination of Perjeta and Herceptin with hyaluronidase, administered by subcutaneous injection (SC) in combination with intravenous chemotherapy, for the treatment of early and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. This is the first time that Roche has combined two monoclonal antibodies that can be administered by a single SC injection.The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved a new, shorter two-hour Ocrevus infusion time, dosed twice yearly, for relapsing or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). The approval will further improve the treatment experience for patients while increasing capacity in healthcare systems.

Enspryng (satralizumab) was approved in Japan for the prevention of relapses of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), including NMO, for aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) seropositive adults and children. Enspryng demonstrated robust efficacy and significantly reduced the risk of relapse across a broad NMOSD patient population in two pivotal phase III studies, as a monotherapy and as an add-on therapy to baseline immunosuppressant therapy (IST), and is dosed subcutaneously every four weeks. Enspryng is also approved in Canada and Switzerland.

Additional regulatory achievements in the second quarter of 2020:

Diagnostics key launches in the second quarter In addition to the new COVID-19 portfolio, Roche launched the cobas prime Pre-analytical System, a first-of-its kind solution designed to automate all common pre-analytical manual steps in molecular diagnostics labs. The system accommodates multiple sample types, simplifies workflow and reduces manual errors. Roche is now the first company to offer molecular labs with complete end-to-end automation for testing consolidation on current and future platforms.

Roche also launched its automated digital pathology CE-marked algorithms, the uPath PD-L1 (SP263) image analysis for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the uPath HER2 Dual ISH image analysis for breast cancer. The algorithms provide pathologists with automated assessments of scanned slide images that are objective and reproducible and have the potential to aid diagnosis and, ultimately, targeted treatment options for patients.

The new whole exome and custom KAPA Target Enrichment portfolio was launched for translational and clinical research applications in sequencing. The portfolio empowers clinical researchers to process more samples successfully and with greater efficiency.

Key development milestones in the second quarter of 2020Regulatory filings and product launches for 2020 as well as pivotal trial read outs and pivotal starts in 2020 are largely on track. We are making significant efforts to protect all studies with continued support from health authorities, but the ultimate outcome will depend on the length and severity of the pandemic.

The phase III IMpassion031 study met its primary endpoint by demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in pathological complete response (pCR) for the treatment of people with early triple-negative breast cancer (eTNBC), regardless of PD-L1 expression. The study evaluates Tecentriq in combination with chemotherapy (Abraxane, albumin-bound paclitaxel; nab-paclitaxel; followed by doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide) in comparison with placebo plus chemotherapy (including Abraxane).

In spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), data of an exploratory efficacy analysis from part 1 of the pivotal Sunfish trial in people aged 2-25 years with type 2 or 3 SMA show that risdiplam significantly improved motor function after 24 months of treatment compared to natural history data. In addition, preliminary 12-month data from Jewelfish, a trial in people with all types of SMA aged 6 months to 60 years previously treated with other SMA therapies, showed that treatment with risdiplam led to rapid and sustained increases in SMN protein levels.

One-year data from the study Firefish part 2 show that the study met its primary endpoint with 29% of infants (12/41; p<0.0001) sitting without support for five seconds by month 12, as assessed by the Gross Motor Scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition (BSID-III). This pivotal global study evaluates risdiplam in infants aged 17 months with symptomatic Type 1 SMA.

Post-hoc analysis from six years of phase III open-label extension studies showed that Ocrevus treatment reduced the risk of needing a walking aid by 49% in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients compared with patients who switched from interferon beta-1a two years later. Separate analysis showed that Ocrevus slowed thalamic volume loss in patients with RMS and primary progressive MS (PPMS) versus interferon beta-1a and placebo, respectively.

Updated data from the pivotal phase III Alex study show an increased five-year survival rate with Alecensa, compared with crizotinib, in people living with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These data confirm the longer-term efficacy of Alecensa already demonstrated across three phase III clinical trials.

Roche announced positive topline results from the phase III Archway study, evaluating its Port Delivery System with ranibizumab (PDS) in people living with neovascular or wet age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). PDS is a permanent refillable eye implant, approximately the size of a grain of rice, which continuously delivers a customised formulation of ranibizumab over a period of months. The Archway trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that patients with PDS who received refills every six months achieved visual acuity outcomes equivalent to those receiving monthly ranibizumab 0.5 mg injections.

Results from the phase III Viale-A study showed that the Venclexta/Venclyxto combination reduced the risk of death (overall survival) by 34% compared to azacitidine alone in people with previously untreated AML. The Venclexta/Venclyxto plus azacitidine combination also led to higher rates of composite complete remission (CR + CR with incomplete blood count recovery [CR + CRi]) at 66.4% compared to 28.3% with azacitidine alone.

The phase III IPATential150 study in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and whose tumours had PTEN loss met its co-primary endpoint of radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS). In this patient group, ipatasertib in combination with abiraterone and prednisone/prednisolone provided a statistically significant reduction in the risk of disease worsening or death, compared to current standard of care (abiraterone and prednisone/ prednisolone) plus placebo. The other co-primary endpoint of rPFS in the overall study population (ITT) was not met.

Roche announced the first clinical data for the anti-TIGIT cancer immunotherapy tiragolumab. The randomised phase II Cityscape met both its primary endpoints of ORR and PFS in PD-L1-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and showed clinically meaningful results in the PD-L1-high population. Spark Therapeutics announced updated data on SPK-8011 from Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial in Hemophilia A at ISTH 2020 Virtual Congress, showing an acceptable safety profile, stable and durable factor VIII expression and substantial improvement in annualised bleed rate (ABR) after a follow-up of between two and 3.3 years.

Pharmaceuticals Division

Key pharmaceutical productsAvastin (-18%). For advanced colorectal, breast, lung, kidney, cervical and ovarian cancer, and relapsed glioblastoma (a type of brain tumour). Sales were impacted by the biosimilar competition in the US and Japan.

MabThera/Rituxan (-23%). For forms of blood cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of vasculitis. The sales decline was driven by all regions, due to the launch of biosimilars in the US and most EU markets and in Japan and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Herceptin (-28%). For HER2-positive breast cancer and HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer. Sales were impacted by biosimilars in the US, Europe and Japan. In the US, the switch to Kadcyla in the adjuvant setting also impacted sales.

Actemra/RoActemra (+36%). For rheumatoid arthritis, forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and giant cell arteritis as well as CAR T cell-induced severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome. A number of countries included Actemra/RoActemra in their treatment guidelines for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Actemra/RoActemra is not currently approved for this use; Roche is conducting three phase III clinical studies. The US and the International region were the major contributors to the sales increase.

Xolair (+2%, US only). For chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergic asthma. The sales increase was driven by the demand in both indications. Xolair remains the market leader in the larger allergic asthma indication.

Lucentis (-19%, US only). For eye conditions, including neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular oedema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular oedema, and diabetic retinopathy. Sales decreased in all approved indications and were especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to disruptions in hospitals and ophthalmology practices and many patients were delaying treatment during restrictions.

Highlights for medicines launched since 2012Ocrevus (first approved in 2017; CHF 2.1 billion, +25%). For the treatment of both the relapsing (RMS) and primary progressive (PPMS) forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The strong demand for this treatment in both indications has continued, while the COVID-19 pandemic has had a certain negative impact. In the US, growth was driven both by new and returning patients, with a higher proportion of sales coming from returning patients. In Europe and the International region Ocrevus continues to show strong initial uptake where launched.

Perjeta (first approved in 2012; CHF 1.9 billion, +17%). As therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. Sales grew strongly in the International region, mostly driven by China. The increased patient demand for Perjeta for adjuvant early breast cancer therapy supports its continued strong growth.

Tecentriq (first approved in 2016; CHF 1.3 billion, +74%). Approved either alone or in combination with targeted therapies and/or chemotherapies in various forms of NSCLC, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), certain types of metastatic urothelial cancer, and in PD-L1-positive metastatic TNBC. In the US and several other countries, Tecentriq in combination with Avastin is approved for people with unresectable or metastatic HCC. Strong sales growth was reported by all regions, driven mainly by the indications in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and TNBC. Sales in Japan increased due to robust uptake in first-line NSCLC and first-line ES-SCLC.

Hemlibra (first approved in 2017; CHF 1.0 billion, +94%). For treating people with haemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors. It is also approved to treat people with haemophilia A without factor VIII inhibitors. Hemlibra is the only prophylactic treatment that can be administered subcutaneously and with multiple dosing options (once weekly, once every two weeks or once every four weeks). Sales continued to show a strong uptake in all regions, despite COVID-19 restrictions having some impact on potential new patients.

Kadcyla (first approved in 2013; CHF 837 million, +39%). For treating HER2-positive breast cancer. The increased demand for Kadcyla was driven by its usage in the early breast cancer setting, and benefited from the positive read-out from the Katherine study and patients switching to the new standard of treatment.

Esbriet (first approved in 2014; CHF 566 million, +11%). For idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Sales continued to expand, driven by growth in the US and Europe.

Alecensa (first approved in 2015; CHF 540 million, +34%). To treat ALK-positive lung cancer. Alecensa showed continued sales growth across all regions.

Gazyva/Gazyvaro (first approved in 2013; CHF 310 million, +35%). For chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), rituximab-refractory follicular lymphoma and previously untreated advanced follicular lymphoma. Sales increased in all regions.

Polivy (first approved in 2019; CHF 83 million). Part of combination therapy for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.Xofluza (first approved in 2018; CHF 28 million). For the treatment of acute, uncomplicated influenza, or flu, in people 12 years of age and older and people with high risk of developing flu-related complications.

Rozlytrek (first approved in 2019; CHF 8 million). For lung cancer with a specific gene mutation and solid tumours carrying a certain gene fusion. In Japan, Rozlytrek was approved for treatment of RSO1 fusion- positive NSCLC.

Diagnostics Division

In the first half 2020, sales of all business units were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In general terms, COVID-19 and emergency testing strongly increased while routine testing decreased as a result of declining or delayed regular health checks. Roches broad, diversified test portfolio and its large number of instruments installed worldwide could balance out these effects.

During the first half 2020, Roche increased its production capacity (reagents and consumables) for COVID-19 testing massively. This includes all our products used in fighting COVID-19 infections.

Centralised and Point of Care Solutions sales declined by 10%, its immunodiagnostics business (-12%) was strongly impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown in key markets. The Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and the Elecsys IL-6 tests were launched in May and June, respectively, in the US. The Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 was launched in countries accepting the CE mark in May (the Elecsys IL-6 test was launched earlier). Shipment to leading laboratories globally started immediately and market demand for the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody test is fully met.

Sales in Molecular Diagnostics increased 61%, with 69% growth in the underlying molecular business. Growth was driven by virology (predominantly corona viruses), Molecular Point-of-Care (influenza viruses), Quantitative PCR (to detect molecular/genetic targets) and Nucleic Acid Purification (to isolate and purify genetic material).

Diabetes Care sales decreased 6%, with the continued contraction of the Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM) market due to patients switching to Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems. The COVID-19 pandemic also had an impact. The decrease was reflected mainly in the EMEA region with a 10% decline, notably in Germany, UK and Italy.

Tissue Diagnostics sales increased 2%, supported by companion diagnostics business and instrument sales. However, overall sales were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

About RocheRoche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve peoples lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.

Roche is the worlds largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Moreover, for the eleventh consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2019 employed about 98,000 people worldwide. In 2019, Roche invested CHF 11.7 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 61.5 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit http://www.roche.com.

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

References[1] Unless otherwise stated, all growth rates in this document are at constant exchange rates (CER: average 2019).[2] Launched since 2012: Alecensa, Cotellic, Erivedge, Esbriet, Gazyva, Hemlibra, Kadcyla, Ocrevus, Perjeta, Polivy, Rozlytrek, Tecentriq and Xofluza [3] In Europe: MabThera/Rituxan and Herceptin; in Japan: MabThera/Rituxan, Herceptin and Avastin; in the US: Herceptin, Avastin and MabThera/Rituxan[4] EMEA = Europe, Middle East and AfricaCautionary statement regarding forward-looking statementsThis Annual Report contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as believes, expects, anticipates, projects, intends, should, seeks, estimates, future or similar expressions or by discussion of, among other things, strategy, goals, plans or intentions. Various factors may cause actual results to differ materially in the future from those reflected in forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report, such as: (1) pricing and product initiatives of competitors; (2) legislative and regulatory developments and economic conditions; (3) delay or inability in obtaining regulatory approvals or bringing products to market; (4) fluctuations in currency exchange rates and general financial market conditions; (5) uncertainties in the discovery, development or marketing of new products or new uses of existing products, including without limitation negative results of clinical trials or research projects, unexpected side effects of pipeline or marketed products; (6) increased government pricing pressures; (7) interruptions in production; (8) loss of or inability to obtain adequate protection for intellectual property rights; (9) litigation; (10) loss of key executives or other employees; and (11) adverse publicity and news coverage.

The statement regarding earnings per share growth is not a profit forecast and should not be interpreted to mean that Roches earnings or earnings per share for 2020 or any subsequent period will necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings or earnings per share of Roche.Roche Group Media RelationsPhone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com- Nicolas Dunant (Head)- Patrick Barth- Daniel Grotzky- Karsten Kleine- Nina Mhlitz- Nathalie Meetz- Barbara von Schnurbein

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First half of the year with 1%1 growth at constant exchange rates, significant impact of COVID-19 pandemic - GlobeNewswire

The availability of robust protocols to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into many human cell lineages has transformed research into the origins of human disease. The efficacy of differentiating iPSCs into specific cellular models is influenced by many factors including both intrinsic and extrinsic features. Among the most challenging models is the generation of human bronchial epithelium at air-liquid interface (HBE-ALI), which is the gold standard for many studies of respiratory diseases including cystic fibrosis. Here, we perform open chromatin mapping by ATAC-seq and transcriptomics by RNA-seq in parallel, to define the functional genomics of key stages of the iPSC to HBE-ALI differentiation. Within open chromatin peaks, the overrepresented motifs include the architectural protein CTCF at all stages, while motifs for the FOXA pioneer and GATA factor families are seen more often at early stages, and those regulating key airway epithelial functions, such as EHF, are limited to later stages. The RNA-seq data illustrate dynamic pathways during the iPSC to HBE-ALI differentiation, and also the marked functional divergence of different iPSC lines at the ALI stages of differentiation. Moreover, a comparison of iPSC-derived and lung donor-derived HBE-ALI cultures reveals substantial differences between these models. 2020 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PubMed

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A functional genomics approach to investigate the differentiation of iPSCs into lung epithelium at air-liquid interface. - Physician's Weekly

NEW YORK and FARMINGTON, Conn., July 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: OVID), a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing medicines that transform the lives of people with rare neurological diseases, and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (UConn), today announced a research collaboration and license agreement to accelerate the development of a next-generation short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-based therapeutic for Angelman syndrome and potentially other indications. The most common cause of Angelman syndrome is the loss of function of the gene that codes for ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A), which plays a critical role in nerve cell communication, resulting in impaired tonic inhibition. An shRNA-based therapeutic may address this underlying genetic cause of Angelman syndrome by reducing the expression of UBE3A-antisense, potentially restoring the function of UBE3A. This genetic approach may be used in combination with OV101 (gaboxadol), Ovids novel, small-molecule delta ()-selective GABAA receptor agonist, to restore tonic inhibition and address the underlying symptomology of individuals with Angelman syndrome. OV101 is currently being evaluated in the pivotal Phase 3 NEPTUNE trial in Angelman syndrome, with topline results expected in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Under the terms of the research collaboration, Ovid will work closely with UConns Stormy J. Chamberlain, Ph.D., and gain exclusive access to identified genetic sequences for a potential shRNA-based therapeutic. Ovid plans to validate select sequences and leverage its translational medicine capabilities and drug development expertise in Angelman syndrome to advance an shRNA-based therapeutic into clinical studies. Dr. Chamberlain is a recognized leader in the field of Angelman syndrome and UBE3A research and currently serves as the John and Donna Krenicki Associate Professor of Genomics and Personalized Healthcare in UConns Genetics and Genome Sciences Department. In addition, Dr. Chamberlain chairs the Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) Scientific Advisory Committee and is a member of the Dup15q Alliance Scientific Advisory Board. Ovid will also work closely with UConns Noelle Germain, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Genetics and Genome Sciences on these efforts.

Ovid is deeply committed to the Angelman syndrome community. We have made great progress and are excited to see the topline data from our Phase 3 NEPTUNE trial with OV101 expected in Q4 2020, said Amit Rakhit, M.D., MBA, President and Chief Medical Officer of Ovid Therapeutics. We believe OV101 has the potential to serve as a core therapy for this disorder and are now focused on building a comprehensive and strategic Angelman syndrome longer term pipeline. If successful, OV101 may be used in combination with genetic approaches in the future to address the needs of Angelman syndrome. This collaboration with Drs. Chamberlain and Germain, both accomplished scientific leaders in the field of Angelman syndrome, will enable us to accelerate and share in their mission to identify and develop next-generation genetic therapies. Together with our early-stage microRNA approach, this research collaboration now provides us with additional targets against this disorder, greater strategic optionality, and underpins our broad capability to bring new therapies to individuals living with Angelman syndrome both near-term and into the future.

Our lab shares in Ovids demonstrated commitment to advance innovative therapeutic options for Angelman syndrome, stated Dr. Chamberlain. An shRNA therapeutic can target the genetic cause of Angelman syndrome at its source and may offer potential advantages to other next-generation approaches, including antisense oligonucleotide therapy, via a lower rate of degradation and turnover and plasmid delivery allowing for a less-frequent dosing profile. Ovid is uniquely positioned to accelerate an shRNA therapeutic through late preclinical and clinical development, and our lab looks forward to working with the team at Ovid towards our common objective of impacting the lives of individuals living with Angelman syndrome and their families.

About Angelman Syndrome Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic condition that is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms. Characteristic features of this condition include delayed development, intellectual disability, severe speech impairment, problems with movement and balance, seizures, sleep disorders and anxiety. The most common cause of Angelman syndrome is the loss of function of the gene that codes for ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A), which plays a critical role in nerve cell communication, resulting in impaired tonic inhibition. Individuals with Angelman syndrome typically have normal lifespans but are unable to live independently. Therefore, they require constant support from a network of specialists and caregivers. Angelman syndrome affects approximately 1 in 12,000 to 1 in 20,000 people globally.

There are no approved therapies by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency or rest-of-world for Angelman syndrome, and treatment primarily consists of behavioral interventions and pharmacologic management of symptoms.

Angelman syndrome is associated with a reduction in tonic inhibition, a function of the delta ()-selective GABAA receptor that allows a human brain to decipher excitatory and inhibitory neurological signals correctly without being overloaded. If tonic inhibition is reduced, the brain becomes inundated with signals and loses the ability to separate background noise from critical information.

Ovid is developing OV101 for the treatment of Angelman syndrome to potentially restore tonic inhibition and thereby address several core symptoms of Angelman syndrome. Ovid is conducting a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial with OV101 in Angelman syndrome (NEPTUNE), with topline results expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. In addition, Ovid is also exploring OV881, a microRNA approach that may reduce the expression of UBE3A-antisense and potentially restore UBE3A expression.

About Ovid TherapeuticsOvid Therapeutics Inc. is a New York-based biopharmaceutical company using its BoldMedicine approach to develop medicines that transform the lives of patients with rare neurological disorders. Ovid has a broad pipeline of potential first-in-class medicines. The Companys most advanced investigational medicine, OV101 (gaboxadol), is currently in clinical development for the treatment of Angelman syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. Ovid is also developing OV935 (soticlestat) in collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for the potential treatment of rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE). For more information on Ovid, please visit http://www.ovidrx.com.

About UConnUConn Health is Connecticuts only public academic medical center. Based on a 206-acre campus in Farmington, UConn Health has a three-part mission: research, teaching and patient care. Home to the UConn School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine and UConn John Dempsey Hospital with over 5,000 employees supporting nearly 1,000 students, over 800,000 annual patient visits, and innovative scientific research contributing to the advancement of medicine. For more information, visit health.uconn.edu.

Ovid Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release includes certain disclosures that contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding: development of short hairpin RNA based therapeutics, development of combination therapies, potential benefits of OV101, anticipated reporting schedule of clinical data for OV101 and the potential benefits and value of this collaboration. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as will, appears, believes and expects. Forward-looking statements are based on Ovids current expectations and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include uncertainties in the development and regulatory approval processes, and the fact that initial data from clinical trials may not be indicative, and are not guarantees, of the final results of the clinical trials and are subject to the risk that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues and/or more patient data become available. Additional risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Ovids filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the caption Risk Factors. Such risks may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on Ovids business and the global economy. Ovid assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available.

Ovid Therapeutics Contacts

Investors and Media:Ovid Therapeutics Inc.Investor Relations & Public Relationsirpr@ovidrx.com

Or

Investors: Steve KlassBurns McClellan, Inc.sklass@burnsmc.com(212) 213-0006

Media:Katie Engleman1ABkatie@1abmedia.com

UConn ContactJessica McBride, PhDjessica.mcbride@uconn.edu860-878-5058

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Ovid Therapeutics and University of Connecticut Enter into Strategic Research Collaboration to Accelerate the Development of Next-Generation Genetic...

A recent report published by QMI on bioinformatics market is a detailed assessment of the most important market dynamics. After carrying out thorough research on the market of bioinformatics historical as well as current growth parameters, business expectations for growth are obtained with utmost precision. The study identifies specific and important factors affecting the market for bioinformatics during the forecast period. It can enable manufacturers of bioinformatics to change their production and marketing strategies in order to envisage maximum growth. The market report on bioinformatics offers detailed information for stakeholders in the most comprehensive way on the current and future growth prospects of the demand for bioinformatics market.

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Bioinformatics market growth is expected to gain high momentum during the forecast period due to increasing demand for imaging devices for diagnostics applications. An ceiling-mounted surgical lights is a medical imaging device, which uses high-frequency waves to visualize the internal organs of the body such as blood vessels, kidney, liver, human foetus, heart, etc. This market is gaining momentum, owing to the increase in the number of hospitals and adoption of technologically advanced devices, which can serve the purpose for both diagnostics and therapeutics. Moreover, the cumulative prevalence of cancer is driving the demand for early detections and minimization of expenses. According to the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), there were approximately 17 million new cases of cancer globally, as of 2017, which is also fuelling the demand for ultrasound devices.

Segment Analysis

The bed head multifunctional belt market has been segmented by type (platforms, tools, services), by applications (preventive medicine, molecular medicine, gene therapy drug development). Based on portability, the market can be divided into trolley/cart and compact/handheld. Based on application, the market has been divided into radiology, gynaecology, urology, cardiology, orthopaedic/musculoskeletal, and others. Owing to the growing incidences of stem cell-based injuries and the demand for high-quality diagnostic procedures, the radiology segment is expected to lead. The market has been studied for North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.

Key Factors Impacting Market Growth:

Regional Outlook:

North America, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific by region are estimated to dominate the ultrasound market during the forecast period. These regions have been market leaders for the overall healthcare sector in terms of technological developments and advanced medical treatments. Moreover, the government policies have been favourable for the growth of the healthcare infrastructure in these regions. North America and Western Europe have an established healthcare infrastructure for product innovations and early adaptations. This is expected to drive the demand for ultrasound market during the forecast period.

The US, Germany, France, UK, Canada, and Spain have been some the major markets in the region. Asia Pacific is estimated to register one of highest CAGR for ultrasound market during the forecast period. This region has witnessed strategic investments by global companies to cater the growing demand in the recent years. China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Australia are amongst some of the key countries for ultrasound market in the region. Other regions including Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Rest of the World (South America and Africa) are estimated to be emerging markets for ultrasound during the forecast period.

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Market Segmentation:

By Type Platforms Tools Services

By Applications Preventive Medicine Molecular Medicine Gene Therapy Drug Development

By Region:

Major Companies:Accelrys Inc., ID Business Solutions, Ltd., Affymetrix Inc., CLC bio A/S, Agilent Technologies Inc., GenoLogics Life Sciences Software, Inc., Life Technologies Corporation, Illumina, Inc.

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Customization:

We provide customization of the study to meet specific requirements:

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QMI has the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services available on the web. We deliver reports from virtually all major publications and refresh our list regularly to provide you with immediate online access to the worlds most extensive and up-to-date archive of professional insights into global markets, companies, goods, and patterns.

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Global Bioinformatics Market To See Booming Worldwide | Top Key Players- Accelrys Inc., ID Business Solutions, Ltd., Affymetrix Inc. - 3rd Watch News

A challenge in the post-GWAS era is to assign function to disease-associated variants. However, available resources do not include all tissues or environmental exposures that are relevant to all diseases. For example, exaggerated bronchoconstriction of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) defines airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a cardinal feature of asthma. However, the contribution of ASMC to genetic and genomic studies has largely been overlooked. Our study aimed to address the gap in data availability from a critical tissue in genomic studies of asthma.We developed a cell model of AHR to discover variants associated with transcriptional, epigenetic, and cellular responses to two AHR promoting cytokines, IL-13 and IL-17A, and performed a GWAS of bronchial responsiveness (BRI) in humans.Our study revealed significant response differences between ASMCs from asthma cases and controls, including genes implicated in asthma susceptibility. We defined molecular quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for expression (eQTLs) and methylation (meQTLs), and cellular QTLs for contractility (coQTLs) and performed a GWAS of BRI in human subjects. Variants in asthma GWAS were significantly enriched for ASM QTLs and BRI-associated SNPs, and near genes enriched for ASM function, many with small P values that did not reach stringent thresholds of significance in GWAS.Our study identified significant differences between ASMCs from asthma cases and controls, potentially reflecting trained tolerance in these cells, as well as a set of variants, overlooked in previous GWAS, which reflect the AHR component of asthma.

PubMed

See more here:

Cytokine-induced molecular responses in airway smooth muscle cells inform genome-wide association studies of asthma. - Physician's Weekly

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN SA

Cases update:

The latest number of confirmed cases is 408 052.

According to the latest update, 6 093 of deaths have been recorded in the country.

There have been 236 260 recoveries.

So far, just over 2.6 million tests have been conducted, with 46 632 new tests.

READ MORE | All the confirmed cases of coronavirus in SA

Latest news:

A week after teachers' unions called for schools to close amid the upcoming peak in Covid-19 infections in South Africa, Cabinet has decided to shut all public schools for four weeks - but there are exceptions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday, while addressing the nation, that public schools would close from 27 July to 24 August.

Grade 12s will, however, only take a week's break and return on 3 August.

Grades 7s will get a two-week break, returning on 10 August.

"Specific arrangements will be made for different categories of special schools. As a result of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the current academic year will be extended beyond the end of 2020.

"The minister of basic education will provide details on the management of the remainder of the school year," said Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa said the decision was taken following engagement with the Department of Basic Education and more than 60 organisations representing parents, school governing bodies, principals, educators, independent schools and civil society organisations.

READ |Ramaphosa declares schools will shut for 4 weeks - but Grade 12s get 1 week's break

The coronavirus has infected around 13 000 health workers and killed more than 100 of them, the health department said on Thursday, as the virus takes its toll on frontline caregivers.

The country has the highest number of infections on the continent, with 394 948 recorded cases and 5 940 deaths as of Wednesday.

It is also the world's fifth worst-affected country in terms of diagnosed infections.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's spokesperson, Popo Maja, told AFP that 13 174 health workers had become infected as of Tuesday, including 103 deaths and 6 394 people declared recovered.

The country's statistics were unveiled as the World Health Organization (WHO) reported more than 10 000 health workers in 40 countries had been sickened by the virus.

"The growth we are seeing in Covid-19 cases in Africa is placing an ever-greater strain on health services across the continent," said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, at a news conference on Thursday.

"This has very real consequences for the individuals who work in them, and there is no more sobering example of this than the rising number of health worker infections," she said.

READ MORE |More than 13 000 health workers contracted coronavirus - health dept

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday vowed to crack down on corruption or mismanagement relating to Covid-19 relief funds, saying the consequences would be "very, very severe" for those found guilty.

In an address to the nation in the evening, the president said the government had established a "coordinating centre" to strengthen efforts between law enforcement agencies and investigate allegations of corruption relating to social relief grants, procurement of personal protective equipment, and distribution of food parcels.

A total of 36 cases are already at an advanced stage of investigation, the president said, without going into specifics.

The coordinating hub, which is based at the Financial Intelligence Centre, brings together nine state institutions including the FIC, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Hawks, the South African Revenue Service, the State Security Agency and the Special Investigations Unit.

READ MORE |Ramaphosa vows 'very, very severe' consequences for theft of Covid-19 relief funds

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced urgent support for the Eastern Cape's health authorities in the wake of record deaths in the past few days - more than 400 reported in Wednesday's update.

At a press conference in Port Elizabeth on Thursday, Mkhize announced a high-powered "project management team" has been appointed to "to help the health service to cope better".

This, after project management had been identified as a "weakness" in the province. The skilled team would assist health authorities with "quick decision-making" and "agility", in particular.

Second, the Eastern Cape is being assisted with infrastructure and equipment. Overall, all available hospital beds are not yet filled - but the province is witnessing shortages in specific.

"Some of the smaller hospitals are taking strain," Mkhize said on eNCA. Efforts would now be made to increase beds "in areas of need... because of the vastness of the province".

READ MORE |Mkhize unlocks urgent help for Eastern Cape as Covid-19 deaths soar

Tracing and retesting of 111 people, whose Covid-19 samples were lost when criminals pounced on a courier truck during a heist in Port Elizabeth on Monday, is underway.

National Health Laboratory Service spokesperson Mzimasi Gcukumana said: "The NHLS have allocated healthcare workers to contact the patients and make arrangements to collect new samples."

The bio-hazard samples went missing on Monday when two workers, from a courier company hired by the NHLS to collect samples from local clinics, were ambushed by two gunmen.

The incident happened at 15:30 in Motherwell's NU 11 section. The truck was found abandoned 500m away with the samples missing. The courier drivers were also robbed at gunpoint of their cellphones.

The police are investigating a case of hijacking. The suspects remain at large, confirmed police spokesperson Colonel Priscila Naidu.

READ MORE |Covid-19: More than 100 people must now be retested after samples lost in PE truck hijacking

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE REST OF THE WORLD

Cases update:

For the latest global data, follow this interactive map from Johns Hopkins University & Medicine.

Late on Thursday night, positive cases worldwide were over 15.3 million, while deaths were more than 625 000.

The United States had the most cases in the world - just over 4 million, as well as the most deaths - close to 144 000.

READ MORE |All the confirmed cases worldwide

Latest news:

Australia reported its highest daily number of coronavirus-related deaths in three months on Thursday as new infections continued to climb in its second most populous state.

Victoria state said it had confirmed another 403 infections, while five people had died from the virus in the last 24 hours.

The fatalities, including a man in his 50s, mark the country's biggest one-day rise in Covid-19 deaths since late April.

"This demonstrates the growing toll this terrible virus is taking on our community," Health Minister Jenny Mikakos told reporters in the state capital, Melbourne.

With authorities unable to bring new infections below triple digits, residents in Melbourne and most of the state are now required to wear masks outside of their homes.

READ MORE |Australia reports highest coronavirus deaths in 3 months, infections climb

The Republic of Zimbabwe enforced one of the strictest nationwide lockdowns in Africa on Wednesday after the number of active coronavirus cases surpassed the number of recoveries in the country.

However, activists and commentators believe the new lockdown measures were introduced in light of the arrest of award-winning Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin'ono and a planned nationwide protest on 31 July.

Zimbabwe, one of South Africa's closest neighbours and a major export partner, confirmed 1 820 Covid-19 cases, including 488 recoveries and 26 deaths.

This is up from 605 cases, 166 recoveries and seven deaths at the beginning of July.

News24 took a look at why Zimbabwe enforced such a strict national lockdown, and why commentators are questioning the government's motives.

EXPLAINER | What's happening in Zimbabwe regarding Covid-19?

This year's haj will be a time of sadness for many Muslims around the world prevented from travelling to Saudi Arabia, but a decision to honour local health and security staff in the front line of the fight against the coronavirus has won praise.

For the first time in the modern era, amidst efforts to curb Covid-19, Muslims from abroad will be unable to attend the pilgrimage.

This year's event has been limited to about 1 000 pilgrims from within Saudi Arabia, 70% of whom will be foreign residents of the kingdom.

The remaining 30% will be drawn from Saudi healthcare workers and security personnel who have recovered from the coronavirus, as a gesture of thanks for their sacrifice.

"Haj this year is for the heroes who saved the country and saved our people, they deserve it ... I personally would have loved to go but there are priorities," said Saudi citizen Nour al Ghamdi.

READ MORE |Pandemic hit to haj saddens would-be pilgrims

LATEST RESEARCH & HEALTH NEWS

As South Africa is experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases, overtaking European hotspots like Italy, Spain and the UK in total case numbers, our cumulative case-fatality rate (CFR) appears to be a lot lower.

As of 22 July, South Africa has nearly 395 000 confirmed cases, with 5 940 deaths. The UK has had more 45 586 deaths (nearly 297 000 cases) Spain more than 28 426 (more than 267 000 cases) and Italy more than 35 082 (more than 245 000 cases), despite lower case numbers.

While the stats are impacted by targeted testing strategies with an assumed high rate of underdetection, experts have given Health24 a few possible reasons why our mortality rate is lower.

An important concept to grasp is to understand the calculation of the CFR, says Professor Taryn Young, head of Stellenbosch University's Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

This looks at the confirmed number of deaths compared with the confirmed number of cases by dividing the number of deaths by the number of confirmed cases.

"How countries define and report Covid-19-related deaths is important," says Young. "There is the definition on the one hand, and on the other how it gets reported. For example, reporting based on death certificate will take longer and may not reflect in the data on the day the person died."

READ MORE |Covid-19: More cases than UK, Spain, Italy - but SA has lower mortality rate - we asked experts why

Oxford Universitys Covid-19 vaccine candidate, AZD-1222, proved to be safe and effective with few side effects, preliminary trial results showed on Monday. According to pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, they have finalised a license agreement with Oxford University for the vaccine candidate.

Earlier this week, the BBC initially reported that the UK government has already ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, and later added that the government signed deals for an additional 90 million doses of the other promising BioNtech/Pfizer and Valneva vaccines. (These two vaccines are being researched by an alliance between the pharmaceutical companies BioNtech and Pfizer, as well as the firm Valneva.)

AstraZeneca, however, doesnt have any direct involvement with South Africas vaccine trial as the agreement to do the trial here preceded Oxfords agreement with AstraZeneca for further clinical development and manufacturing of the vaccine, said Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, during an ECN (Economist Corporate Network) Africa webinar today. Madhi is leading the SA trial.

South Africas Covid-19 vaccine trial is being funded by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

At the moment, there is no agreement with AstraZeneca to prioritise access to the vaccine for South Africa, should it prove successful. But this wouldnt be unique to South Africa, said Madhi.

READ MORE |Covid-19 vaccine trial in SA: Will we have access to treatment if it is a success, and approved?

Earlier this week, Health24 reported on the latest development in the Oxford coronavirus vaccine trial that began in April. Preliminary results, published in The Lancet, showed that the vaccine, named AZD-1222, triggered a positive immune response in participants and indicated no early safety concerns.

Although the results so far are promising, we still have a long way to go. Health24 spoke to Honorary Professor Robert Wilkinson from the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), and Director of The Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa); and Professor Thomas Scriba, Deputy Director of Immunology and Laboratory Director at UCT, about the steps ahead.

The recently published results are a positive breakthrough, no doubt, but is it too early to get excited about the possibility of a vaccine? Well, it depends on how you look at it.

The fact that there were no serious adverse events recorded in this trial is definitely a positive result and an exciting one," said Scriba, adding: "Of course, we shouldnt get ahead of ourselves and think that this [vaccine] is ready to be rolled out. Thats not the case. But its an important step forward.

Its also critical that the testing is done in other countries with diverse population groups, so that the results can accurately represent the population group, and so that we know its safe to be used in these groups, explained Scriba. South Africa, Brazil and the US are also currently running trials, with results in SA expected as early as November, Health24 recently reported.

READ MORE |Oxford vaccine trial step in right direction, but challenges still ahead

HEALTH TIPS(as recommended by the NICD and WHO)

Maintain physical distancing stay at least one metre away from somebody who is coughing or sneezing

Practise frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as your hands touch many surfaces and could potentially transfer the virus

Practise respiratory hygiene cover your mouth with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Remember to dispose the tissue immediately after use.

Image credit: Getty Images

More here:

Coronavirus morning update: Public schools to shut, and Covid corruption warning - Health24

Daniel M. Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D. Elected to Myriads Board of Directors. Walter (Wally) Gilbert, Ph.D., announces upcoming retirement from the Board of Directors

SALT LAKE CITY, July 22, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN, Myriad or the Company), a global leader in molecular diagnostics and precision medicine, today announced the election of Daniel M. Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D., age 47, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately, expanding the Board to ten members. Additionally, Dr. Skovronsky was appointed to the Research and Product Innovation Committee of Myriads Board.

Dr. Skovronsky serves as Chief Science Officer and President of Lilly Research Laboratories at Eli Lilly and Company. He previously served as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. which used non-invasive imaging to detect the early changes in the brain related to Alzheimers disease. Dr. Skovronsky received his M.D., Ph.D. from University of Pennsylvania where he also completed sub-specialty training in neuropathology.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Skovronsky to the Myriad Board, said Louise Phanstiel, Chair of the Board of Myriad. Dan brings a wealth of experience and expertise in research and development in multiple areas related to our diagnostic product development, including oncology, neuroscience, and anti-inflammatory diseases. He will be instrumental in providing product development strategic insights in executing our global strategy for molecular diagnostics and precision medicine.

The Company also announced today that Director, Vice Chair of the Board, Walter (Wally) Gilbert, Ph.D., will retire from the board at the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders in December 2020. Dr. Gilbert, co-founder of Myriad, has been on the board since March 1992. Dr. Gilbert received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980 for his development of a rapid DNA sequencing technology. I am proud that Myriad has grown to realize its founders dream of using tests based on genetic information to identify a patients predisposition to disease, said Dr. Gilbert. Myriad is dedicated to providing critical, life-changing information to people to help define their individual medical needs. I have enjoyed helping the company grow over the years. I am confident that Myriads important work for patients will continue.

In commenting on Dr. Gilberts pending retirement, Louise Phanstiel said, The Board owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Wally for all of his countless contributions to the company and to the board over the years. His relentless focus on the pursuit of scientific excellence and compassion for our patients as well as our Myriad team are qualities we all aspire to emulate. The board, the company and I will greatly miss his wisdom, counsel and passion. We wish Wally all the best.

About Myriad GeneticsMyriad Genetics Inc., is a leading personalized medicine company dedicated to being a trusted advisor transforming patient lives worldwide with pioneering molecular diagnostics. Myriad discovers and commercializes molecular diagnostic tests that: determine the risk of developing disease, accurately diagnose disease, assess the risk of disease progression, and guide treatment decisions across six major medical specialties where molecular diagnostics can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. Myriad is focused on three strategic imperatives: transitioning and expanding its hereditary cancer testing markets, diversifying its product portfolio through the introduction of new products and increasing the revenue contribution from international markets. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: http://www.myriad.com.

Myriad, the Myriad logo, BART, BRACAnalysis, Colaris, Colaris AP, myPath, myRisk, Myriad myRisk, myRisk Hereditary Cancer, myChoice, myPlan, BRACAnalysis CDx, Tumor BRACAnalysis CDx, myChoice CDx, Vectra, Prequel, Foresight, GeneSight, riskScore and Prolaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. or its wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-F, MYGN-G.

Safe Harbor StatementThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to Dr. Skovronsky providing product development strategic insights in executing the Companys global strategy for molecular diagnostics and precision medicine; Dr. Gilbert retiring from the Companys board at the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders in December 2020; and the Companys strategic directives under the caption "About Myriad Genetics." These "forward-looking statements" are based on management's current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: uncertainties associated with COVID-19, including its possible effects on our operations and the demand for our products and services; our ability to efficiently and flexibly manage our business amid uncertainties related to COVID-19; the risk that sales and profit margins of our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services may decline; risks related to our ability to transition from our existing product portfolio to our new tests, including unexpected costs and delays; risks related to decisions or changes in governmental or private insurers reimbursement levels for our tests or our ability to obtain reimbursement for our new tests at comparable levels to our existing tests; risks related to increased competition and the development of new competing tests and services; the risk that we may be unable to develop or achieve commercial success for additional molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that we may not successfully develop new markets for our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services, including our ability to successfully generate revenue outside the United States; the risk that licenses to the technology underlying our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services and any future tests and services are terminated or cannot be maintained on satisfactory terms; risks related to delays or other problems with operating our laboratory testing facilities and our healthcare clinic; risks related to public concern over genetic testing in general or our tests in particular; risks related to regulatory requirements or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries and changes in the structure of the healthcare system or healthcare payment systems; risks related to our ability to obtain new corporate collaborations or licenses and acquire new technologies or businesses on satisfactory terms, if at all; risks related to our ability to successfully integrate and derive benefits from any technologies or businesses that we license or acquire; risks related to our projections about our business, results of operations and financial condition; risks related to the potential market opportunity for our products and services; the risk that we or our licensors may be unable to protect or that third parties will infringe the proprietary technologies underlying our tests; the risk of patent-infringement claims or challenges to the validity of our patents or other intellectual property; risks related to changes in intellectual property laws covering our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services and patents or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries, such as the Supreme Court decisions in Mayo Collab. Servs. v. Prometheus Labs., Inc., 566 U.S. 66 (2012), Assn for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., 569 U.S. 576 (2013), and Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank Intl, 573 U.S. 208 (2014); risks of new, changing and competitive technologies and regulations in the United States and internationally; the risk that we may be unable to comply with financial operating covenants under our credit or lending agreements; the risk that we will be unable to pay, when due, amounts due under our credit or lending agreements; and other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Myriad undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

Media Contact: Jared Maxwell (801) 505-5027 jmaxwell@myriad.com

Investor Contact: Scott Gleason(801) 584-1143sgleason@myriad.com

See more here:

Myriad Genetics Expands Board of Directors with New Member and Announces Upcoming Retirement of Walter (Wally) Gilbert, Ph.D. - GlobeNewswire

CBHI and Hallym University Collaborative Research

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (PRWEB) July 23, 2020

Calcium and Bone Health Institute (CBHI, http://www.cbhi.info), a nonprofit clinical research institute in Canada joined hands with Hallym University in South Korea for a collaborative clinical "evaluative study of SAC (Sigma Anti-Bonding Calcium Carbonate) treatment effects in women with postmenopausal osteopenia." Professor Lee Sang-soo, the director of the Skeletal Aging Research Institute in Hallym University School of Medicine and Professor Ryu Ok-hyun will lead this research.

"We hope SAC calcium becomes a breakthrough treatment for patients suffering from osteopenia or osteoporosis for which most calcium remedies in the market had proven largely ineffective," said Dr. Paul Lee, the president of CBHI. "This collaborative research will be a huge milestone, giving confidence and hope for people suffering from this devastating degenerative disease. The scientific framework of how SAC works is already laid out in the book titled SAC for Calcium signaling (sold in Amazon.com) for those looking for a spoiler."

SAC calcium employs sigma antibonding in calcium carbonate molecules to give its unique physical properties. When ingested, it will have our body absorb calcium in ionic form without the help of peptides and vitamin D, causing a slight elevation of ionic calcium level in our blood, which triggers hormonal responses that restore calcium homeostasis and robust bone-building processes, all-natural and safe processes without side effects.

The preliminary animal clinical study (2011) on induced osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats delivered very promising results. Also, a decade long volunteer-driven bone density case studies conducted by CBHI has already shown that SAC calcium improves bone health significantly and also alleviates symptoms of various calcium-related diseases. Already approved as a dietary supplement by Health Canada, SAC calcium is being marketed through participating physicians as a part of a more comprehensive clinical study with consenting patients and has shown encouraging results.

CBHI said that this collaborative study with Hallym University would prove the effects of SAC calcium on bone metabolism and may pave a way for subsequent studies to scientifically specify the mechanisms and pathways of healing to prevent and to treat over 150 calcium-related degenerative diseases. The study will predominantly focus on combating degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis, which is becoming a huge health challenge with extended life expectancy, especially for postmenopausal women. CBHI also recently entered into clinical collaborative research on multiple myeloma with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute in early June 2020.

About CBHICalcium and Bone Health Institute (CBHI) is a nonprofit scientific research organization based in Canada. With the invention of novel SAC ionic calcium carbonate, its primary research focuses on the role of ionic calcium in treating over 150 calcium-related chronic degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer's, metabolic disorders, etc. By conducting laboratory and clinical research, CBHI endeavors to find effective prevention and treatment options. CBHI collaborates with many research centers such as SFU, UBC, UC Davis, NSERC Canada, and BC Government to combine the research with fundamental sciences such as mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. It held the first International Sigma Anti-Bonding Calcium Symposium (ISACS) 2019 in Vancouver, Canada, to discuss and share the knowledge of the various measures to develop healthy bone and to prevent calcium-related diseases. This year, CBHI plans to hold ISACS in Manila, Philippines, which is not confirmed yet due to COVID-19 pandemic.

About the Skeletal Aging Research Institute in Hallym University School of MedicineThe Skeletal Aging Research Institute was founded to contribute to medical improvement with the leadership role in the medical research field of the artificial joint, senior skeleton, and arthritis, operating molecular biological, biological, medical engineering, and medical research system for aging-related musculoskeletal diseases. In the fundamental research field, it conducts research on the reaction of biomaterial in vivo, the exploration of bone-building accelerator, and the development of arthritis medicine to overcome osteolysis after the artificial joint procedure. In the medical research field, it contributes to the treatment of skeletal diseases worldwide through the research of joint surgery technique improvement, the fundamental and medical training for developing countries, and the support of medical treatment system improvement.

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Clinical collaborative research of CBHI and Hallym University on the bone density increase by SAC in postmenopausal women - PR Web

Note: Due to the pandemic, we have included a special section on the Impact of COVID 19 on the Service Desk SolutionsMarket which would mention How the Covid-19 is Affecting the Industry, Market Trends and Potential Opportunities in the COVID-19 Landscape, Key Regions and Proposal for Service Desk Solutions Market Players to battle Covid-19 Impact.

The Service Desk SolutionsMarket report is compilation of intelligent, broad research studies that will help players and stakeholders to make informed business decisions in future. It offers detailed research and analysis of key aspects of the Service Desk Solutions market. Readers will be able to gain deeper understanding of the competitive landscape and its future scenarios, crucial dynamics, and leading segments of the global Service Desk Solutions market. Buyers of the report will have access to accurate PESTLE, SWOT and other types of analysis on the global Service Desk Solutions market. Moreover, it offers highly accurate estimations on the CAGR, market share, and market size of key regions and countries. Players can use this study to explore untapped Service Desk Solutions markets to extend their reach and create sales opportunities.

The study encompasses profiles of major Companies/Manufacturers operating in the global Service Desk Solutions Market.Key players profiled in the report include:Samanage, Freshservice, ManageEngine ServiceDesk, JIRA Service Desk, Zendesk, Track-It!, BMC Remedy 9, Cherwell IT Service Management, Agiloft, Re:Desk, ServiceNow, GoToAssist, Spiceworks, EasyVista, Wolken and More

Get PDF Sample Copy of the Report to understand the structure of the complete report (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart):https://www.marketinforeports.com/Market-Reports/Request-Sample/121619

Market Segment By Type:Cloud basedOn Premise

Market Segment By Application:HealthcareIT supportEducation

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The authors of the report have analyzed both developing and developed regions considered for the research and analysis of the global Service Desk Solutions market. The regional analysis section of the report provides an extensive research study on different regional and country-wise Service Desk Solutions industry to help players plan effective expansion strategies.

Regions Covered in the Global Service Desk Solutions Market: The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt) North America (the United States, Mexico, and Canada) South America (Brazil etc.) Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

Years Considered to Estimate the Market Size:History Year: 2015-2019Base Year: 2019Estimated Year: 2020Forecast Year: 2020-2025

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How COVID-19 is Impacting the Service Desk Solutions Market by Industry Analysis, by Type, Application and Top Players:Samanage, Freshservice,...

Education is one of the effective ways to help break the poverty cycle and increase job opportunity among racial minority populations who are more than two times as likely to be poor than non-Hispanic whites and represent only 8% of the STEMand 11% ofthe physicianworkforce in the United States, according to Marino De Leon, PhD.

As director ofLoma Linda UniversitySchool of MedicineCenter for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine(CHDMM), De Leon says he has witnessed how Black and Hispanic students have benefited over the years from educational interventions to increase their participation in biomedical fields.

Racial minorities experience health disparities primarily because of a variety of social determinants of health, including poverty, inadequate access to healthcare, educational opportunities and discrimination, he says.

Established in 2005 with an award from the National Institutes on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the center has recruited and trained hundreds of racial minority students into the fields of medicine and health sciences helping to diversify the workforce in the local community and nationwide.

The CHDMM brings together a diverse team of over 30 researchers that serve as mentors. This team has conducted hundreds of studies, published more than150 scientific papers while training a new generation of health disparities scholars.

The centers investigators are actively doing research on biological determinants in cancer, diabetes, neuropathy pain and traumatic stress that are linked with social determinants, which help explain mechanisms behind health disparities, De Leon says.

Researchers at the CHDMM are currently funded by grants from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), National Cancer Institute, and the National Institutes for Diabetes and Kidney diseases. The center addresses health disparities through research by engaging the local community and expanding the participation of underrepresented minority students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)and biomedical fields.

De Leon says 63% of students in the centers program have expressed experiencing discrimination and social, economic or educational disadvantages prior to enrollment.

Its programs include:

Apprenticeship Bridge to College (ABC)Program An eight-week summer internship in health disparities research for high school students living in Southern Californias Inland Empire who are from disadvantaged backgrounds or belong to groups that arenationally underrepresented in STEM disciplines. 271 research internships have been awarded.

Today, about65% of past ABC program have completed their undergraduate degreein a STEM discipline, almost four times the rate shown for underrepresented racial minority students nationwide, De Leon says.

Undergraduate TrainingProgram A two-month summer research internship for undergraduate college and university students, focusing onpractical lab research experiencealongside distinguished faculty, while providing mentorship in support of their future academic and research goals. More than 270research summer internships have been awarded.

Our students are given a competitive advantage and with 80% going on to pursue PhD or MD programs at Loma Linda University or other top-tier universities around the country, De Leon says. More than 200 program alumni have gone on to work in academic, clinical or pharmaceutical positions.

Medical TrainingProgram Open to students following their first year in medical school, this summer program enablesunderrepresented racial minority medical studentsto gain basic research and scientific experience on a selected summer research project with prominent scientists. Students are compensated with a stipend during the program through funding.

Nearly 120medical students have participated and have advanced to become physicians and research scientists leading the way in the examination of health disparities, De Leon says.

Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)Program Nearly 60awards have been made through this NIH funded year-round educational graduate training program that providesfull support(tuition and salary) for PhDstudents enrolled in the LLU Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies Program in the School of Medicine. The program strengthens graduate education by increasing diversity among students graduating with a PhD degree in a biomedical discipline at Loma Linda University, which is one of 41 research universities in the U.S. that are funded by NIGMS to implement the IMSD program.

Our program graduates are leading the way as faculty or scientists in academia, industry and government working to eliminate health disparities across the nation," De Leon says.

To learn more about minority health disparity research or apply to one of the Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicines education programs, visit theirwebsite.

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How Loma Linda University Health is addressing racial disparities in the medical workforce - Loma Linda University Health

Daniel M. Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D. Elected to Myriads Board of Directors. Walter (Wally) Gilbert, Ph.D., announces upcoming retirement from the Board of Directors

SALT LAKE CITY, July 22, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc.(NASDAQ: MYGN, Myriad or the Company), a global leader in molecular diagnostics and precision medicine, today announced the election of Daniel M. Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D., age 47, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately, expanding the Board to ten members. Additionally, Dr. Skovronsky was appointed to the Research and Product Innovation Committee of Myriads Board.

Dr. Skovronsky serves as Chief Science Officer and President of Lilly Research Laboratories at Eli Lilly and Company. He previously served as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. which used non-invasive imaging to detect the early changes in the brain related to Alzheimers disease. Dr. Skovronsky received his M.D., Ph.D. from University of Pennsylvania where he also completed sub-specialty training in neuropathology.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Skovronsky to the Myriad Board, said Louise Phanstiel, Chair of the Board of Myriad. Dan brings a wealth of experience and expertise in research and development in multiple areas related to our diagnostic product development, including oncology, neuroscience, and anti-inflammatory diseases. He will be instrumental in providing product development strategic insights in executing our global strategy for molecular diagnostics and precision medicine.

The Company also announced today that Director, Vice Chair of the Board, Walter (Wally) Gilbert, Ph.D., will retire from the board at the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders in December 2020. Dr. Gilbert, co-founder of Myriad, has been on the board since March 1992. Dr. Gilbert received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980 for his development of a rapid DNA sequencing technology. I am proud that Myriad has grown to realize its founders dream of using tests based on genetic information to identify a patients predisposition to disease, said Dr. Gilbert. Myriad is dedicated to providing critical, life-changing information to people to help define their individual medical needs. I have enjoyed helping the company grow over the years. I am confident that Myriads important work for patients will continue.

In commenting on Dr. Gilberts pending retirement, Louise Phanstiel said, The Board owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Wally for all of his countless contributions to the company and to the board over the years. His relentless focus on the pursuit of scientific excellence and compassion for our patients as well as our Myriad team are qualities we all aspire to emulate. The board, the company and I will greatly miss his wisdom, counsel and passion. We wish Wally all the best.

About Myriad GeneticsMyriad Genetics Inc., is a leading personalized medicine company dedicated to being a trusted advisor transforming patient lives worldwide with pioneering molecular diagnostics. Myriad discovers and commercializes molecular diagnostic tests that: determine the risk of developing disease, accurately diagnose disease, assess the risk of disease progression, and guide treatment decisions across six major medical specialties where molecular diagnostics can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. Myriad is focused on three strategic imperatives: transitioning and expanding its hereditary cancer testing markets, diversifying its product portfolio through the introduction of new products and increasing the revenue contribution from international markets. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: http://www.myriad.com.

Myriad, the Myriad logo, BART, BRACAnalysis, Colaris, Colaris AP, myPath, myRisk, Myriad myRisk, myRisk Hereditary Cancer, myChoice, myPlan, BRACAnalysis CDx, Tumor BRACAnalysis CDx, myChoice CDx, Vectra, Prequel, Foresight, GeneSight, riskScore and Prolaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. or its wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-F, MYGN-G.

Safe Harbor StatementThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to Dr. Skovronsky providing product development strategic insights in executing the Companys global strategy for molecular diagnostics and precision medicine; Dr. Gilbert retiring from the Companys board at the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders in December 2020; and the Companys strategic directives under the caption "About Myriad Genetics." These "forward-looking statements" are based on management's current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: uncertainties associated with COVID-19, including its possible effects on our operations and the demand for our products and services; our ability to efficiently and flexibly manage our business amid uncertainties related to COVID-19; the risk that sales and profit margins of our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services may decline; risks related to our ability to transition from our existing product portfolio to our new tests, including unexpected costs and delays; risks related to decisions or changes in governmental or private insurers reimbursement levels for our tests or our ability to obtain reimbursement for our new tests at comparable levels to our existing tests; risks related to increased competition and the development of new competing tests and services; the risk that we may be unable to develop or achieve commercial success for additional molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that we may not successfully develop new markets for our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services, including our ability to successfully generate revenue outside the United States; the risk that licenses to the technology underlying our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services and any future tests and services are terminated or cannot be maintained on satisfactory terms; risks related to delays or other problems with operating our laboratory testing facilities and our healthcare clinic; risks related to public concern over genetic testing in general or our tests in particular; risks related to regulatory requirements or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries and changes in the structure of the healthcare system or healthcare payment systems; risks related to our ability to obtain new corporate collaborations or licenses and acquire new technologies or businesses on satisfactory terms, if at all; risks related to our ability to successfully integrate and derive benefits from any technologies or businesses that we license or acquire; risks related to our projections about our business, results of operations and financial condition; risks related to the potential market opportunity for our products and services; the risk that we or our licensors may be unable to protect or that third parties will infringe the proprietary technologies underlying our tests; the risk of patent-infringement claims or challenges to the validity of our patents or other intellectual property; risks related to changes in intellectual property laws covering our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services and patents or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries, such as the Supreme Court decisions in Mayo Collab. Servs. v. Prometheus Labs., Inc., 566 U.S. 66 (2012), Assn for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., 569 U.S. 576 (2013), and Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank Intl, 573 U.S. 208 (2014); risks of new, changing and competitive technologies and regulations in the United States and internationally; the risk that we may be unable to comply with financial operating covenants under our credit or lending agreements; the risk that we will be unable to pay, when due, amounts due under our credit or lending agreements; and other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Myriad undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

Media Contact: Jared Maxwell (801) 505-5027 jmaxwell@myriad.com

Investor Contact: Scott Gleason(801) 584-1143sgleason@myriad.com

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Myriad Genetics Expands Board of Directors with New Member and Announces Upcoming Retirement of Walter (Wally) Gilbert, Ph.D. - BioSpace

(MENAFN - MENAFN) Qatar Foundation''s Qatar Genome Programme is the first and only active participant from an Arab country in the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, a global initiative to elucidate the role of host genetic factors in the susceptibility and severity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic.

Why does a 17-year-old with no underlying health conditions succumb to COVID-19 while a 75-year-old great grandmother makes a full recovery? The wide variation in severity makes it seem like they did not have the same disease, except they did. One of the most mysterious features of this disease, which has killed more than half a million people globally, is the difference in severity. Some people don''t even show symptoms, some die and many more are somewhere in the middle.

Age, sex, and underlying health conditions clearly play an important role. But geneticists believe the difference in severity could be linked to the natural variation in people''s genetic code. This is what launched the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (HGI), led by Mark Daly and Andrea Ganna from the Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine (FIMM) and the Broad Institute in Boston.

The initiative aims to bring together the scientific community to study the role of the human genome in explaining COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Twenty countries are currently contributing to the study, with the majority of studies being conducted in Europe (55%) and the US (28%). United Kingdom (10%) and Italy (9%) being the top two countries in terms of genomes contributed from Europe.

Qatar Genome Programme (QGP), the initiative''s only active participant from the Middle East, has so far contributed with over 13,000 genomic results. ''The contribution of Qatar Genome to COVID-19 HGI is very important because it adds diversity to the initiative and highlights the importance of including populations which are traditionally unrepresented in genetic research, but still highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,''said Dr. Andrea Ganna, Co-founder of the COVID-19 HGI and Group Leader at the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Finland.

Results from the latest round of the global study show strong evidence of genetics playing a role in COVID-19 severity. A site on Chromosome 3 has been identified to have a solid link to COVID-19 severity. The identified site is home to six genes; hence it is not yet possible to say exactly which one of them influences the course of COVID-19. Further investigations are underway to pinpoint exactly which gene this is.

Dr. Hamdi Mbarek, a geneticist, who led QGP''s participation said, ''These results are very interesting and timely. We now have a target region in the genome, and the next challenge is to understand the link between the six genes and COVID-19 severity. Identifying the gene linked to COVID-19 severity will be very valuable in drug development.

''Now that we now know that genetics is a big factor in determining COVID-19 severity, this information can help the healthcare sector prioritize which group of individuals should be first in line to get a vaccine once one is developed.''

If researchers are able to identify exactly which gene is responsible for COVID-19 severity, it could be a potential game-changer in swiftly determining which patients are high-risk and need more aggressive treatment. Previously, this study identified a variation at another spot in the human genome. The identified spot consisted of the gene that determines blood type. Patients with Type A blood, for example, were found to be at greater risk of being severely affected by COVID-19.

''We are glad to have contributed to this initiative with the genomes of an Arab population, which has added valuable diversity to the study. The diversity in the participating genomes strongly indicates that COVID-19 indiscriminately affects populations from all around the world,'' added Dr. Said Ismail, Director of Qatar Genome Programme.

QGP''s participation in this study is a testament to QF''s commitment to doing meaningful research. The COVID-19 HGI is proof of how crucial research is in finding a way forward in uncertain times. How research must be resilient, and not be impeded by closed borders and travel restrictions. Despite the challenges, researchers worldwide have found ways to come together, build new ties and collaborate like never before, all motivated by a single, common goal: defeat COVID-19.

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WHY DOES COVID-19 KILL SOME AND NOT OTHERS, GLOBAL STUDY FINDS - MENAFN.COM

Within a year of the John Innes Centre moving to Norwich in 1967, we were joined by Sir David Hopwood, beginning over 50 years of research into the bacteria Streptomyces.

Half a decade on, we welcome the latest group to join an ongoing quest to understand something so crucial to human health and medicine, led by Professor Matt Hutchings.

We caught up with Matt to understand who he is, what his group will be working on and how he became a leading microbial scientist.

Until I was about 15 I wasnt really interested in anything other than sport and drumming. Then, my aunt gave me a book called DNA for Beginners and I read about the discovery of the structure of DNA and the molecular machines involved in transcription and translation of DNA. Ive been hooked ever since.

Ive been interested in microbiology since I did my PhD and increasingly I want to understand how microbes live and survive in natural environments and how they interact with each other and with plants and animals rather than simply studying them on their own on agar plates.

I studyStreptomycesbacteria because they are so important to humans despite more than 50 years of ground-breakingStreptomycesresearch at the John Innes Centre, we are only just developing the tools we need to study these bacteria in the wild.

My work is focussed in understanding the roles ofStreptomycesand their specialised metabolites, which are small molecules that most likely mediate interactions with other microbes, animals and plants in their natural soil environment. However, we still do not fully understand their functions in nature.

Streptomycesbacteria make lots of specialised metabolites that are widely used in human medicine as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, antiparasitic and anticancer drugs.

The genomes ofStreptomycesbacteria, and many other microbes, contain the instructions for making many more specialised metabolites than they actually make when we grow them in the lab. This is presumably because they are required for competition and survival in their natural environment but not when growing in nice, rich, warm culture media.

I want to understand what they are used for in nature, how these bacteria interact with other organisms and to identify the environmental signals that activate production of all their specialised metabolites.

The results from this work would enable us and others to discover many new molecules that could be useful in medicine and also to use these bacteria as plant probiotics so we can reduce the use of agrochemicals that are harmful to the environment.

The John Innes Centre is the home ofStreptomycesresearch and has many brilliant plant scientists, microbiologists and chemists as well as world-leading research facilities. This makes it the ideal place to do research, particularly since I want to study the interactions betweenStreptomycesbacteria and plants.

I feel fortunate and humbled to be following in the footsteps of Sir David Hopwood, Keith Chater, Mervyn Bibb and Mark Buttner and to work with some many brilliant colleagues. I hope that together we can gain new insights into the ecology of these amazing bacteria.

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Joining the home of Streptomyces research; Introducing Professor Matt Hutchings - The John Innes Centre