Cutting-edge facility to serve as a beacon for preventive medicine in Latin America

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, April 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — BGI Genomics, a global leader in integrated precision medicine solutions, has established a new clinical laboratory at Uruguay’s Parque de las Ciencias free trade zone. This facility is poised to become a regional hub, advancing preventive medicine across Latin America and utilizing advanced technology to facilitate early disease diagnosis.

The inauguration was attended by Omar Paganini, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Elisa Facio, Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining; and Karina Rando, Minister of Public Health, along with other national and departmental dignitaries. Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group, the parent company of BGI Genomics, was also in attendance. Notably, Minister Rando had previously visited the site in August 2023, while Minister Facio met with Dr. Yin Ye in China in November 2023.

This laboratory, the first of its kind in the region, specializes in precision medicine applications. It is 1,000 square meters and dedicated exclusively to the company’s operations.

This facility boasts a Huo-Yan Air Laboratory equipped with seven cabins that cover the entire genetic testing process: sample handling, extraction, sequencing, analysis, quality control, and report generation. The facility also features an advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and unique design elements to prevent contamination between cabins.

Currently, the laboratory employs Uruguayan technicians specializing in biochemistry and biotechnology. These technicians are supported by application experts from China who are providing training on the latest technology used by BGI Genomics.

The company has developed the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, which has revolutionized genomics and molecular biology. With this technology, BGI Genomics aims to make genetic testing more accessible and affordable, to support earlier diagnoses across Latin America.

Elisa Facio, Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining, mentioned, “At the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining we are focused on promoting innovation, emerging technologies and science. Therefore, when BGI Genomics decided to launch its first Latin American laboratory in Uruguay, it was excellent news for our ministry and for the country. We understand that biotechnology is an economically booming sector, with a lot of potential, that is why we are making efforts to position the country in this field of science. The fact that this world leader in biotechnology, present in more than 100 countries worldwide, has decided to set up in Uruguay is a sign that we are on the right track.”

Natalia Pereiras, laboratory director, stated, “Our main goal is to bring these advanced diagnostic tools to the population at an affordable cost. By developing both the product and the methodology in-house, we can reduce costs significantly compared to other labs.”

Wu Liang, general manager for Latin America at BGI Genomics, highlighted Uruguay’s strategic advantages, including its location near the Carrasco Airport and the benefits of operating within a free trade zone. “We are positioned to bring earlier diagnoses of genetic diseases to all of Latin America. Preventive medicine and technologies like pharmacogenetics are crucial for the future,” he remarked.

BGI Genomics also developed an extensive oncology portfolio. Among these offerings is the COLOTECT product utilizing Real-Time PCR technique, used for detecting colorectal cancer, which is the third most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in Uruguay, following lung carcinoma. In addition, the SENTIS portfolio allows for the testing of 688 cancer-related genes from tumor biopsies, followed by testing 290 drugs that help select the most suitable treatment for the patient. These molecular biology techniques are valuable tools that can assist clinicians and are non-invasive.

Another major focus of BGI Genomics is reproductive health, and among its products is NIFTY, which provides prenatal screening from the tenth week of gestation using a blood sample to analyze DNA. The conventional NIFTY test studies trisomy or the presence of an additional chromosome in pairs 13, 18, and 21, which are the most prevalent. This test detects certain microdeletions or losses of chromosomal material, as well as duplications. Additionally, the company developed NIFTY Pro, which is a more comprehensive test that can detect DiGeorge syndrome, among other disorders, caused by the deletion of a small part of chromosome 22.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world’s leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Its services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions and 10,000 employees worldwide. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) officially began trading on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

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JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf) of the Republic of Indonesia, led by the Deputy for Marketing, is organizing the annual Wonderful Indonesia Co-Branding Forum (WICF). Since 2017, this annual event is focusing on coordinating work plans and initiatives between the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and all co-branding partners to promote the Wonderful Indonesia brand effectively.

WICF serves as an interactive platform for dialogue between the Government and business players in the tourism and creative economy sectors. It reflects the commitment of the Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia to cultivate a more sophisticated marketing environment, enhance promotional strategies, and promote collaborative partnerships. The primary goals of this forum are to:

• Increase Partner Engagement: Foster closer ties with co-branding partners to deliver unique tourism and creative economy experiences.
• Enhance Marketing Programs: Fine-tune marketing campaigns to benefit the tourism and creative economy sectors, promoting sustainable growth.
• Identify New Collaboration Opportunities: Facilitate discussions to explore fresh collaboration prospects for mutual advantage.

Held at the Ashley Hotel Jakarta, this event was attended by key figures including Mrs. Ni Made Ayu Marthini, the Deputy for Marketing, and Mr. Yohanes De Brito Titus Haridjati, the Director of Marketing Communications. Representatives from all levels of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, along with most of Wonderful Indonesia’s co-branding partners, were also present. At present, there are 129 co-branding partners under Wonderful Indonesia, spanning various business sectors.

“Of course, we want sustainable partnership with our co-branding Wonderful Indonesia, hand-in-hand manifesting green economy, aligned with our policy”,Marketing Deputy, Ni Made Ayu Marthini reaffirming significant concept advocating for green and sustainable tourism. The hope is that this idea receives widespread acceptance and is put into practice by all stakeholders in the tourism and creative economy sectors. This vision key aspects are:

• Upholding environmental and natural responsibility
• Boosting local economies through MSMEs
• Preserving Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity sustainably
• Providing immersive tourism experiences through the collaborative work of everyone involved, following the ethos of Indonesia Incorporated.

The goal for this year is to establish collaborative programs through partnerships between the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and co-branding partners, aiming for enhanced sustainability. Ultimately, these initiatives will significantly boost Indonesia’s tourism and creative economy competitiveness worldwide.

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TAMPA, Fla., April 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Concept Medical, a pioneer in innovative drug delivery technologies, proudly announces the commencement of its groundbreaking IDE clinical study, “MAGICAL-ISR” using MagicTouch – Sirolimus drug coated balloon (DCB), for the management of in-stent restenosis (ISR) in coronary artery disease. MagicTouch in ISR indication, had earlier been granted a ‘Breakthrough Device’ designation& later the Investigational Device Exemption (IDE)approval by the US FDA. The first patient enrollment was done at the AtlantiCare Institute, Atlantic City, NJ, by Dr Said Ashraf (MD – Interventional Cardiology) and team.

Concept Medical Announces First Patient Enrollment in Magical ISR IDE Study.

The MAGICAL-ISR study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of this Sirolimus DCB in treating ISR, focusing on the proportion of patients avoiding Target Lesion Failure (TLF) within one-year post-procedure. The study was initiated under the guidance of esteemed physicians Dr Martin Leon, Dr Azeem Latib and Dr Ajay J. Kirtane.

MagicTouch represents a revolutionary advancement in coronary intervention, offering a controlled and sustained release of Sirolimus, akin to a drug-eluting stent but without the necessity of implanting permanent scaffold.

“We are thrilled to announce the first enrollment of the MAGICAL-ISR study featuring the MagicTouch Sirolimus drug-eluting balloon technology. This momentous clinical trial will herald an era of safe and efficacious DEB therapy under a variety of clinical and anatomic circumstances to complement and improve the management of complex obstructive coronary disease for our patients in the United States.” expressed Dr Martin Leon, Study Chair and Founder of Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF), New York.

Dr Manish Doshi, Founder & Managing Director of Concept Medical added, “The MagicTouch technology has been embraced globally, and its entry into the US market through this study, represents a critical step towards addressing the unmet needs in ISR treatment. Our commitment to innovation and patient safety is unwavering, and we anticipate this study will significantly impact how ISR is treated worldwide.”

Concept Medical has set a benchmark with MagicTouch, the world’s first sirolimus drug coated balloon, which has been widely adopted internationally and honoured with the FDA’s Breakthrough Designation status. The MAGICAL-ISR study, alongside other ongoing IDE clinical studies, underscores the company’s dedication to clinical excellence and innovation.

About Concept Medical:

Concept Medical is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with a global presence. CM is dedicated to enhancing patient care through innovative research and development of drug delivery technology for vascular and non-vascular diseases, utilizing a unique combination of technology and products with proprietary coating technology that delivers pharmaceutical agents across the luminal surfaces of blood vessels. Concept Medical is the creator of MagicTouch, the world’s first and most utilized Sirolimus Coated Balloon, with a presence in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and all other regions globally where the CE Mark is recognized.

Concept Medical’s revolutionary technology, featuring breakthrough products MagicTouch and Abluminus combined, has been utilized in treating over 500,000 patients worldwide for cardiovascular treatment.

For more information on the MAGICAL-ISR study or Concept Medical’s innovative solutions, please visit www.conceptmedical.com.

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SHANGHAI, April 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On April 19^th, during the Shanghai F1 Grand Prix, Zhou Guanyu made his eagerly awaited home debut at the Shanghai International Circuit. As China’s first and currently only F1 driver, Guanyu’s popularity rivals that of superstar drivers, and his presence at this event has garnered significant attention. The F1 Grand Prix – one of the world’s top three sporting events – returns to Shanghai after a five-year hiatus. This year also marks the 20^th anniversary of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix. Shanghai has made extensive preparations for this event, and official tickets were immediately sold out upon release, confirming the event’s popularity among Chinese F1 fans.

The popularity of this once “niche” F1 race has surged in China, especially when Zhou Guanyu races in his hometown. As soon as the race was announced, it caused a stir on Chinese social media. As the only Chinese driver to qualify for Formula 1 thus far and the first Chinese driver ever to score on his Formula 1 debut, the opportunity to race in the Grand Prix in his hometown holds special meaning for the driver as well as the Chinese audience. Zhou Guanyu’s achievement marks a watershed moment in Chinese racing history, with a young Chinese face ranking among the 20 greatest drivers on the planet.

The first Chinese F1 driver has gained significant sway not only within China but also overseas. Every race Zhou Guanyu has competed in has seen many Chinese and foreign fans turn out in droves to support him. Undoubtedly, the influence of the rising Chinese star in the world arena is progressively growing with the return of the Chinese Grand Prix, a racing event with a huge global reach.

Since Zhou Guanyu became China’s first F1 driver, both F1 and his popularity in China have surged, and all connected content has become the center of attention. Zhou Guanyu’s debut in China behind the wheel of a C44 has attracted attention, particularly with the presence of Chinese sponsor AMBPOMIAL prominently displayed on the car.

AMBPOMIAL, launched by Yili Group, ranks No.1 among China’s high-end yogurt brands. With the dual distinction of being “first” in their fields, AMBPOMIAL and Zhou Guanyu began their story as early as 2022 when AMBPOMIAL officially announced Zhou Guanyu as the brand’s ambassador. Zhou Guanyu’s spirit of adventure, embodied in his early training abroad and competitive spirit in the world’s top-speed races, has enabled this young Chinese driver to break through all the way, set new records, and carve out his own legend on the racetrack. The partnership was a natural fit, with AMBPOMIAL’s brand innovation concepts being well-suited to Zhou Guanyu’s youthful, energetic, and adventurous persona.

AMBPOMIAL continues to make technological breakthroughs in the field of yogurt products. In 2023, it launched the industry’s first room-temperature yogurt with active probiotics. AMBPOMIAL’s innovation in the field of room-temperature probiotic yogurt has expanded the market for yogurt, mirroring its spokesperson Zhou Guanyu’s breakthrough from zero to one as a Chinese F1 driver.

With the race in full swing, F1 has become synonymous with Shanghai, transforming the city into a massive marketing platform. AMBPOMIAL launched an extensive marketing campaign for the event, including the launch of the co-branded product with Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber and a large-scale ticket giveaway campaign. These events received an overwhelming social media response, enticing many F1 fans and consumers to participate. This highly commercialized top-level race worldwide is gaining popularity among Chinese fans. Among them are avid fans who have ardently followed the race for decades, crossing numerous time zones to see the event live, as well as young viewers who are wildly passionate about F1. AMBPOMIAL has done an excellent job of extending the brand’s consumer base, reaching out to Chinese F1 fans, and getting closer to becoming a household name among younger consumers through a range of consumer activities.

As a leading brand in China’s yogurt industry, AMBPOMIAL’s foray into motorsports reflects its unique strategic vision, leading the way in sports advertising for the yogurt sector. AMBPOMIAL is also Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber’s sponsor, evidenced by the brand’s prominent placement on the C44 body and tires. By signing China’s first F1 driver, Zhou Guanyu, AMBPOMIAL is solidifying its brand influence in the motorsports industry, forging a closer bond with the younger consumer base, and promoting a new, healthier lifestyle.

As the Shanghai F1 Grand Prix unfolds, Zhou Guanyu’s adventurous journey continues. AMBPOMIAL and Zhou Guanyu epitomize the spirit of adventure, pushing boundaries and setting new “firsts” in their respective fields. AMBPOMIAL’s partnership with Zhou Guanyu enters its third year in 2024, while its partnership with Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber enters its sixth year, having begun in 2019 with the brand’s logo appearing on the team’s cars. We believe that by working together more closely, we can spread this spirit to more Chinese consumers. With increased attention and support, we believe that motorsports will also become more popular in China.

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YIWU, China, April 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Under a sunny sky and amidst the sweet scent of blooming flowers, a grand spring gala unfolded. Yiwugo.com hosted its annual “Most Excellent Female Bosses” Party at the Yiwu Expo Center Hotel on the afternoon of April 18, 2024. Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world.

On that day, the stage was graced by the presence of ten exceptional women entrepreneurs, recognized as the “Most Excellent Female Bosses”. Among them were Fu Jiangyan from Zhangweichao Socks Firm, Sun Lifang from Julia’s Bag, Wang Xiaoqing from Yiwu Duo Can Baking Cake Cup, Wang Xiaohong from Aishang Home, Wang Chunxing from Butterfly Fly Lace Firm, Jin Chengfeng from Lanmo Textiles, Li Hong from Yiwu Hanbang Daily Necessities Firm, Peng Xiaoyu from Yuer.toys, Liu Jianying from Avatar Glue Factory, and Wang Liting from Dongyang Qiansi Craft Weaving Co. Ltd. Additionally, 20 nominees for the event, including Yu Liping from Xingda Ceramics Firm, Tan Chengjiao from Xuping Jewelry, and Bao Qiaoli from Bole Plush Pendant Toy, along with other remarkable women entrepreneurs, also attended the party. Dressed in their finest attire, they collectively showcased the elegance and accomplishments of female business owners in the bustling Yiwu market.

Intense Competition: Newcomers vs. Veterans

In line with past practices, the selection process for this year’s “Most Excellent Female Bosses” began at 0:00 on March 8th, involving all female merchants across zones 1 to 5 of Yiwu International Trade City, Huangyuan Clothing Market, and the production materials market. Since the start of voting, market operators have shown enthusiastic engagement, attracting a large number of participants competing for the awards.

Following a month of fierce competition, the winners have been announced for each award. Among the list of awardees, we find familiar names like Fu Jiangyan and Wang Xiaoqing, who have witnessed the continuous evolution of this event.

“Every year, I actively participate in this selection event. It provides an excellent platform for self-promotion, product promotion, and brand recognition. Additionally, it serves as a medium for exchange and mutual growth, enabling me to learn from others and broaden my horizons, thus driving the development of my business more effectively,” said Fu Jiangyan. She added that through this platform, she has gained recognition from both domestic and international buyers, making her company’s brand and herself the top choice for customer purchases.

Among the awardees, there are also several “new faces” on the list, including Liu Jianying, who has injected the “Most Excellent Female Bosses” event with new vitality.

“We are the primary manufacturer specializing in various adhesive products. With a high degree of outward orientation, our products are exported to regions including Europe, America, South America, and Southeast Asia. However, as they say, ‘even the finest wine needs a good market’. By participating in this selection event, we aim to enhance our brand recognition, and expand our presence in overseas markets, to create more business opportunities,” explained Liu Jianying. Despite being her first time participating in this competition, Liu Jianying expressed her surprise at the event’s ability to attract customers. She exclaimed, “Every day, we receive orders from customers who found us through Yiwugo.com. They not only support us but also cheer for us.”

It is due to the collective efforts of these “familiar faces” and “new faces” that breathe life into Yiwugo.com’s “Most Excellent Female Bosses” selection event, infusing it with endless charm and vitality. So far, this event has evolved into one of the foremost brand selection activities in the Yiwu market, capturing significant attention each spring.

Platform Elevates “She Power”

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Yiwu market lies in its division of labor: men oversee production while women manage retail. This silently agreed-upon arrangement, though informal, has proven to be highly pragmatic. It is this very model that provides female business owners with extensive space for career advancement and growth.

According to the latest statistics from Yiwugo.com, female merchants make up approximately 53% of the workforce in the Yiwu market. These “female bosses” continue to play an indispensable role in the market, serving as a driving force behind the ongoing growth and development of Yiwugo.com.

Since 2016, Yiwugo.com has consistently hosted the “Most Excellent Female Bosses” event, aimed at recognizing and promoting exceptional female business owners. This initiative seeks to spotlight the top-tier brands and products behind these female entrepreneurs, thereby fostering the indispensable “She Power” necessary for cultivating a thriving marketplace.

Up to now, this selection event has been held for nine consecutive years, identifying numerous outstanding female merchants. Through this initiative, they, along with their businesses and products, have garnered visibility and recognition among a broader audience. These female entrepreneurs stand as exemplary models of female innovation and entrepreneurship in the Yiwu market. Embracing opportunities for development, they stay grounded in their profession, nurture their primary ventures, explore and broaden their horizons, and represent the spirit of women in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.

“In the era of the digital economy, Yiwugo.com will continue to play a leading and driving role as a platform. Through initiatives like the ‘Most Excellent Female Bosses’ selection event, we aim to promote outstanding female entrepreneurs across all sectors of society, offering inspiration for the growth of more female merchants and the enterprises they represent. We are empowering ‘her’ and propelling their progress,” stated Wang Jianjun, General Manager of Yiwugo.com.

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