7 12 月, 2020

Sino Biopharm Invests in Sinovac LS, A Leading COVID-19 Vaccine Company in China

HONG KONG, Dec 7, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited ("Sino Biopharm" or the "Group"; HKEX: 1177) has announced the investment of US$515 million in Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd. ("Sinovac LS", previously known as Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd.), which will be funded by internal resources of the Group and result in a 15.03% equity interest in Sinovac LS. The investment will help Sinovac enhance its R&D and production capabilities of CoronaVac, a COVID-19 vaccine, and other development and operational activities of Sinovac LS. The investment also marks Sino Biopharm's foray into vaccine R&D and production.Sinovac LS, which is principally engaged in the business of R&D of vaccines for human use, has made significant progress in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac. It is not only the first to successfully develop an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, but also one of the few enterprises in China that can produce such vaccines on a large scale. On 13 April 2020, clinical research of CoronaVac has been officially approved by China National Medical Products Administration. Its phase III clinical trials have also been approved in Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey and Chile. Currently, Sinovac LS has received orders from various countries. The win-win cooperation is expected to increase the competitiveness of China made COVID-19 vaccines in the global market. According to various estimates, the global demand for COVID-19 vaccines may be on the order of tens of billions of doses, while the vaccine production capacity of enterprises in the PRC is expected to be at least 2 billion doses by the end of 2021. Capitalizing on the Group's strong industrialization capabilities, Sino Biopharm's investment will enable Sinovac LS to rapidly expand the production capacity of the COVID-19 vaccine, so as to rapidly meet the procurement demand from China, and even globally.Entering into the field of preventive vaccines is complementary to the Group's existing curative drug products, and also accelerates the Group's strategy of a "Fully-integrated Biopharmaceutical Value Chain". Moreover, given that preventive therapy products have a lower risk of being impacted by the national centralized drug procurement policies, the investment will enhance the Group's overall operational resilience.As a leading innovative R&D driven pharmaceutical conglomerate in the PRC, Sino Biopharm continues to introduce innovative products through business development, in addition to its internal research and development. The cooperation with Sinovac LS can quickly provide the market with a much-needed innovative product, which is consistent with the strategic direction of Sino Biopharm. Furthermore, Sino Biopharm will expand its business network with foreign governments, regulatory authorities and business partners through the cooperation, commercialization and investment of COVID-19 vaccine in overseas markets, thereby accelerating the Group's internationalization plans through improving market access and scale."Sino Biopharm wishes to help control the COVID-19 pandemic faster through the joint efforts with its partner, contributing to public health prevention in the PRC and around the world, and extending from sole focus on disease treatment to life cycle health management, thereby ultimately realizing its corporate responsibility for people's health, life safety and even the well-being of all mankind." said Ms. Theresa Tse, Chairwomen of Sino Biopharm. About Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited (HKEX:1177)Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited is a leading, innovative R&D driven pharmaceutical conglomerate in the PRC. Its business encompasses a fully-integrated chain which covers an array of R&D platforms, a line-up of intelligent production and a strong sales system. The Group's products have gained a competitive foothold in various therapeutic categories with promising potentials, comprising a variety of biopharmaceutical and chemical medicines for treating tumors, liver diseases, respiratory system diseases, anti-infectious diseases and orthopedic diseases.Sino Biopharm is a constituent stock of the following indices: MSCI Global Standard Indices - MSCI China Index, Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng Index - Commerce & Industry, Hang Seng Composite Index, Hang Seng Composite Industry Index - Consumer Goods, Hang Seng Composite LargeCap Index, Hang Seng Composite LargeCap & MidCap Index, Hang Seng China (Hong Kong-listed) 100 Index and Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Index. Sino Biopharm was ranked as one of "Asia's Fab 50 Companies" by Forbes Asia for three consecutive years in 2016, 2017 and 2018.About Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd.Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd.,* previously known as Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd., is a research-based company incorporated in 2009 that conducts human vaccine research, development, manufacturing, and sales. It develops several human vaccines, including vaccines against pneumonia, DTaP, Hib, and hepatitis B. Sinovac LS also engages to develop several combo vaccines. Sinovac LS was granted 12 patents in vaccine technologies in China. The inactivated COVID-19 vaccine candidate, or CoronaVac, developed by Sinovac LS is being tested in phase III trials in several countries outside of China. Sinovac LS will be the marketing authorization holder of CoronaVac in China with a vaccine production license issued by China National Medical Products Administration if the vaccine is successfully developed. Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

5 12 月, 2020

SIA to prioritise airfreight capacity for Covid-19 vaccines, hold trial flights soon

SINGAPORE - Singapore Airlines (SIA) will prioritise the mass shipments of Covid-19 vaccines into and through Singapore when they are available. The carrier will also conduct test flights to trial vaccine transportation "soon", similar to what airlines in Belgium and United States are doing. "SIA will make available cargo space on its flights and accord uplift priority to Covid-19 vaccine shipments across the key vaccine trade lanes," said SIA on Saturday (Dec 5), noting that it will prioritise its capacity for the vaccines. "This means readying the Boeing 747-400 freighters, as well as the passenger aircraft fleet which will be deployed on cargo operations to increase the capacity for vaccine transportation where needed," the carrier said in a statement. It has signed agreements with cold chain container providers to ensure access to sufficient temperature-controlled containers when it starts transporting large volumes of vaccines. A cold chain refers the process where a temperature-sensitive product is kept at a desired low-temperature range end-to-end throughout transportation and storage. In a media event at Changi Airport on Saturday morning, SIA senior vice-president of cargo Chin Yau Seng said: "We have been in talks with some of the vaccine manufacturers and they are open to the idea. We are working out the details of the trials, so you can expect that in time." Such trial flights do not necessarily need to be done with the actual Covid-19 vaccine on board. Instead, it can be done with sensors and the vaccine's packaging to monitor how it's temperature is managed throughout the journey. "Of course if we have the (vaccine), it's even better. Those details are being worked on," said Mr Chin. A range of active tracking devices has also been certified for use on board SIA's planes to let vaccine producers and logistics providers track shipments. Outside of its planes, SIA is working with its ground handling partner Sats to ensure that the Singapore air hub is ready to handle and store large volumes of pharmaceutical shipments effectively. "We have been working hard to ensure that we are ready for one of the biggest and most important supply chain challenges of our generation: the transportation and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines around the world," said Mr Chin. "We will continue to grow our pharmaceutical handling capability by investing in our (cold chain) service and expanding our pharmaceutical quality corridor network." More on this topic Related Story Airlines face 'mission of the century' in shipping Covid-19 vaccines Related Story Singapore ready for cold-chain transport of Covid-19 vaccines Related Stories: Related Story 3 new Covid-19 cases in S'pore, all imported Related Story UK is first country to approve Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for use Related Story How can Covid-19 affect pregnancy and childbirth? Related Story HSA reviewing Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine data as firm seeks approval for its use in S'pore Related Story Mystery still shrouds Covid-19 origin Related Story US scientists developing nasal spray to prevent Covid-19 Related Story Americans should brace for 'surge upon surge' of coronavirus, US experts warn Related Story Baseless Covid-19 cure-alls rampant in Malaysia despite authorities' warning Related Story South Korea decides against tightening Covid-19 rules despite third wave Related Story Infected after holiday to Europe, pregnant S'pore mum gives birth to baby with Covid-19 antibodies

1 12 月, 2020

BioVaxys Provides Viral Vaccine Platform Program Update

Vancouver, BC, Dec 1, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FSE: 5LB) ("BioVaxys" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has received further data from its successfully completed murine model study demonstrating that immunizing mice with two doses of BVX-0320, its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, induced high levels of antibodies against the S1 fragment of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein associated with inhibition of the binding of the virus to cells of the respiratory tract. BioVaxys scientists also observed a clear dose-response, with lower levels of antibodies induced by the two lowest doses tested of 0.3ug and 1ug (median titers 1:59 and 1:124, respectively), and with significantly higher antibody levels with the two highest doses tested of 3ug and 10ug (median titers 1:4800 and 1:9430, respectively). No toxicity was noted in mice at any dose level.Dr. David Berd, the Chief Medical Officer of BioVaxys, stated, "Antibody titer is the usual way of measuring the amount of an antibody in the blood or a mouse or a human subject. It is determined by serially diluting a serum sample to reach the point where antibody is no longer detectable. An antibody titer of 1:9430 means that the serum sample could be diluted up to 9000-fold and still retain biologic activity. In human subjects who had recovered from Covid-19, antibody titers were between 1:100 and 1:1000."The preclinical study (also known as the "murine model study"), which began in September 2020 and was conducted by leading independent contract research organization Charles River Laboratories, Inc. under contract with BioVaxys, evaluated the anti-virus immune response elicited by BVX-0320 in a controlled murine model by measuring the development of antibodies to the protein that binds the virus to human cells. Previous results from the preclinical study show that BVX-0320 elicits a 96.4% positive immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 s-spike protein in a formulation not requiring an extraordinary cold-chain; the titer analysis confirms that 100% of vaccinated mice in all but the lowest dose group had a positive immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 s-spike protein.BioVaxys has developed its vaccine technology platforms based on the established immunological concept that modifying proteins with simple chemicals called haptens makes them more visible to the immune system. The process of haptenization "teaches" a patient's immune system to recognize and make target proteins more 'visible' as foreign, thereby stimulating an immune response. The haptenization of viral proteins imparts BioVaxys with the flexibility of a 'cassette-type' approach not possible with other vaccines, where they can "drop in" or "swap" the appropriate viral antigen(s) for haptenization and the creation of a new vaccine, potentially allowing for faster development timelines relative to other vaccine approaches.Kenneth Kovan, co-founder, President & Chief Operating Officer of BioVaxys, says that, "The 100% efficacy seen across higher dose levels in the animal study, safety profile, dose-response, and formulation present a very promising emerging profile for BVX-0320. The preclinical data also supports our corporate strategy of expanding this haptenized viral protein vaccine platform across a range of viral diseases, which we are actively pursuing. Our approach is generating interest as it appears to be ideally suited for quickly addressing emerging viruses."The Company is in preliminary discussions with third parties on potential collaborations under which BioVaxys would create new vaccines for a range of viral diseases based on haptenizing different viral proteins. BioVaxys co-founder and CEO James Passin stated that, "The results from our Covid-19 vaccine study are highly encouraging and support our view on the scientific and commercial merits of our haptenized viral protein vaccine technology platform; we hope to leverage these encouraging results to accelerate ongoing partnership discussions."Data from additional analysis by BioVaxys is imminent, including the measurement of post-vaccination T-cell response. This consists of stimulating T-cells obtained from the same mice with viral peptides and measuring the degree of T-cell activation using the established analytical method of flow cytometry and the production of cytokines, including IL-2 and gamma interferon.In a separate study under BioVaxys' collaboration with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the mouse sera collected from the test animals will be tested for ability to inactivate live SARS-Cov-2 virus. Results are anticipated in the coming weeks.The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the Covid-19 (or SARS-2 Coronavirus) at this time.About BioVaxys Technology Corp.Based in Vancouver, BioVaxys Technology Corp., a British Columbia-registered biotechnology company, is a world leader in haptenized protein vaccines that is developing viral and oncology vaccine platforms as well as immuno-diagnostics. The Company is advancing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine based on its haptenized viral protein technology, and is planning a clinical trial of its haptenized autologous cell vaccine used in combination with anti-PD1 and anti-PDL-1 checkpoint inhibitors that will initially be developed for ovarian cancer. Also in development is a diagnostic for evaluating the presence or absence of a T-cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. BioVaxys has two issued US patents and two patent applications related to its cancer vaccine, and pending patent applications for its SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) vaccine and diagnostic technologies. BioVaxys common shares trade on the CSE under the stock symbol "BIOV" and are listed on the Frankfurt Bourse (FSE: 5LB).ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDSigned "James Passin"James Passin, CEO+1 646 452 7054Media ContactsAndrea Vuturo+1 508 301 3774biovaxys@dittopr.coCautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking InformationThis press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, completion of the murine model study, regulatory approval for a Phase I study of its BVX-0320 Vaccine Candidate in humans and the overall development of BioVaxys' vaccines, including any haptenized SARS-Cov-2 protein vaccine. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies including, primarily but without limitation, the risk that BioVayxs' vaccines will not prove to be effective and/or will not receive the required regulatory approvals. With regards to BioVaxys' business, there are a number of risks that could affect the development of its biotechnology products, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital to fund clinical trials, its lack of operating history, uncertainty about whether its products will complete the long, complex and expensive clinical trial and regulatory approval process for approval of new drugs necessary for marketing approval, uncertainty about whether its autologous cell vaccine immunotherapy can be developed to produce safe and effective products and, if so, whether its vaccine products will be commercially accepted and profitable, the expenses, delays and uncertainties and complications typically encountered by development stage biopharmaceutical businesses, financial and development obligations under license arrangements in order to protect its rights to its products and technologies, obtaining and protecting new intellectual property rights and avoiding infringement to third parties and their dependence on manufacturing by third parties.The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/69117 Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

11 11 月, 2020

BioVaxys Announces 96.4 Percent Positive Antibody Immune Response Results from an In Vivo Murine Model Study of Its SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine

Vancouver, BC, Nov 11, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FSE: 5LB) ("BioVaxys") is pleased to announce that results from its preclinical animal study (also known as the "murine model study") of BVX-0320, its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, show that the vaccine elicits a positive immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 s-spike protein. Previous interim data from the study showed it possessed an excellent emerging tolerability profile with no noteworthy clinical observations or observed toxicities in the mice. When the study concluded after 6 weeks, the excellent safety and tolerability profile was maintained.The preclinical study, which began in September 2020 and was conducted by leading independent contract research organization ("CRO") Charles River Laboratories, Inc. under contract with BioVaxys, evaluated the anti-virus immune response elicited by BVX-0320 in a controlled murine model by measuring the development of antibodies to the protein that binds the virus to human cells. Following two injections of BVX-0320 together with the immunological adjuvant, QS21, to 28 mice at four dosage levels, 96.4% developed positive antibody responses detected at week 6. As expected, prior to administering BVX-0320, all animals were antibody-negative, except for one mouse that had a borderline response. Importantly, mice that received the QS21 adjuvant without BVX-0320 developed no antibody responses.Kenneth Kovan, co-founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of BioVaxys spoke to the results, "As the early data shows that BVX-0320 stimulates an antibody response to the SARS2 s-spike protein, we would expect to see a similar response against live virus infection. Although that work remains to be done, this new data is pivotal at this stage of development of our vaccine."BioVaxys and Charles River Laboratories continue to analyze the experimental data to determine the antibody levels induced by each dose and to measure the T cell responses. The latter consists of stimulating T cells obtained from the same mice with viral peptides and measuring the degree of T cell activation using the established analytical method of flow cytometry and the production of cytokines, including IL2 and gamma interferon. In a separate study, the mouse sera (collected from the test animals) will be tested for ability to inactivate live SARS-Cov-2 virus. Results are anticipated within the next month.Upon completion of the data analysis, BioVaxys anticipates taking further steps to pursue regulatory approval for a Phase I study of its BVX-0320 vaccine candidate in humans.James Passin, the CEO of BioVaxys, stated, "Although still early, we are very encouraged that the emerging profile for BVX-0320 is a relatively uncomplicated manufacturing process and a temperature-stable vaccine suitable for broad distribution, which lends itself to address a pandemic." Passin further stated, "We hope to leverage this data to accelerate ongoing discussions with potential pharmaceutical partners on the development of new viral antigen vaccine candidates based on our haptenized viral protein vaccine platform technology."BioVaxys' product pipeline includes BVX-0918A, an IND-stage haptenized cancer cell vaccine for treating late stage ovarian cancer. In Phase I and Phase II clinical studies previously conducted by BioVaxys, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Berd, using an earlier generation of the BioVaxys cancer vaccine on nearly 500 patients with melanoma or ovarian cancer, the haptenized cell platform showed significant clinical promise.Dr. Berd commented that, "A post-SARS2 infection T cell response appears to be a defining characteristic following recovery in COVID-19 patients. As we have observed significant T cell responses in previous studies following vaccination with haptenized proteins in cancer patients, our belief is that we will see the same clinical results with our haptenized vaccine platform in in viral diseases."BioVaxys has developed its vaccine technology platforms based on the established immunological concept that modifying proteins with simple chemicals called haptens makes them more visible to the immune system. The process of haptenization "teaches" a patient's immune system to recognize and make target proteins more 'visible' as foreign, thereby stimulating an immune response.For greater certainty, BioVaxys is not making any express or implied claims that it has the ability to treat the SAR-CoV-2 virus at this time.About BioVaxys Technology Corp.Based in Vancouver, BioVaxys Technology Corp. is a British Columbia-registered, early stage biotechnology company that is developing viral and oncology vaccine platforms, as well as immuno-diagnostics. The Company is advancing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine based on its haptenized viral protein technology, and is planning a clinical trial of its haptenized autologous cell vaccine used in combination with anti-PD1 and anti-PDL-1 checkpoint inhibitors that will initially be developed for ovarian cancer. Also in development is a diagnostic for evaluating the presence or absence of a T cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. BioVaxys has two issued US patents and two patent applications related to its cancer vaccine, and pending patent applications for its SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) vaccine and diagnostic technologies. BioVaxys common shares trade on the CSE under the stock symbol "BIOV" and are listed on the Frankfurt Bourse (FSE: 5LB).ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDSigned "James Passin"James Passin, CEO+1 646 452 7054Media ContactsAndrea Vuturo+1 508 301 3774biovaxys@dittopr.coCautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking InformationThis press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, regulatory approval for a Phase I study of its BVX-0320 Vaccine Candidate in humans and the overall development of BioVaxys' vaccines, including any haptenized SARS-Cov-2 protein vaccine. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies including, primarily but without limitation, the risk that BioVayxs' vaccines will not prove to be effective and/or will not receive the required regulatory approvals. With regards to BioVaxys' business, there are a number of risks that could affect the development of its biotechnology products, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital to fund clinical trials, its lack of operating history, uncertainty about whether its products will complete the long, complex and expensive clinical trial and regulatory approval process for approval of new drugs necessary for marketing approval, uncertainty about whether its autologous cell vaccine immunotherapy can be developed to produce safe and effective products and, if so, whether its vaccine products will be commercially accepted and profitable, the expenses, delays and uncertainties and complications typically encountered by development stage biopharmaceutical businesses, financial and development obligations under license arrangements in order to protect its rights to its products and technologies, obtaining and protecting new intellectual property rights and avoiding infringement to third parties and their dependence on manufacturing by third parties.The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/67931 Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

10 11 月, 2020

Epazz DeskFlex Desk Scheduling Software Will Release Vaccine Management Solution as Part of COVID Compliance Features

CHICAGO, IL, Nov 10, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Epazz Inc. DeskFlex (OTC: EPAZ), a leading provider of mission-critical cloud-computing software solutions, announced today that DeskFlex's vaccine management solution will help organizations plan and develop COVID-19 vaccination programs among its team members when it is released.Pharmaceutical companies are working double-time to create a vaccine against the Novel 2019 Coronavirus. One of the leading pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer, developed a vaccine with a promising result of 90% effectivity according to the company's clinical results. Over 43,538 volunteers participated and received two injections within 21 days apart. The company claimed that among the 94 evaluable COVID-19 cases, results revealed that more than 90% effectively prevented the Coronavirus infection. This result exceeded the Food and Drug Administration set a 50% minimum effectiveness bar. This promising result will pave the way for mass vaccinations if FDA approves the final stage of testing.DeskFlex vaccine management software will facilitate the tracking and management of employees' immunization against the Coronavirus. It allows employees to indicate their vaccination history through the health record management service. With the development of approved COVID-19 vaccines on the way, company administrators can monitor which team member has completed their vaccinations and which employees need a reminder to schedule and receive the COVID-19 vaccine through DeskFlex vaccine management solution.The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other collaborative health agencies initiated the Immunization Integration Program (IIP) four years ago. After clinicians found it challenging to keep track and improve adult vaccinations, the program started. The program's goal was to help automate immunization-related tasks with an electronic health record and clinic software systems. Thus, with the digitalization of immunization records and schedules, the program aimed to increase vaccination rates within the adult population and secure these immunization records in cloud-based storage. DeskFlex desk and room scheduling software solutions pride itself on providing organizations with a comprehensive set of COVID-compliant software features. The launching of DeskFlex's vaccine management software will further reinforce the workplace's health and safety measures.According to Shaun Passley, Ph.D., Chairman, and CEO of Epazz, Inc., "We are optimistic that adding the vaccine management software feature will further secure the workplace and schools from COVID-19 infections. When administrators identify those who haven't had the vaccine, they can make the appropriate decision to protect the majority."About DeskFlex.comDeskFlex is a desk booking solution and room reservation software useful in booking conference rooms, meeting rooms, workspaces, desks, car parking spaces, and office equipment. DeskFlex meeting room scheduling system helps office managers accommodate remote workers' time in the office, reducing rent and facility costs. DeskFlex lets employees reserve desks in advance or claim desks right away. It adjusts the telephone switch (PBX), so calls ring at the "desk du jour." DeskFlex includes check-in, point-and-click floor maps, a web browser, a local kiosk, Outlook integration, and conference room scheduling.About Epazz, Inc. (www.epazz.com)Epazz, Inc., is a leading cloud-based software company that specializes in providing customized cloud applications to the corporate world, higher-education institutions, and the public sector. Epazz BoxesOS(TM) v3.0 is a complete web-based software package for small- to mid-size businesses, Fortune 500 enterprises, government agencies, and higher education institutions. BoxesOS provides many of the web-based applications organizations would otherwise need to purchase separately. Epazz's other products are K9Sky.com kennel software and the Provitrac applicant tracking system.SAFE HARBORThis is the "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: certain statements contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," and "continue" (or the negation thereof) or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results or those implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that no forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Epazz, Inc. assumes no obligation and has no intention of updating these forward-looking statements. It has no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by Epazz, Inc. Investors are encouraged to review Epazz, Inc.'s public filings on SEC.gov and otcmarkets.com, including its unaudited and audited financial statements and its OTC market filings, which contain general business information about the company's operations, results of operations, and risks associated with the company and its operations.CONTACT:For more information, please contactInvestor Relationsinvestors@epazz.net(312) 955-8161www.epazz.com Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

10 11 月, 2020

Singapore could have a Covid-19 vaccine by early 2021; close to $300m commitment from S’pore authorities to make and buy vaccine

SINGAPORE - Singapore could have a Covid-19 vaccine by early next year. The first shipments of the vaccine co-developed by Singapore researchers are expected in the first quarter. Arcturus Therapeutics, the American pharmaceutical company working with Duke-NUS scientists on the vaccine, said this on Monday (Nov 9), as it announced positive preliminary results from the early stage clinical trials ongoing in Singapore. Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) is pumping in some US$45 million (S$60.5 million) into the manufacture of the vaccine, said Arcturus. EDB will also have the right to purchase up to $175 million of the vaccine at pre-negotiated prices, with shipments expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021, said Arcturus. Duke-NUS Medical School's Professor Ooi Eng Eong, who had co-developed the vaccine with Arcturus, said the results so far show that the vaccine could be effective as a single dose. "This differentiates this investigational vaccine from many other Covid-19 vaccines in development," said Prof Ooi, who is also a member of Arcturus' Vaccine Platform Scientific Advisory Board. "The vaccine has the potential to provide important public health benefits by greatly facilitating broad administration across multiple populations worldwide." Arcturus' chief financial officer Andy Sassine said the funds from Singapore will provide the firm with additional resources to sustain rapid scale up of (the vaccine) to meet the requirements of our existing Israeli and Singapore agreements as well as other potential supply deals in 2021. The encouraging preliminary findings from the Singapore co-developed Covid-19 vaccine comes as the race to the vaccine heats up. Earlier this week, Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE announced that their experimental vaccine is 90 per cent effective at preventing Covid-19. They are still awaiting data on safety, which could come later this month. More on this topic Related Story Late-stage Covid-19 vaccine trial could start in Singapore before end-2020 Related Story Why Pfizer's ultra-cold Covid-19 vaccine will not be at the local pharmacy any time soon Some 106 volunteers are enrolled in the early-stage trials in Singapore, of whom 28 received placebos. Seventy-eight subjects received one dose of the vaccine, while the rest received two injections. During these early-stage trials, researchers look out for dangerous side effects and analyse patient samples to see how the human immune system is responding to the vaccine. They also seek to determine how many doses are needed to incite the desired immune response. Preliminary findings indicate positive responses in both safety and human immune response. More on this topic Related Story Singapore ready for cold-chain transport of Covid-19 vaccines Related Story Vaccine hesitancy may undermine fight against Covid-19: UK report Arcturus said no subjects have withdrawn from the study, and that there have been no serious adverse events deemed to be treatment-related. As for the immune response, both antibody and T-cell response have been observed in volunteers. The Straits Times had earlier reported that these later stage clinical trials could start before the end of this year. Such trials are much larger in scope than the earlier ones, usually involving thousands to tens of thousands of people. These are often held across multiple jurisdictions or countries. The aim of these trials is to see if the vaccine can confer protection from infection. Related Stories: Related Story 7 new Covid-19 cases in S'pore, all imported Related Story Six in White House, including Trump's chief of staff, have Covid-19, raising fears of another outbreak Related Story Japan braces itself for new wave of Covid-19 infections Related Story Phase 3 of reopening could last for a year or longer Related Story Malaysia expands Covid-19 movement curbs to all but 3 states in peninsular Related Story Europe's coronavirus infections top 11 million as more countries impose lockdowns Related Story Britain's Prince William contracted Covid-19 in April: Media Related Story Graveyards in big Indian cities running out of space due to Covid-19 pandemic Related Story In hunt for coronavirus source, WHO let China take charge Related Story Ongoing Covid-19 outbreak could contribute to workplace inequality

30 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 30

Routine testing, PPE for some Changi Airport staff to avoid Covid-19 transmission Staff at the airport will be put on a rostered routine testing similar to other frontline workers and migrant workers. READ MORE HERE S'pore-HK air travel bubble important test for leisure travel: Ong Ye Kung It will determine if similar arrangements for leisure travel can be made with other governments. READ MORE HERE France raises security alert to highest level after knifeman kills 3 in church The suspect is a Tunisian man who had arrived in Europe on Sept 20. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news ST revamp: Staying trusted, timely and true Expect a richer experience as ST launches new print and digital offerings. READ MORE HERE From 1845 to 2020: Singapore and the world through ST headlines 175 years, over 47,000 headlines. Explore ST front-page headlines and the biggest news of the day. READ MORE HERE Umno calls for polls in Malaysia once pandemic under control Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on existing Umno Cabinet members “to remain in government”. READ MORE HERE Global coronavirus cases rise by single-day record of half a million The global tally stands at 44.7 million cases and about 1.17 million deaths. READ MORE HERE 8 from Indonesian family volunteer to try experimental Covid-19 vaccine despite risks The call for Indonesian volunteers to test a potential vaccine against Covid-19 was sounded in July. READ MORE HERE Distribute TraceTogether tokens first, mandate its use at venues later Those who need a token should have been given a chance to collect one before it was made mandatory, says tech editor Irene Tham. READ MORE HERE Late-stage Covid-19 vaccine trial could start in S'pore before end-2020 The clinical trial process, which involves testing an experimental drug or vaccine on people, typically has three phases. READ MORE HERE

17 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 17

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Saturday, Oct 17. Active Covid-19 cases fall below 100 for the first time in Singapore since March 12 30 patients remain in hospital while 59 are recuperating in community facilities. READ MORE HERE Temporary wage cuts: Enduring short-term pain to protect long-term jobs The NWC recommends that employers could cut wages temporarily to minimise retrenchments. READ MORE HERE Thai police pushback against protesters could harden positions Analysts say the Friday crackdown may narrow chances of a political resolution. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn says people should love country and monarchy The King's comments were aired as protesters gathered in Bangkok for a third straight day. READ MORE HERE Polls open as New Zealanders decide PM Jacinda Ardern's fate in 'Covid election' Pre-election opinion polls put support for Ms Ardern's party at 46 per cent. READ MORE HERE Singapore and Hong Kong's travel bubble: How Covid-19 rules differ between the cities In Hong Kong, masks do not have to be worn in outdoor public places. READ MORE HERE Covid-19 vaccine trials in Singapore expedited with use of real-time data There is currently only one Covid-19 vaccine candidate being tested in Singapore. READ MORE HERE 450,000 contact-tracing devices to be given to workers in dorms, selected industries They will be given to employers in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors. READ MORE HERE Orchard Towers murder: AGC asks police to probe netizens over comments linking race to sentencing The AGC refuted claims that the courts impose sentences based on the race of offenders. READ MORE HERE FairPrice apologises after bat seen eating bananas outside Jurong East outlet NTUC has contacted the authorities to look into why there are bats in the area. READ MORE HERE