Research, Industry Outlook
PRnewswire | July 06, 2023
LuminUltra today announced the launch of BugCount® Fuel, an innovative, user-friendly test kit to quickly and accurately evaluate fuels for microbial contamination which can cause significant challenges for a range of industries including aviation, marine, and fuel handling.
Microbiological testing of fuel is critical for identifying and getting ahead of issues that lead to compromised performance, including clogged filters, worn injectors, fuel tank lining (pitting) corrosion, and even engine failure. The need for effective, fast microbiological testing solutions in industries including aviation is quickly increasing in the wake of growing passenger and freight transport demand, increased recreational travel, and a widespread adoption of green initiatives, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
"We've heard from our partners in the industry that it's more critical than ever for them to perform regular microbial testing on fuels, and to be able to get accurate, reliable results as quickly as possible" says Dr. Jordan Schmidt, Senior Director of Technology & Innovation at LuminUltra. "All of this fed into the development of BugCount® Fuel – filling that gap with a test that can be operated under-wing, providing results in minutes and with the accuracy needed to produce truly actionable results. Also, our in-house experts are available and keen to help in assessing the risk of microbial growth in fuels as this market continues to evolve."
A powerful new application of a proven technology
LuminUltra's patented 2nd Generation ATP kit has been a gamechanger for microbial testing for industry since it was first introduced in 2003. Originally designed for bioreactor optimization and now used across a range of industrial applications, it combines the speed of ATP testing – results are returned in just 5 minutes – with modifications that make the test significantly more accurate and sensitive than traditional ATP tests. LuminUltra's 2nd Generation ATP® is the only tool that allows the end user to quickly perform the test and compare the results across testing events, allowing long-term trend analysis and, ultimately, informed decision-making.
BugCount® Fuel leverages this 2nd Gen ATP technology in an industry-specific test kit, enabling the user to operate the entire test on-site in just minutes. All required components are included and designed for use with minimal training or expertise. The product has already been successfully implemented in both commercial and general aviation applications, and this new kit is a series of improvements on an existing test kit that has been used in these markets for years. It allows for testing in accordance with ASTM D7687 and is referenced in the latest 6th Edition of the IATA Guidance Material on Microbial Contamination in Aircraft Fuel Tanks.
"We're incredibly proud of today's announcement. It's yet another proof of our success in delivering our core purpose, 'to be your partner in microbial management'" says LuminUltra CEO, Pat Whalen. "We have a history of serving these markets and we're already hearing very positive feedback on the updates we've made to our kits. We pride ourselves on our operational capabilities, manufacturing all of our solutions in-house, which ensures our ability to meet industry demand and turnaround times. We're excited to put this critical tool in the hands of more customers to help more industries stay ahead of the challenges of unchecked microbiological activity."
About LuminUltra
Founded in 1995, LuminUltra is a global leader in applied molecular biology diagnostics, with solutions and services that deliver accurate and actionable feedback in bioprocessing, biofouling, and biosecurity applications. With operations in six countries, LuminUltra serves dozens of Fortune 500 customers across more than 100 countries. In recent years it has been on an accelerated growth path, acquiring multiple companies after forming a partnership with XPV Water Partners.
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Medical
businesswire | September 21, 2023
AbCellera announced that it has expanded its existing multi-target collaboration with Regeneron to discover therapeutic antibodies for up to eight targets selected by Regeneron, increased from the original four.
“Having successfully delivered on two challenging discovery campaigns under the original agreement, we are excited to expand the scope of our collaboration with Regeneron to include up to four additional targets,” said Carl Hansen, Ph.D., founder and CEO of AbCellera. “We look forward to using our antibody discovery and development engine to bolster Regeneron’s preclinical portfolio and help identify promising candidates for their programs.”
The collaboration, which began in March 2020, leverages AbCellera’s antibody discovery engine and Regeneron’s VelocImmune® mice to identify novel therapeutic antibodies. AbCellera has initiated programs for all four of the original targets, with Regeneron exercising its rights to advance antibody candidates into further preclinical development for the two programs that have been completed.
Under the terms of the agreement, Regeneron has the right to develop and commercialize therapeutic antibodies resulting from the collaboration. AbCellera receives research payments and is eligible to receive downstream clinical and regulatory milestone payments and royalties on net sales of products.
About AbCellera Biologics Inc.
AbCellera is breaking the barriers of conventional antibody drug discovery to bring better medicines to patients, sooner. AbCellera’s engine integrates expert teams, technology, and facilities with the data science and automation needed to propel antibody-based medicines from target to clinic in nearly every therapeutic area with precision and speed. AbCellera provides innovative biotechs and leading pharmaceutical companies with a competitive advantage that empowers them to move quickly, reduce cost, and tackle the toughest problems in drug development.
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Medical, Industry Outlook
Globenewswire | July 13, 2023
NANOBIOTIX a late-clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering physics-based approaches to expand treatment possibilities for patients with cancer, today announced a global licensing, co-development, and commercialization agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, for the investigational, potential first-in-class radioenhancer NBTXR3.
NBTXR3 is currently being evaluated in several studies across solid tumor indications including NANORAY-312, a global Phase 3 pivotal study evaluating NBTXR3 for the treatment of patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. NBTXR3 is also being evaluated for its potential as a systemic agent in combination with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with metastatic cancers.
Under the terms of the license agreement, in collaboration with the Interventional Oncology R&D Unit at Johnson & Johnson, Nanobiotix will grant Janssen a worldwide license for the development and commercialization of NBTXR3. The license is exclusive, excepting territories previously licensed to Nanobiotix partner LianBio. Dial-in information for a conference call Nanobiotix will host to discuss the agreement can be found below.
“As pioneers in the field of nanotherapeutics for the past 20 years, we knew that the true impact of our innovation in oncology would be in its potential to reach millions of patients around the world. For that, we needed to find the right partner, at the right time, with proven global development and commercialization capabilities,” said Laurent Levy, Nanobiotix chairman of the executive board. “We are delighted to collaborate with Janssen as we aim to improve the lives of patients with cancer around the world.”
Nanobiotix will receive near term cash and operational support valued up to $60 million. This includes an upfront cash licensing fee of $30 million, and in-kind regulatory and development support for study NANORAY-312 valued at up to $30 million that Janssen may provide at its sole discretion. Nanobiotix will maintain operational control of NANORAY-312 and all other currently ongoing studies, along with NBTXR3 manufacture, clinical supply, and initial commercial supply. Janssen will be fully responsible for an initial Phase 2 study evaluating NBTXR3 for patients with stage three lung cancer and will have the right to assume control of studies currently led by Nanobiotix.
Nanobiotix is eligible for success-based payments of up to $1.8 billion, in the aggregate, relating to potential development, regulatory, and sales milestones. Moreover, the agreement includes a framework for additional success-based potential development and regulatory milestone payments of up to $650 million, in the aggregate, for five new indications that may be developed by Janssen at its sole discretion; and of up to $220 million, in the aggregate, per indication that may be developed by Nanobiotix in alignment with Janssen.
Following commercialization, Nanobiotix will also receive tiered double-digit royalties on net sales of NBTXR3.
“We expect this agreement, and the collaboration it enables, to further drive the expansion of NBTXR3 development and accelerate the realization of its promise for patients in need,” said Bart van Rhijn, Nanobiotix chief financial officer. “We look forward to maximizing the value of NBTXR3 for our global stakeholders.”
Separately, Nanobiotix is eligible to receive up to $30 million in equity investments from Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc. (“JJDC”) including, as part of capital increases without preferential subscription rights: (1) an initial tranche equal to the lower of 5% of the Company and $5 million; and (2) a second tranche of $25 million subject to certain maximum ownership caps in connection with a future financing.
The price of the initial tranche will be equal to $5.21 per American Depositary Share (“ADS”) if that price (1) is approved by Nanobiotix shareholders or (2) exceeds 85% of the volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) of Nanobiotix ordinary shares on Euronext: Paris for three consecutive trading days, starting with the fourth trading day after the date of agreement, in each case if occurring within the ninety trading days following the date f the agreement. Also, JJDC may elect any time during that ninety-trading day period to instead consummate the initial tranche at a price per ADS equal to 85% of the VWAP of Nanobiotix ordinary shares on Euronext for three consecutive trading days starting with the fourth trading day after the date of the agreement. The second, $25 million tranche is conditioned upon, and at the same price as, a concurrent Nanobiotix financing with gross proceeds of at least $25 million (excluding the potential investment by JJDC) occurring prior to certain long-term development milestones or December 31, 2027, at the latest.
For illustrative purposes only1, in the event that the initial tranche is implemented at $5.21 per ADS, the dilutive impact for shareholders resulting from this capital increase would be 0.97% and JJDC group would own 2.65% of the Company’s share capital.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory clearances including clearance by US antitrust authorities under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, and will become effective as soon as these conditions have been met.
As of the date the license agreement becomes effective, prior to utilizing the second tranche of equity investment outlined above and excluding near term development milestones, Nanobiotix expects to extend its cash runway into the first quarter of 2024.
About NANOBIOTIX
Nanobiotix is a late-stage clinical biotechnology company pioneering disruptive, physics-based therapeutic approaches to revolutionize treatment outcomes for millions of patients; supported by people committed to making a difference for humanity. The Company’s philosophy is rooted in the concept of pushing past the boundaries of what is known to expand possibilities for human life.
Incorporated in 2003, Nanobiotix is headquartered in Paris, France. The Company also has subsidiaries in Cambridge, Massachusetts (United States), France, Spain, and Germany. Nanobiotix has been listed on Euronext Paris since 2012 and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market in New York City since December 2020.
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