Agency for Science, Technology & Research

Organizations Plan to Jointly Advance Breakthrough Solutions in Human Health and Sustainability, Drive Research Collaboration, Entrepreneurship and Accelerate Talent Development SINGAPORE, Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency, and Flagship Pioneering, the bioplatform innovation company, today announced plans to collaborate to advance health and sustainability outcomes in Singapore and the broader Asia Pacific region. In this collaboration, A*STAR and Flagship will jointly commit up to SGD100 million over the next five years. Continue Reading A*STAR and Flagship team members sign Memorandum of Understanding. A*STAR and Flagship outlined the goals of their collaboration via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed Tuesday. The collaboration will promote research and development activities between A*STAR research institutes and Flagship portfolio companies, to co-develop technologies in strategically important areas. Talent development is another pillar of the collaboration, with potential scientific dialogues and internship opportunities at Flagship and its portfolio companies. Together, A*STAR and Flagship seek to spur innovation and venture creation activities that help create and grow Flagship companies in Singapore. Flagship will contribute its signature approach to company creation and development while A*STAR will contribute its expertise in science and technology through access to its scientists and facilities. This MOU will have the potential to expand and foster collaborations among key players across Singapore's biotech ecosystem. "By joining forces, Flagship and A*STAR can further boost the already thriving life sciences ecosystem in Singapore and beyond, with breakthrough research, purposeful entrepreneurship and accelerated talent development," said André Andonian, Chair of Asia Pacific and Strategic Advisor, Flagship Pioneering. "This collaboration blends scientific acumen and entrepreneurial spirit and will further accelerate and expand Flagship's impact globally. We are pleased to announce this collaboration with A*STAR within the first year of opening our new Asia Pacific hub, located in Singapore." "We are excited to be working with globally-recognized venture builders like Flagship Pioneering, to bring new companies with cutting-edge technologies in areas of strategic interest to Singapore," said Irene Cheong, Assistant Chief Executive at A*STAR's Innovation & Enterprise Group. "This collaboration is a key step in nurturing our entrepreneurial talent and exploring new, innovative approaches to venture building. As we continue to expand these partnerships, we are confident that they will drive significant growth in Singapore's innovation landscape and advance Singapore's position as a global hub for biotechnological innovations." About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit . About Flagship Pioneering Flagship Pioneering invents and builds bioplatform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $75 billion in aggregate value. To date, Flagship has deployed over $3.8 billion in capital toward the founding and growth of its pioneering companies alongside more than $27 billion of follow-on investments from other institutions. The current Flagship ecosystem comprises 40 companies, including Foghorn Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FHTX), Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA), Omega Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OMGA), Sana Biotechnology (NASDAQ: SANA), Generate Biomedicines, Inari, Indigo Agriculture, and Tessera Therapeutics. Media Contacts: Flagship Pioneering [email protected] A*STAR [email protected] SOURCE Flagship Pioneering WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

On July 29, Boehringer Ingelheim announced a major acquisition, with plans to buy Nerio Therapeutics for $1.3 billion. Nerio Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company focused on phosphatase research, has successfully developed highly selective phosphatase PTPN2/N1 inhibitors for an innovative regimen of tumor immunotherapy. With a leading position in the global oncology market, Boehringer Ingelheim has continuously strengthened its strategic presence in oncology in recent years. According to preliminary statistics, the company has established cooperative relationships with a number of well-known pharmaceutical companies in recent years to accelerate the construction of tumor research and development pipelines: In December 2020, Boehringer Ingelheim acquired NBE Therapeutics for 1.18 billion euros to acquire novel antibody-coupled drugs to address the challenge of refractory solid tumors. In the same month, Boehringer Ingelheim acquired Labor Dr. Merk & Kollegen to increase its research and development and clinical manufacturing capabilities to support its next generation cancer immune drug development program. In January 2021, the company entered into a strategic partnership with Enara Bio to develop innovative cancer immunotherapies using its Dark Antigen™ platform. In September 2021, Boehringer Ingelheim acquired Abexxa Biologics to gain expertise in targeting cancer-specific proteins within cells, expanding the range of potential cancer antigen targets. In June 2022, the company entered into A global licensing agreement with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research of Singapore (A*STAR) to acquire the development and commercialization rights for A*STAR's series of innovative tumor-specific antibodies. In January 2023, Boehringer Ingelheim and 3T Biosciences entered into a strategic collaboration and licensing agreement to jointly explore and develop the next generation of cancer therapies. In March 2023, the company partnered with Covant Therapeutics to develop a covalent drug candidate for the ADAR1 cancer target. In November 2023, Boehringer Ingelheim acquired T3 Pharmaceuticals for CHF 450 million (approximately $508 million), which specializes in innovative therapeutic platforms that enhance immunotherapy with live bacteria. In the same month, Boehringer Ingelheim established a strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with Phenomic AI to jointly discover key targets in rich stromal cancers. In February 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim and CBmed entered into a long-term strategic partnership to accelerate the development of first-of-its-kind oncology drugs using translational medicine to improve the lives of patients. In May 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim and OSE expanded their collaboration to jointly develop first-of-its-kind therapies for tumor and cardio-renal metabolic diseases, including the anti-SIRRP α tumor Immunity program and the cis targeted anti-PD1 / cytokine platform. While Boehringer Ingelheim does not yet have a significant oncology product in the market, its oncology pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as Zongertinib(Phase 1), Brigimadlin (Phase two-thirds) and BI-764532 (Phase 2). Zongertinib is an innovative covalently bound, orally effective and selective HER2 small molecule inhibitor. It covalently binds to the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) of both wild-type and mutant HER2 receptors, including exon 20 mutations, while preserving the wild-type signal of EGFR, thereby demonstrating good tolerability and safety while ensuring efficacy. Data from the Phase 1a/1b clinical study of Zongertinib monotherapy for HER2-variant advanced solid tumors (NCT04886804), presented at the ASCO meeting in 2024, showed that Zongertinib demonstrated superior efficacy and was well tolerated in patients with HER2-mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. Brigimadlin is a mouse dual microhomologous gene 2 (MDM2) -p53 antagonist targeting MDM2-amplified tumors such as biliary adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Currently, Brigimadlin's first-line treatment of dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) has entered phase 2/3 of clinical trials. New results from the Phase 1a/1b study (NCT03449381) presented at the ASCO Meeting in 2024 show that Brigimadlin induces proteomic changes in DDLPS that may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response and adverse events. BI 764532 is a first-in-class T cell-mediated bisspecific antibody developed at Boehringer Ingelheim that induces a patient's own T cells to attack cancer cells expressing DLL3. BI 764532 has received fast track approval from the FDA for the treatment of advanced SCLC and advanced or metastatic extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma. In both DLL3-positive cell and xenograft models, BI 764532 showed potential preclinical antitumor activity. PTPN2 and PTPN1 (also known as PTP-1B) are phosphatases that negatively regulate multiple cytokine signaling pathways and T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathways. They inhibit inflammation by dephosphorylation of JAK and STAT family members, and reduce T-cell sensitivity to antigens by phosphorylation of LCK and FYN. PTPN2 deletion was found to increase the number of activated cytotoxic CD8+T cells in the tumor, improve antigen presentation and sensitivity to IFNγ, and thus enhance tumor sensitivity to CD8+T cells. Given the critical role of PTPN2/N1 in tumor and immune cells and its highly conserved active sites, researchers are developing PTPN2/N1 inhibitors. Currently, there are several PTPN2/N1 inhibitors, such as ABBV-CLS-579 and ABBV-CLS-484 (AC484). AC484 is an oral PTPN2/N1 active site inhibitor that enhances the response to interferon and promotes the activation and function of immune cell subsets. In a PD-1-resistant mouse model, AC484 monotherapy showed significant antitumor effects. Currently, a Phase 1 clinical trial of AC484 is underway to evaluate its efficacy alone or in combination with PD-1 inhibitors or VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in the treatment of advanced or metastatic solid tumors. In addition, using Chemistry42, its generating-AI platform, Insili has also developed a novel PTPN2/N1 inhibitor that has drug-like properties, good oral bioavailability in vivo, and strong in vivo anti-tumor activity, demonstrating nanoscale inhibitory efficacy.

This joint effort will harness PacBio's state-of-the-art HiFi sequencing technology to offer profound insights into genetic diversity, disease mechanisms, and clinical diagnoses within Singapore’s multi-ethnic populationSINGAPORE, Aug. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB), a leading developer of high-quality, highly accurate sequencing solutions, announced that Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE) has chosen the Revio HiFi sequencing system for its Long-Read Sequencing Flagship Project. This initiative aims to generate the largest long-read sequencing dataset in Southeast Asia, marking a significant advancement for precision medicine in Singapore. As part of Singapore’s three-phase National Precision Medicine (NPM) programme, the current phase of the NPM aims to transform healthcare in Singapore and improve patient outcomes through new insights into the Asian genome. Hence, this collaboration will harness PacBio's state-of-the-art HiFi sequencing technology to offer profound insights into genetic diversity, disease mechanisms, and clinical diagnoses within Singapore’s multi-ethnic population. This partnership highlights the critical role of PacBio's HiFi sequencing technology in advancing precision medicine. Beyond the capabilities of traditional short-read sequencing technologies, PacBio's long-read sequencing provides comprehensive genomic coverage, enabling the detection of large structural variations and DNA methylation, providing a more complete picture of the genome. This multi-omics approach, combining whole genome sequencing (WGS), RNA full-length sequencing, fibre sequencing, and methylation analysis, positions PacBio as an essential contributor to the success of this joint effort with PRECISE. "I am delighted that PRECISE has selected our Revio system for their extensive, flagship long-read sequencing project in Singapore," said Christian Henry, President and Chief Executive Officer of PacBio. "PRECISE chose PacBio HiFi technology for its capacity to deliver complete and accurate genomes. This project exemplifies Revio’s unique ability to provide differentiated solutions for large-scale, multi-thousand-sample, whole genome sequencing projects." PacBio's joint effort with PRECISE is set to elevate precision medicine in Singapore, leveraging highly-accurate long-read sequencing to drive scientific breakthroughs and enhance clinical outcomes. Through significant product contributions, investment in local expertise, and a comprehensive data platform, PacBio is dedicated to the success of this transformative initiative. Key highlights of the partnership Comprehensive Long-Read Genomic Data PacBio will generate high-quality phased methylome and genomic information for a multi-thousand-sample whole genomes sequencing project, including: 60x HiFi depth for Pan-Asian reference genomes.20x HiFi depth for multi-omics analysis.30x HiFi depth for unresolved and research cases in cancer and rare diseases. Advanced Sequencing Infrastructure PacBio will establish advanced sequencing and data analysis pipelines in Singapore, including a centralised library preparation facility and sequencing laboratory for high throughput production. Appointed Service Provider Macrogen Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, the first CAP-accredited service provider in Singapore for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), will execute the PacBio long-read sequencing production. Data Integration and Secure Access PacBio will utilise AWS cloud storage and workflow capabilities to ensure secure and efficient data processing and delivery for PRECISE researchers and clinicians. The comprehensive efforts outlined in this partnership underscore the commitment of both PacBio and PRECISE to pioneering advancements in genomic research and precision medicine. By combining cutting-edge technology, extensive genomic data, and dedicated local expertise, this joint effort is poised to deliver ground breaking discoveries that can help shape the future of healthcare in Singapore and beyond. For more information, please contact: Contacts (PacBio) Investors: Todd Friedmanir@pacificbiosciences.com Media:pr@pacificbiosciences.com Contacts (Macrogen) Media:chloeje@macrogen.com About PacBio PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical researchers resolve genetically complex problems. Our products and technologies stem from two highly differentiated core technologies focused on accuracy, quality and completeness which include our HiFi long-read sequencing and our SBB® short-read sequencing technologies. Our products address solutions across a broad set of research applications including human germline sequencing, plant and animal sciences, infectious disease and microbiology, oncology, and other emerging applications. For more information, please visit www.pacb.com and follow @PacBio. PacBio products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. About Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE)Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE) is the central entity set up to coordinate a whole of Singapore effort to implement Phase II of Singapore’s three-phase National Precision Medicine (NPM) programme. NPM Phase II aims to transform healthcare in Singapore and improve patient outcomes through new insights into the Asian genome and data-driven healthcare solutions. In NPM Phase II, PRECISE will collaborate with Singapore research and clinical partners, including the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, National Healthcare Group, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, and SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre to study the genetic makeup of 100,000 healthy Singaporeans and specific patient cohorts. The genetic data will be integrated with detailed lifestyle, environmental, and clinical data to yield rich insights into factors that contribute to Asian diseases and conditions. Additionally, NPM Phase II will enhance the breadth and depth of the Precision Medicine-related industry by attracting and anchoring overseas companies in Singapore, while yielding new opportunities for home-grown companies. To enhance and accelerate the precision medicine sector, PRECISE works in close collaboration with A*STAR, the Biomedical Sciences Industry Partnership Office, and the Economic Development Board to catalyse the next phase of growth for Singapore’s healthcare and the biomedical technology industries. PRECISE is a programme of the Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation, Singapore (CRIS). PRECISE is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF) under the RIE2020 White Space (MOH-000588 and MOH-001264) and administered by the Singapore Ministry of Health through the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Office, MOH Holdings Pte Ltd. For more information, visit www.npm.sg About Macrogen Macrogen provides genomics services for research use, as well as clinical diagnostics worldwide, with laboratories in six countries and more than 18,000 customers in 153 countries. Their research services include Next Generation Sequencing, Capillary Electrophoresis Sequencing, Microarrays, Transgenic mice, and Oligonucleotide synthesis. Clinical services include hereditary cancer testing, somatic cancer panels, carrier testing, NIPT screening, clinical WGS, and clinical WES. The laboratories in Singapore, USA, and Korea have received College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation. Macrogen’s main laboratory in Korea also holds certifications from the Korean Institute of Genetic Testing Evaluation and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for NGS Clinical Laboratory. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the uses, coverage, advantages, quality or performance of, or benefits or expected benefits of using, PacBio products or technologies, including in connection with Novogene’s anticipate use of Revio; and other future events. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including, challenges inherent in sequencing a large number of genomes, and the difficulty of generating discoveries across various areas of research; potential product performance and quality issues; third-party claims alleging infringement of patents and proprietary rights or seeking to invalidate PacBio's patents or proprietary rights; and other risks associated with international operations. Additional factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in PacBio's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including PacBio's most recent reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K, and 10-Q, and include those listed under the caption "Risk Factors." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof; except as required by law, PacBio disclaims any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.