Curia Receives 2024 CDMO Leadership Award

Curia recognized for its Service in the CDMO industry

2024 CDMO Leadership Award
Curia Receives 2024 CDMO Leadership Award in the Service category.

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curia, a leading contract research, development and manufacturing organization, today announced it has been awarded a 2024 CDMO Leadership Award in the Service category, Small Pharma group. In its 13th year, the awards are presented by Outsourced Pharma and Life Science Leader.

“Curia is honored to receive this award,” said Philip Macnabb, CEO, Curia. “This distinction underscores our commitment to creating value for our customers across all of our R&D and manufacturing offerings, and we are especially appreciative to be acknowledged by the partners we support for that commitment.”

Winners of CDMO Leadership Awards are selected based on market research by Industry Standard Research (“ISR”) to distinguish CDMOs that meet or exceed customer expectations. For the 2024 awards, 98 contract manufacturers were evaluated by 23 performance metrics in ISR’s annual Contract Manufacturing Quality Benchmarking survey. Respondents to the survey only evaluate companies with which they have worked on an outsourced project within the past 18 months. Curia was awarded based on the feedback of respondents in the Small Pharma category.

“Congratulations to our 2024 CDMO Leadership Award winners. By vote of your customers, you are recognized as the best in the global outsourcing development and manufacturing sector of the biopharma industry,” says Louis Garguilo, Chief Editor and Conference Chair, Outsourced Pharma. “Award winners maintained and expanded capabilities and expertise to meet the needs of a diverse customer base; provided the additional quality and reliability so crucial to novel processes and products; and forged the closest relationships with customers. 2023 rang in with many unsettled questions. The 2024 CDMO Leadership Award winners are the support companies that best answered the bell over the past year.”

About Curia
Curia is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience, an integrated network of 27 global sites and over 3,500 employees partnering with Biopharmaceutical customers to bring life-changing therapies to market. Our biologics and small molecules offering spans discovery through commercialization, with integrated regulatory and analytical capabilities. Our scientific and process experts and state-of-the-art facilities deliver best-in-class experience across drug substance and drug product manufacturing. From curiosity to cure, we deliver every step to improve patients’ lives. Visit us at curiaglobal.com.

Corporate Contact:
Viana Bhagan
Curia
+1 518 512 2111
corporatecommunications@CuriaGlobal.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/328a3a12-3a66-4a34-bdc8-e5de362efb85

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Researchers at KFSH&RC & KAUST Discover Gene Responsible for Reproduction of the Most Dangerous Malaria Strain

Researchers at KFSH&RC & KAUST Discover Gene Responsible for Reproduction of the Most Dangerous Malaria Strain
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center – Riyadh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a major scientific breakthrough, a research team from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), working alongside researchers from the UK, the US, and India, discovered a vital gene instrumental in combating malaria. This gene, termed PfAP2-MRP, is essential in the replication process of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes the most lethal strain of malaria.

Advanced laboratory techniques enabled the researchers to inhibit the PfAP2-MRP gene, revealing its critical role in the malaria parasite’s life cycle within red blood cells. This inhibition significantly disrupts the parasite’s ability to reproduce, reducing the severity of the disease’s symptoms and curbing its spread. This discovery is particularly impactful as it addresses Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which claims over half a million lives annually.

Dr. Ashraf Dada, Chairman of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah and the lead researcher, stated: “This discovery paves the way for the development of more effective treatments for the deadliest malaria strain, Plasmodium falciparum.” Also, this study enhances the scientific community’s understanding of the disease’s progression and its interaction with the human immune system, thereby strengthening efforts to combat this widespread malaria parasite prevalent in Africa.

Furthermore, the research demonstrated that the PfAP2-MRP gene regulates the production of genetically diverse protein receptors, allowing the parasite to evade the host’s immune system. This mechanism plays a significant role in the global spread of malaria and underscores the gene’s importance in developing future therapeutic strategies.

Published in the prestigious journal “Nature” this noteworthy study is part of a close collaboration between KFSH&RC and KAUST to engage in innovative research activities aimed at not only improving the diagnosis of microbes, bacteria, and parasites, but also underscores a global effort to combat pathogens and improve human health.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre stands among the global leaders in providing specialized healthcare, driving innovation, and serving as an advanced medical research and education hub. Through strategic partnerships with prominent local, regional, and international institutions, the hospital is dedicated to advancing medical technologies and elevating the standards of healthcare worldwide.

About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare. The hospital boasts a rich history in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics.

In 2023, “Brand Finance” ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the top academic medical centre in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top 20 globally. Additionally, in 2022, it was recognized as one of the leading global healthcare providers by Newsweek magazine.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21, 2021, to transform the hospital into an independent, non-profit, government-owned entity, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation program aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38b3fbef-fece-4a76-b326-2d57ab1b16ba

CONTACT INFORMATION 

For more information please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Al-Awn, Media Coordination Officer, 0556294232

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9031968

‫باحثون في “التخصصي” وجامعة “كاوست” يكتشفون جينًا مسؤولاً عن تكاثر أخطر أنواع الملاريا

Researchers at KFSH&RC & KAUST Discover Gene Responsible for Reproduction of the Most Dangerous Malaria Strain
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center – Riyadh

الرياض, Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

اكتشف باحثون بمستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث، بالتعاون مع جامعة الملك عبدالله للعلوم والتقنية “كاوست”، وباحثون من بريطانيا وأمريكا والهند؛ جيناً مسؤولا عن تكاثر طفيليات الملاريا المتصورة المنجلية داخل كريات الدم الحمراء، وبتعطيل عمله تتوقف الطفيليات عن التكاثر بالشكل المعتاد، مما يؤدي إلى تخفيف أعراض المرض والحد من انتشار عدوى أشرس أنواع الملاريا التي تفتك بأكثر من نصف مليون إنسان سنويا.

وتمكن الباحثون من تحقيق هذا الاكتشاف باستخدام تقنيات مخبرية متقدمة في فحص وتحديد جزيئات وجينات البروتينات المشاركة في دورة طُفيل المتصور المنجلي، حيث تم من خلالها إيقاف عمل جين يُدعى PfAP2-MRP، وهو ما أسهم في إثبات أن طفيليات الملاريا لا تستطيع التكاثر داخل خلايا الدم الحمراء بالشكل المعتاد، كما يتعطل نشاطها وخروجها بشكل ملحوظ من داخل خلية الدم الحمراء المصابة جرّاء تعطل عمل هذا الجين، الأمر الذي يقلل بشكل كبير من اختراق خلايا بشرية جديدة في الدم، مما يسهم في تقليل أعراض المرض وكذلك الحد من انتشار العدوى بين الأفراد.

وقال الدكتور أشرف دادا، رئيس قسم علم الأمراض والطب المخبري في مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث بجدة، والباحث الرئيسي” إن الاكتشاف يمهد الطريق لابتكار أدوية ذات فعالية أكبر لعلاج الملاريا المتصورة المنجلية الذي يُعد الأخطر بين أقرانه“، موضحاً أن البحث يُقدم للمجتمع العلمي فهماً أعمق لكيفية تطور المرض، وآلية تجاوبه مع الجهاز المناعي البشري، مما يُعزز جهود مكافحة نوع الطفيليات المسببة للملاريا الأشد فتكاً والأكثر انتشاراً في القارة الأفريقية.

كما أثبت الباحثون أن الجين PfAP2-MRP يتحكم في الجينات التي تستخدمها طفيليات المتصورة المنجلية في تكوين مستقبلات بروتينية جديدة مختلفة في تركيبها الجيني تتحايل على الأجسام المضادة التي كوّنها الجهاز المناعي لجسم المصاب، لتصبح عديمة الجدوى، ما يتسبب بمعضلة مسؤولة عن انتشار الملاريا في العالم.

وجاءت هذه الدراسة المنشورة بمجلة نيتشر “Nature” الرائدة في مجال العلوم، ضمن تعاون بين “التخصصي” و “كاوست”؛ لإجراء أبحاث تسهم في اكتشاف وسائل مبتكرة لتحسين طريقة تشخيص الميكروبات والجراثيم والطفليات بشكل عام، وكذلك الوقاية والعلاج من الأمراض التي تسبب بها؛ بهدف محاربة الأمراض المعدية والحد من انتشارها.

ويُعد مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث من بين الأبرز عالميًا في تقديم الرعاية الصحية التخصصية، ورائدًا في الابتكار، ومركزًا متقدمًا في البحوث والتعليم الطبي، كما يسعى لتطوير التقنيات الطبية، والارتقاء بمستوى الرعاية الصحية على مستوى العالم، وذلك بالشراكة مع كبرى المؤسسات المحلية والإقليمية والدولية لتحقيق خدمة عالمية المستوى في المجالات السريرية والبحثية والتعليمية.

نبذة عن مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث:

يُعد مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث (KFSH&RC) أحد المؤسسات الصحية في الشرق الأوسط، وتتمثل رؤيته في أن يكون الخيار الأمثل لكل مريض في مجال تقديم الرعاية الصحية التخصصية، حيث يمتلك المستشفى تاريخاً حافلاً في علاج الأورام وأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية، وزراعة الأعضاء، علوم الأعصاب، وعلم الوراثة.

وخلال العام 2023، صنفت منظمة “Brand Finance” مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث المركز الطبي الأكاديمي الأفضل في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وأفريقيا، ومن بين أفضل 20 مركزًا عالميًا. كما صُنف في العام 2022، ضمن مقدمي الرعاية الصحية الرائدين في جميع أنحاء العالم من قبل مجلة نيوزويك.

كجزء من رؤية السعودية 2030 وبرامجها، صدر في 21 ديسمبر 2021 أمر ملكي يقضي بتحويل المستشفى إلى مؤسسة مستقلة ذات طبيعة خاصة غير هادفة للربح ومملوكة للحكومة، في خطوة مهدت لانطلاق برنامج تحول شامل يستهدف تحقيق الريادة في مجال الرعاية الصحية على الصعيد العالمي من خلال التميز والابتكار.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38b3fbef-fece-4a76-b326-2d57ab1b16ba

لمزيد من المعلومات، يرجى التواصل مع مدير الشؤون الإعلامية في المستشفى الأستاذ عصام الزهراني جوال: 0555254429 للتنسيقات الإعلامية، يرجى التواصل مع مسؤول التنسيقات الإعلامية الأستاذ عبدالله العون جوال: 0556294232

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9031968

Nocturne Acquisition Corporation Announces Postponement of Extraordinary General Meeting

SANTA ANA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 5, 2024 / Nocturne Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:MBTCU) (the "Company"), announced today that the Board of Directors has voted in favor of a second postponement of the meeting date for the Extraordinary General Meeting that was to be held on January 30, 2024 for shareholders to vote on the proposed business combination with Cognos Therapeutics, Inc. The Extraordinary General Meeting that was postponed until February 6, 2024 has been postponed further and will now be held virtually on February 27, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Company plans to continue to solicit proxies from shareholders during the period prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting. The record date for the Extraordinary General Meeting remains the close of business on December 29, 2023. No changes have been made in the proposals to be voted on by the shareholders at the postponed meeting. Shareholders who have previously submitted their proxy or otherwise voted and who do not want to change their vote need not take any action. Stockholders as of the record date may vote, even if they have subsequently sold their shares. The deadline by which shareholders must exercise their redemption rights in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting has been extended to two business days prior to the second postponed meeting.

About Nocturne Acquisition Corp.

The Company is a blank check company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. While the Company may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any industry or sector, the Company focuses its search for targets bringing to market disruptive technologies in the blockchain/crypto and artificial intelligence technology sectors. Equity value of potential targets is expected to be in the $300 million to $1 billion USD range.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or the Company’s future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern the Company’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. . Such forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments or otherwise.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

A full description of the terms of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated December 30, 2022, by and among Nocturne, Cognos, and Nocturne Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Nocturne, in connection with the proposed Merger is provided in the definitive Registration Statement which includes a prospectus with respect to the combined company’s securities to be issued in connection with the Merger and a proxy statement with respect to the Extraordinary General Meeting to vote on the Merger. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement has been mailed to stockholders of Nocturne as of the record date of December 29, 2023. Stockholders are also able to obtain a copy of the Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus, and other documents filed with the SEC without charge, by directing a request to Nocturne Acquisition Corporation, P.O Box 25739, Santa Ana, CA 92799, Attention Thomas Ao. The preliminary and definitive proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement can also be obtained, without charge, at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov).

Participants in Solicitation

Nocturne, Cognos and their respective directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Nocturne’s stockholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Information about Nocturne’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Nocturne’s securities is set forth in Nocturne’s filings with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed business combination may be obtained by reading the Registration Statement.

MBTC Company/Media Contact:

investors@nocturnecorp.com
media@nocturnecorp.com

MBTC Investor Relations Contact:

Chris Tyson/Doug Hobbs
MZ SPAC Investor Relations
(949) 491-8235
MBTC@mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Nocturne Acquisition Corporation

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ARRALYZE(R) Launches CellShepherd(R): A Fully Autonomous Single-Cell Platform For Real-Time Monitoring Of Functional Assays

GARBSEN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / February 5, 2024 / ARRALYZE®, the Life Science arm of LPKF Laser & Electronics SE, proudly announces the commercial availability of the CellShepherd®. After a successful beta-testing phase in 2023, this groundbreaking platform is now ready to revolutionize cell-based research and development across biomedical and various life science fields.

CellShepherd®: Redefining Single-Cell Analysis
CellShepherd®, developed by ARRALYZE®, responds to the urgent need for advanced functional cell screening technologies in academic and industrial laboratories. It stands out with ARRALYZE’s proprietary nanowell glass arrays, which miniaturize cell-based assays while enabling real-time monitoring at the single-cell level. This autonomous platform boasts precise dispensing into nanoliter glass wells and supports (co)-culturing under climate-controlled, sterile conditions. Its capabilities extend to real-time imaging through a brightfield microscope and three fluorescent channels. Leveraging advanced AI-driven analysis, CellShepherd® accurately counts and tracks cells, offering vital insights into various parameters. This innovation promises a new era in scientific research characterized by precision, control, and deep insights.

Meeting Market Demands: The ARRALYZE® Vision
CellShepherd® is designed to fulfill the growing demand for technologies capable of studying small and large cell populations at the single-cell level and isolating target cells. By adopting a holistic approach, ARRALYZE® enables customers to uncover individual characteristics of heterogeneous cell populations and gain insight into the kinetics of experiments, monitoring functionality at different time points. This approach overcomes challenges such as harsh experiment conditions, limited microenvironment control, and difficulties maintaining cell viability.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Proprietary nanowell glass arrays for precise miniaturization of cell-based assays.
  • Precise dispensing of cell suspensions with outstanding viability.
  • Autonomous operation supporting (co)-culturing in a climate-controlled, sterile environment.
  • Advanced real-time imaging capabilities including a brightfield microscope and three fluorescent channels.
  • AI-driven analysis for accurate cell counting and tracking.
  • User-friendly interface designed for ease of experiment setup, monitoring, and analysis.
  • Ability to isolate live cells for downstream processes, enhancing versatility and application scope.

About LPKF
LPKF Laser & Electronics SE, the parent company of ARRALYZE, is a leading provider of laser-based solutions for the technology industry. Founded in 1976, the company is headquartered in Germany, and is active worldwide through subsidiaries and representatives. The establishment of ARRALYZE as a dedicated division signifies LPKF’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the biotechnological sector. LPKF Laser & Electronics SE shares are traded in the Prime Standard segment of Deutsche Börse (ISIN 0006450000).

Contact
For more information about CellShepherd® and ARRALYZE®, please visit www.arralyze.com or contact us by email at info@arralyze.com

ARRALYZE is part of LPKF group:
LPKF Laser & Electronics SE
Osteriede 7
D-30827 Garbsen
Fon: +49 (0) 5131 7095-0
Fax: +49 (0) 5131 7095-90
www.lpkf.com

End of Media Release

SORUCE: LPKF Laser & Electronics SE

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Vivakor Achieves Milestone for its RPC in Houston, Texas

Completed Factory Acceptance Test and Now Working Toward Commercial Operations

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / February 5, 2024 / Vivakor, Inc. (Nasdaq:VIVK) ("Vivakor" or the "Company"), a clean energy technology company focused on the oil remediation and natural resources sectors, is pleased to announce the completion of the factory acceptance tests for its Remediation Processing Center (RPC) in Houston, Texas.

The tests were done in conjunction with RK Energy and checked out all the Control Logic, Operating Screens, PLC controls, Plant Interlocks and all plant equipment/instruments/devices.

This represents a major milestone in moving forward towards operation. The Vivakor team is pressing forward to gain the necessary permits and access to power for the site, which are the final steps needed to get the RPC into commercial operation.

Vivakor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James Ballengee commented, "This is a significant milestone and provides support for some of the rationale behind our acquisitions from the summer of 2022, as we believed in the synergies between the RPCs and our oil and gas expertise. We have now successfully completed the onsite Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) on our Remediation Processing Center (RPC) located in Houston, Texas, and look forward to moving this unit into commercial operation."

Ballengee, continued, "We are excited to establish this first-of-its-kind center for processing and recovery of tank bottom sludge and other oil-industry waste. Millions of tons of this waste are generated annually, just within the U.S. and are typically treated with hardening agents and disposed of in hazardous waste landfills. The goal of our facility is to process this waste and recover and recycle the embedded oil – reducing the need to drill for new oil and preventing the waste from ending up in landfills."

Vivakor previously entered into a 10-year Land Lease Agreement, under which the Company agreed to lease approximately 3.5 acres of land in Houston, Texas (commonly known as The San Jacinto River & Rail Park, 18511 Beaumont Highway, Houston, Texas). When the RPC’s main plant is fully operational, Vivakor’s expectation is for processing 700 to 900 tons of raw material a day for an average of 600 to 800 barrels of crude production on average and production of 100’s of tons of clean solids with less than 1% Hydrocarbons per 24-hour day.

As plant wide construction and main power to the facility finalizes along with the construction completion of the Wash Plant, the RPC will be ready to perform its final tuning using cleaning fluids and raw materials fed to it by the wash plant/raw material handling side.

Once operational, this will be Vivakor’s first site to process tank bottom sludge and other oil-industry based waste. The plan for the facility is to recover the oil within the sludge utilizing its patented, environmentally-friendly RPC processing technology, which has been validated for the treatment of soil. Recent testing of the RPC technology at another site showed the treated soil Total Petroleum Hyrdrocarbons range was measured between 0.2% to 0.4%, which was well within the excepted range of TPH < 1%.

RPCs are designed, engineered and manufactured off site and then moved on site for construction and the Factory Acceptance Test.

About Vivakor, Inc.

Vivakor, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIVK), is a clean energy technology company focused on the oil remediation and natural resources sectors. Vivakor’s corporate mission is to create, acquire, accumulate, and operate distinct assets, intellectual properties, and exceptional technologies. Its Silver Fuels Delhi, LLC, and White Claw Colorado City, LLC subsidiaries include crude oil gathering, storage, and transportation facilities, which feature long-term ten year take-or-pay contracts.

The Company’s patented Remediation Processing Centers allows for the environmentally-friendly recovery of bitumen (heavy crude) and other hydrocarbons from the remediation of contaminated soils. It is believed to be the only remediation system that can clean soils with more than 5% by weight oil contamination while recovering the oil and leaving the soil fully viable for reuse. Once operational, its Remediation Processing Centers will focus on extraction from shallow, oil-laden sands, along with generating petroleum-based remediation projects in Kuwait and in Houston, Texas.

For more information, please visit our website: http://vivakor.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including economic slowdown affecting companies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in Vivakor’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which factors may be incorporated herein by reference. Forward-looking statements may be identified but not limited by the use of the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "believes," "estimates," "potential," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Investors Contact:
P:949-281-2606
info@vivakor.com

ClearThink
nyc@clearthink.capital

SOURCE: Vivakor

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