Thai Union strengthens its Ingredients business by investing in Mara Renewables Corporation, a leading micro-algae ingredients producer
BANGKOK – WEBWIRE – Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Thai Union Group PCL (Thai Union) today announced a CAD $10 million investment in Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara) as part of Maras CAD $39.5 million growth funding round. Thai Union joins other industry-leading financial partners to accelerate the expansion of Maras proven portfolio of micro-algal products and unique innovation. Thai Union will appoint one representative to join Maras Board of Directors.
Mara, based in Nova Scotia, Canada, is one of the worlds leading producers of sustainably grown algae-based bio-products. Since its inception in 2012, Mara has successfully built a portfolio of micro-algal strains, some of which are processed using a clean, environmentally-friendly extraction method into high quality algal oil. The plant-based oil offers a non-GMO vegan option for DHA-rich omega-3 fatty acids for human nutrition. Maras ingredients are approved by multiple respected regulatory bodies, and are used by leading infant nutrition, supplement and food and beverage customers worldwide.
Thai Unions commitment to sustainable nutrition aligns closely with Maras mission. In 2018, Thai Union started its Ingredients business to transform its co-products from fish processing into natural ingredients for human nutrition. It creates highest quality tuna oil by processing raw tuna heads through a low temperature extraction method that preserves the oils natural functionality. Thai Unions tuna oil contains the highest DHA omega-3 fatty acids content compared to other fish sources.
Together with Mara, Thai Union is actively working to create more choices in the market for omega-3 fatty acids and expanding the reach of this critical nutritional element, from both algal and tuna-based sources. The investment creates opportunities for both companies to accelerate growth through cooperation in go-to-market, research and development and operations. Mara is exploring, for example, refining its crude algal oil at Thai Unions state-of-the-art oil refinery in Rostock, northern Germany. Thai Union has also already been cooperating with Mara in Thai Unions Omega-3 Center of Excellence at their headquarters in Samut Sakhon by performing successful trials using Maras crude algal oil. Together, the two companies are well-positioned to serve the growing demand for omega-3-rich products.
As an industry leader in innovation and sustainability, we are committed to our Ingredients business which valorizes our co-products into natural and nutritional ingredients such as DHA-rich tuna oil, said Thiraphong Chansiri, President and CEO of Thai Union. Our strategic partnership with Mara further builds on this business by creating opportunities to jointly expand our product portfolios, grow our global presence, and accelerate go-to-market initiatives. Were excited to partner with Mara and together provide nutritious and sustainably sourced DHA omega-3 fatty acids to consumers worldwide.
Arturo Ania, CEO of Mara said, Mara is very excited to solidify a partnership with Thai Union. Our two companies share maritime roots, a passion for science-based nutrition and a vision for a more sustainable food system. Thai Unions established world leading position in human and pet care segments, collaborative culture, and strong leadership fits well with Maras ambitions of making a positive impact through our people, products and purpose.
–ENDS–
About Thai Union
Thai Union Group PCL is the worlds seafood leader, bringing high quality, healthy, tasty and innovative seafood products to customers across the world for 45 years.
Today, Thai Union is regarded as one of the worlds leading seafood producers and is one of the largest producers of shelf-stable tuna products with annual sales exceeding THB 141.0 billion (US$ 4.5 billion) and a global workforce of more than 44,000 people who are dedicated to pioneering sustainable, innovative seafood products.
The companys global brand portfolio includes market-leading international brands such as Chicken of the Sea, John West, Petit Navire, Parmentier, Mareblu, King Oscar, and Rügen Fisch, Thai-leading brands SEALECT, Fisho, Qfresh, Monori, OMG Meat, Bellotta and Marvo, and ingredient and supplement brands UniQ®BONE, UniQ®DHA and ZEAvita.
As a company committed to innovation and globally responsible behavior, Thai Union is proud to be a member of the United Nations Global Compact, and a founding participating company of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). In 2015, Thai Union introduced its SeaChange® sustainability strategy. Find out more at seachangesustainability.org. Thai Unions on-going work on sustainability issues was recognized when the company was listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for the eighth consecutive year in 2021 and ranked number two in the world on the Food Products Industry Index. Thai Union was also named to the FTSE4Good Emerging Index for the fifth straight year in 2020.
About Mara Renewables
Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara) provides sustainable plant-based nutritional and nutraceutical ingredients for human health. Our global teams span Canada and the UK, with headquarters in Dartmouth, NS.
Since our inception in 2012, we have built a broad portfolio of patented technology, demonstrated world-class expertise in engineering and commercialized a high-quality algal omega-3 platform. We are honored to serve leading health and sustainability focused companies and brands across the globe. Our mission is to enable a more sustainable future through plant-based technology and advance food and health security across the globe.
Oculis S.A., (Oculis) a global ophthalmology company developing life-changing treatments to save sight and improve eye care with breakthrough innovations, and Accure Therapeutics, a private translational neuroscience R&D company, today announced a licensing agreement granting Oculis exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize ACT-01, a potentially disease-modifying therapy to protect and prevent damage to the optic nerve and retina. ACT-01, which is being renamed OCS-05, is a first-in-class small molecule with neuroprotective activity that has shown positive results in animal models of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Its mechanism of action is related to the activation of the trophic factor pathways such as IGF-1 and BDNF. In ophthalmology, this action can protect the nerve axons in conditions where the optic nerve is affected, such as in acute optic neuritis and glaucoma, where the OCS-05 could prevent chronic vision loss. Based on positive preclinical data and results of a phase 1 safety and PK study in healthy volunteers, a phase 2a study was initiated (the ACUITY study). ACUITY is a two-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, monocentric study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of OCS-05 compared to placebo in patients with acute optic neuritis. In addition to safety, secondary outcome measures will include optic nerve anatomical measures, as well as visual function measures. The study is ongoing at the La Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris within the neurology-ophthalmology network of the Public University Hospital Group in Paris (APHP). One third of the planned sample size has been enrolled. Riad Sherif, M.D., CEO of Oculis, said: “We are excited about this agreement as it combines Oculis’s ophthalmology expertise with Accure’s unique neuroprotective approach to help transform the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in ophthalmology. At Oculis, our focus is on building a highly innovative and differentiated pipeline providing life changing treatments for ocular unmet medical needs, and OCS-05 is a perfect fit for that ambition. Glaucoma is a leading global cause of irreversible blindness, and despite IOP lowering treatments, a significant proportion of patients still go blind. With OCS-05, we have the potential to bring to market the first neuroprotective for glaucoma and other optic neuropathies.” Laurent Nguyen, M.D., Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Accure Therapeutics, said: “Having shown promising early data and potential in a number of ocular disease indications, the timing is right for a partnership between two like-minded companies committed to patients and driven by a passion for neuroscience. By leveraging its expertise in ophthalmology, Oculis has the potential to fulfill the promise of this exciting asset in a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases.” In reference experimental animal models of acute optic neuritis (acute inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the optic nerve) and high-pressure glaucoma (high eye pressure damaging the optic nerve and leading to permanent vision loss), OCS-05 reduces damage to the optic nerve and retina. It also decreases paralysis progression in an autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model for multiple sclerosis (inflammation caused by the body’s immune system, which destroys nerve cell processes and myelin in the brain and spinal cord). Data from a completed phase 1 study show the safety and tolerability of single and multiple doses of OCS-05 in healthy volunteers. Under the terms of the agreement, Accure Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment, potential milestone payments upon the achievement of certain development and commercial milestones, and tiered royalties on sales. Anthony Rosenberg, Chairman of Oculis’s Board of Directors, said: “The addition of OCS-05 to Oculis’s pipeline is very much in line with the Company’s strategy to develop transformative therapies that address the root cause of ocular disease to improve patients’ sight and quality of life. There is a clear need for first-in-class therapies that can protect and prevent damage to the optic nerve and retina. Oculis has the team and expertise to bring OCS-05 through clinical trials and ultimately to patients around the world.” Montserrat Vendrell, Chairman of Accure Therapeutics and Partner at Alta Life Sciences added: “This licensing deal with Oculis is a proof-of-concept of the value creation that Accure Therapeutics brings as a translational R&D engine, taking forward truly unique science that spun-off from the University of Barcelona. This licensing agreement will enhance Accure’s capabilities to accelerate and expand value potential for the rest of its pipeline.” About Oculis Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland and with operations in Europe, the U.S. and China, Oculis is led by an experienced management team with a successful track record and supported by leading international healthcare investors. For more information, please visit: www.oculis.com About Accure Therapeutics To learn more visit https://accure.health/
FEHD strengthens regulations on handling of meat and poultry by fresh provision shops
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Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (the “Company”, Stock Code: 476, together with its subsidiaries, collectively “Ev Dynamics” or the “Group”), a provider of new energy vehicles and integrated technology solutions, continues to expand its international development strategy following the submission of a draft registration statement on Form F-1 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for confidential review in relation to its proposed offering of American depositary shares in the United States. Ev Dynamics has an established global distribution network and has secured orders from markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It has recently entered the growing North American market with an innovative solution for manufacturers of EV buses, coaches, trucks and vans. The B2B solution offers Ev Dynamics’ proprietary e-platform chassis which has been specifically designed to cater to the rapid development of electric and hydrogen vehicles. The platform is a complete rolling chassis that houses the drivetrain, battery or hydrogen fuel cell, and vehicle control unit. “Our turn-key solutions limit the development costs and regulatory approvals required to establish new vehicle designs and a specialized NEV manufacturing facility,” added Mr. Valldecabres Polop. “We are finding this approach to be especially valuable to manufacturers of small buses and delivery vans operating in emerging markets. With our lower cost and faster-to-market approach, we expect to establish Ev Dynamics as a world leader in this high-growth market segment.” During the years, Ev Dynamics completed part of the orders to the Philippines of the 500 COMET electric minibuses under a long-term supply agreement with GET Worldwide. Ev Dynamics’ 12-meter E-Bus recently passed two key certifications that have paved the way for entry into the European market. An initial shipment of these E-Buses have arrived Munich, Germany, where they will serve as demonstration units for potential European customers. The Group has also established a pipeline of partnerships and manufacturing agreements worldwide, including a major investment in Quantron AG (Germany). The Ev Dynamics management team, meanwhile, has accumulated years of experience and prowess in corporate management and investments in the PRC and abroad. The Group also has a team of international advisors comprising automobile marketing, investment and funding experts to support its growth strategy in the global market. Among more recent developments, Colombian entrepreneur Mr. Frank Kanayet Yepes has increased his shareholding in the Company’s shares to 3%, adding to his first investment made earlier this year. Other prominent investors include Malaysian entrepreneur Dato Sri Johann Young and Aboitiz Equity Ventures CEO Mr. Endika Aboitiz. The terms of the proposed offering, including offering size and price range, have not yet been finalized. The timing of the proposed Nasdaq listing is also subject to market and other conditions and the SEC’s review process. The Company will continue to maintain the listing of its shares on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. About Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 476) Media Enquiry
Precisely, the global leader in data integrity, announced it has acquired Anchor Point Group, LLC, a provider of wildfire data, modeling, and related professional services. Anchor Points wildfire data will be part of the Precisely Dynamic Weather offering, which enables customers to mitigate risk through access to real-time, forecasted and historical weather data. Anchor Point, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado and the industry leader for wildfire modeling, develops and supports risk-based wildland fire solutions from planning through implementation. Its core focus is wildland fire risk assessment for the protection of homes, communities and infrastructure. Anchor Point uses cutting-edge fire science and fire modeling techniques to provide risk assessments, which yield the highest caliber fire management solutions on the market. The past few years have seen a dramatic increase in wildfires not only in the U.S. but globally, said Dan Adams, Senior Vice President of Data Strategy at Precisely. Through the addition of Anchor Point, were able to help our customers make faster, data-driven decisions as they react to the impact of these wildfires. And, in the future, we anticipate offering insurers and property owners real-time wildfire warnings as well as consumer wildfire risk reports for properties to help better protect communities against these impending threats. By marrying one of the worlds best location databases with wildfire data, Precisely will enable a higher level of accuracy, planning and, ultimately, cost savings for insurers, public infrastructure managers, telecom providers and more. Precisely customers will now be able to enrich data with information on wildfire risk for actionable insights, including better understanding of wildfire behavior as well as the likelihood of potential losses. A few examples of how industries will benefit: Since our founding more than two decades ago, we have been committed to helping protect and preserve communities by offering the highest level of service and solutions when it comes to wildfire modeling, said Rod Moraga, CEO, Anchor Point, LLC. As part of Precisely, were able to extend our reach while offering an extra level of accuracy to customers through Preciselys unparalleled location data. Learn more about Dynamic Weather products from Precisely. About Precisely About Anchor Point
Oculis Strengthens Leading Ophthalmology Pipeline by In-Licensing Neuroprotective Drug Candidate for Glaucoma from Accure Therapeutics
Oculis is currently planning the expansion of the program in ophthalmology working with the regulatory agencies in the US, EU and China amongst others.
Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company purposefully driven to save sight, improve eye care and address significant unmet medical needs with breakthrough innovations. Oculis’s highly differentiated pipeline includes candidates for topical retinal treatments, topical biologics and disease modifying treatments. With a presence in key international markets, Oculis is poised to deliver life-changing treatments to patients worldwide.
Accure Therapeutics is a private translational neuroscience R&D company. Based in Barcelona (Spain), it was launched in 2020 with a Series A funding led by Alta Life Sciences Spain I and supported by the Centre for Technological and Industrial Development (CDTI). This European company with an international mindset boasts a unique portfolio of three new chemical entity programs pursuing innovative targets – with potential to accommodate others. Accure aims to develop new disease modifying drugs to treat serious conditions such as optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. With an experienced business and scientific team, Accure Therapeutics is one of the few companies that operate in an agnostic fashion on initial science to deliver cutting-edge drugs in CNS.
Topic: Press release summary
Hong Kong – FEHD strengthens regulations on handling of meat and poultry by fresh provision shops
With a view to ensuring food safety and enhancing environmental hygiene, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (December 31) that the FEHD will introduce a new licensing condition in fresh provision shops (FPS) licences to strengthen the regulations on their handling of meat and poultry.
The spokesman said, “The new licensing condition stipulates that unless prior written approval for an alternative arrangement has been obtained from the FEHD, all fresh/chilled/frozen meat or poultry to be delivered to the licensed FPS for sale, no matter whether the meat or poultry is prepackaged, must be directly delivered into the premises, and at no time be left or kept outside the premises (including any street, pavement, alley, passageway, and space) pending further handling or sale. In addition, in any circumstances under the alternative arrangement, the meat or poultry must at all times be properly kept in a clean and hygienic condition and be so protected to prevent from the invasion or contamination by any kind of animals (including mammals, birds and insects) or the ambient environment pending collection or during delivery into the premises.”
“Under the new arrangement, the FEHD will impose the above licensing condition in newly issued FPS licences starting January next year. If the applicants consider it necessary, they are required to apply to FEHD for prior approval for alternative arrangement when they apply for the licences.”
For existing FPSs with valid licences, the FEHD has met with various trade representatives recently to explain the operation details of the new licensing condition and gauge their views, and will also issue letters to serve as a notice to existing licensees of all FPSs. The above licensing condition will be added to the renewed licences, and a notification period of at least 90 days are given before the new condition comes into effect. Applications for alternative arrangement shall be made at least one month before the expiry of the existing licences. The FEHD appealed to licensees of all FPSs to make preparation and follow up as early as possible.
“When considering the approval of alternative arrangement for newly issued licences or renewed licences, the FEHD will take into account if the FPSs have practical difficulties that render direct delivery of meat or poultry into the premises impossible. If licensed FPSs are found in breach of the abovementioned licensing condition, the FEHD will consider cancelling their licences,” the spokesman added.
The spokesman said that the FEHD will evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative after implementation, and will step up inspections and enforcement actions as necessary to ensure that FPSs comply with the relevant licensing condition as well as various regulations stipulated under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) and other relevant laws. He appealed to all FPS practitioners and the trade to work together with the Government to safeguard food safety and protect public health.
Ev Dynamics Strengthens Presence in EV Market with Proposed Nasdaq Listing
Mr. Miguel Valldecabres Polop, CEO of Ev Dynamics, said, “We are delighted with the proposed Nasdaq listing as it represents another step forward in the expansion of our global business and will help to solidify our status as a strong player in the global electric vehicle (“EV”) market. We not only have an expert international management team and solid international investors, but also an increasingly widespread global market reach. We expect the proposed listing will be an attractive opportunity to drive greater market participation and liquidity for our shareholders, increase the size of our U.S. retail and institutional investor base, and ultimately enrich shareholder value over the near to long term.”
Ev Dynamics is a pioneer and prominent player in China’s new energy commercial vehicles market, as well as a whole-vehicle manufacturer of specialty vehicles and new energy passenger vehicles. It is an integrated driving and logistics solutions provider with a solid technological foundation in diverse areas including new energy platform power systems and their key components. It has a production base in Chongqing and has developed its sales network in China, Hong Kong, Asia Pacific and South America.
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Phoebe Leung +852 2114 4172 phoebe.leung@sprg.com.hk
Brigid Lee +852 2114 4313 brigid.lee@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.com.hk
Topic: Press release summary
Precisely Strengthens its Dynamic Weather Offering Through the Acquisition of Anchor Point
Precisely is the global leader in data integrity, providing accuracy and consistency in data for 12,000 customers in more than 100 countries, including 97 of the Fortune 100. Preciselys data integration, data quality, data governance, location intelligence, and data enrichment products power better business decisions to create better outcomes. Learn more at www.precisely.com.
Founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1999, Anchor Point develops science-based wildland fire risk models to identify solutions and support business decisions. Our core focus is wildland fire risk assessment for the protection of homes, communities and infrastructure. We use cutting-edge fire science and fire modeling techniques to provide quality assessments, which yield the highest caliber fire management solutions available today.Ads
