NEWS

SAMI-SABINSA GROUP SCOOPS THREE IMPRESSIVE AWARDS

WACKER BIOTECH INTRODUCES LIBATEC

Wacker Biotech’s facility in Amsterdam where LMPs are produced in large stainless steel fermenters

WACKER BIOTECH IS now marketing its technology platform for developing and manufacturing live microbial products (LMPs) under the brand name Libatec.

LMPs are a promising class of therapeutic products, which open the door to new medical treatments. The Wacker group is bundling its biopharmaceutical activities within Wacker Biotech, a contract development and manufacturing organisation, notable for its innovative technologies.

LMPs, or pharmaceuticals that contain living micro-organisms, are an area of growing interest for many manufacturers. The purpose of these live actives is to cure or prevent a wide variety of diseases, including infectious diseases, cancer, inflammatory and metabolic diseases, dermatological diseases and more. "What we have here is a new generation of medications from laboratory direct to a clinical setting. This will generate major growth opportunities for us as a microbial contract manufacturer and for our customers," says Dr Susanne Leonhartsberger, MD of Wacker Biotech. The development and production of LMPs at Wacker Biotech are based on an efficient, comprehensive production platform known as Libatec. The first step in manufacturing LMPs is to grow bacteria in a culture medium in small bioreactors. This is followed by fermentation in larger reactors, during which the actual production of micro-organisms takes place. In a multi-stage process, the organisms obtained are subsequently separated from undesirable constituents, and then purified and concentrated. One of the many challenges in the LMP production process is that sterile filtration is not an option, since LMPs consist of living micro-organisms, which would not survive the process. The final step involves converting the finished LMP to a stable form, followed by dispensing, packaging and preparing it for transport. A fill and finish plant, including freezedrying equipment (lyophilisation), is available for this purpose at the Amsterdam site. "This allows us to offer a completely closed production system, which is a deciding factor in meeting the quality requirements of regulatory agencies and our customers," Dr Leonhartsberger concludes.•

INTEGRA UNVEILS INNOVATIVE HIGH VOLUME PIPETTES

Integra’s new high volume pipettes in action

WITH THE LAUNCH of two new Evolve manual pipettes, Integra Biosciences is expanding its comprehensive collection of pipettes. The new pipettes consist of high volume eight and 12 channel options offering a market leading capacity of 1 250µl per channel.

The incredibly popular Evolve family already offers users a full assortment of single, eight, 12 and 16 channel manual pipettes, covering a volume range of 0.2 to 5 000µl.

The latest additions have been developed in response to customers’ requests for large volume multichannel pipettes – especially useful for cell culture applications. The manually actuated plunger allows you to generate significantly more force for aspirating and dispensing than an electronic pipette, making them perfect for vigorous mixing and breaking up cell pellets. The new pipettes retain the same beneficial features of the Evolve pipette range, including quick set dials that allow volumes to be set in the blink of an eye, and a lightweight ergonomic design for more comfortable and productive pipetting.

All Evolve pipettes use Integra’s GripTip pipette tips. The range also includes a number of specialty tips aimed at cellular applications, such as 1 250µl short tips – for more ergonomic pipetting – and wide bore tips, which help to eliminate cell shearing and aid pipetting of viscous solutions. For higher throughput cell-based applications, Integra also offers the VIAFLO ON 28 FEBRUARY, the Sami-Sabinsa Group was honoured with three awards by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) at the third edition of its Beauty, Wellness and Personal Care Awards, in New Delhi.

ASSOCHAM acknowledged the group’s founder and chairman, Dr Muhammed Majeed, for his immense contribution to shaping the Indian cosmeceutical industry, by presenting him with the Legend of Natural Cosmeceuticals award.

The group also received accolades for Best Personal Care Product of the Year 2020 for its premium beauty product, Johara Turmeric Bath Soap, and Best Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer of the Year for Sami Labs.

"It’s a tremendous honour to receive this award from ASSOCHAM. The Ayurveda-based approach to cosmetics has inspired formulations containing herbs and other natural ingredients that form an integral part of daily skin care regimens. Highly regarded and valued, these products reaffirm the vast knowledge of the ancient Indian traditional system of medicine by providing excellent results. Johara is a scientificallydriven brand crafted from years of meticulous research and utilising time-tested botanical ingredients," says Dr Majeed. The Sami-Sabinsa Group was previously honoured by ASSOCHAM and the Johara Cosmetics division in 2018.

ASSOCHAM’s Beauty, Wellness and Personal Care Awards celebrate those who have consistently met the unique beauty and wellness needs of multicultural Indians. The star-studded event recognises individuals, organisations and brands that have achieved excellence in the fields of cosmetics, wellness and personal care.•

Dr Majeed received the award from Sandeep Marwah, chancellor at AAFT University of Media & Art, and Jennifer Graham, spouse of Nadir Patel of the Canadian High Commission of India

96/384 – a compact, affordable and easy to use solution for 24, 96 and 384 channel pipetting. This model enables filling, mixing or seeding of an entire plate in one dispense. •

WITH THE ONGOING spread of COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus, demand for disinfectants has snowballed and many products are facing supply shortages.

Lipidor previously developed Skin Disinfection Spray for hand and skin disinfection, based on its patented technology. The company has now decided, in cooperation with Aurena Laboratories, to start producing the spray. As part of this initiative, 10 000 spray bottles will be donated to areas in China particularly affected by COVID-19. Aurena Laboratories will offer the Skin Disinfection Spray to customers in Europe as well as certain markets in Asia. There is a great deal of interest from the market for this product category. Skin Disinfection Spray will be available in 50mℓ and 100mℓ bottles and can also be offered to customers on a private label basis. "The disinfectant spray is based on our patented Akvano technology. In addition to effectively killing viruses, bacteria and fungi through its alcohol content, it moisturises and softens the skin. It can be used repeatedly, even on sensitive skin," says Jan Holmbäck, CSO of Lipidor, which will receive licensing revenues on sales. Testing, in line with European standards EN 1500 and EN 14476, showed the disinfectant spray provides effective killing of bacteria as well as both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.

"We are pleased to be able to offer this effective product that hopefully can make everyday life easier for those who move in virus-exposed environments and want to reduce the risk of virus infection," notes Magnus Hedman, chairman of the board and business development director for Aurena Laboratories.• LIPIDOR AND AURENA LABS COLLABORATE ON DISINFECTANT SPRAY PRODUCTION

Mondi sets sight on fully biodegradable nonwoven for wipes

A GLOBAL LEADER in packaging and paper, Mondi has developed a new Carded Airlaid Carded (CAC) line to create a more sustainable three-layer same as above. This can be used for personal hygiene and cleaning purposes. This new line will use 100% cellulose content, including viscose and pulp from certified sources, resulting in a nonwoven material that is fully biodegradable.

The new technology being employed for the planned CAC line – located at Mondi’s plant in Ascania, Germany – will make it possible to combine three layers into a highly functional and stable composite material. This will deliver optimal absorption and lotion load for high-quality biodegradable wipes and uses fewer resources than comparable carded mono-structures. The technology will be able to produce the entire sustainable nonwoven material in-line, while enabling hydroembossing to increase softness and improve cleaning power.

Mondi’s vision is to contribute to a better world, and its focus lies in producing innovative products that are sustainable by design. "The innovative technology means we can produce 100% biodegradable, high-performance nonwovens for wipes that are more accessible, and we are looking forward to introducing this to the market," explains Kelly Wright, Mondi’s product expert for personal care and components.

The new line is set to be fully operational by 2021. •

Samples of the new sustainable nonwoven material will be presented at Index 2020, at Mondi’s booth 1560, taking place in Geneva from 20 to 23 October

MAJOR INVESTMENT IN ANTIMALARIAL TREATMENT HOPES TO COMBAT RESISTANCE

THE EUROPEAN & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) awarded a fresh grant to the new PAMAfrica research consortium led by Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). The consortium will support the development of new treatments for malaria in the most at-risk populations, including babies, patients with severe malaria, and those with drug-resistant infections. The EDCTP grant of €21.9 million is to be matched by funding from MMV, Novartis and partners. Over five years, the grant will support the development of a portfolio of projects executed under the umbrella of the PAMAfrica research consortium. Clinical trial capabilities in Africa will also be strengthened to ensure each site involved can effectively operate to ICH-GCP regulatory standards. The consortium includes research organisations from Burkina Faso, Gabon, Germany, Mozambique, Spain and Uganda. In addition to Novartis, other pharmaceutical companies may join the consortium as partners.

The PAMAfrica research consortium will conduct three clinical trials, supporting efforts to build clinical capacity and train scientists across Africa. "All three of these research projects address areas of urgent need in malaria treatment. Antimalarial drug resistance, originally seen in Southeast Asia, is being reported in Africa and may threaten current treatments. It is important to have new therapies that are active against this emerging threat of resistance. The work on infants and in severe malaria areas is groundbreaking in bringing medicines to this neglected group.

Thanks to this critical support from EDCTP, we are not only able to bring together the necessary African and European expertise to conduct these projects to address unmet needs, but also support the training and development of the next generation of leaders in clinical malaria research in Africa," explains Dr Timothy Wells, chief scientific officer of MMV and the coordinator of the PAMAfrica group.

Recent reports on Malaria Eradication from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Lancet Commission have made it clear that defeating malaria will demand new tools, including new and better medicines. The 2019 WHO World Malaria Report states that global malaria deaths are declining at a slower rate than in recent years and highlights the need for improved interventions to treat the most vulnerable populations, including babies.•

Firmenich to become a key player in renewable ingredients

THE GLOBAL PRODUCER of fragrances and flavours recently announced its plans to acquire Les Dérivés Résiniques et Terpéniques (DRT). DRT is a world leader in plant-based chemistry, mainly from pine trees, and is one of the leading suppliers globally of high quality, renewable ingredients.

"I am thrilled to bring DRT’s unique capabilities for developing sustainable ingredients to Firmenich. This proposed combination builds on our business partnership of more than 30 years and our established track record of successful codevelopment in a long-standing joint venture. We thank Ardian and Tikehau Capital for their strong stewardship. We are delighted to welcome all DRT colleagues to

Firmenich. We share the same passion for our customers and sustainability, as well as strong family values," says Patrick Firmenich, chairman of the Firmenich board. "DRT will strengthen our leading perfumery and ingredients business, enabling us to offer our customers the world’s best palette of renewable and sustainable ingredients," notes Gilbert Ghostine, Firmenich’s CEO. "DRT will bring new capabilities in health and nutrition, cosmetics, as well as a number of new markets, including adhesives, coatings and agriculture. This acquisition reinforces our presence in France, our second-largest market, where we have been established for more than 120 years. I look forward to partnering with all our customers to support their transformation for a sustainable future."

DRT develops sustainable, renewable and naturally derived ingredients from terpenes and rosin derivatives, offering green alternatives for a range of applications and markets. The family owned company, based in France, is known for its access to sustainable raw materials, best in class extraction and distillation capabilities, and advanced innovation processes.

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The proposed transaction remains subject to several conditions, including consultation with the relevant employee representatives and customary approvals by antitrust authorities. •

COMBATTING COVID-19 REQUIRES A WORLDWIDE RESEARCH EFFORT

LEADING DATA AND analytics company, GlobalData has analysed several of the largest COVID-19 clinical trials in terms of participant size.

"GDCT0379047 (ChiCTR2000029573) and GDCT0379500 (ChiCTR2000029602) are the two largest coronavirus trials, with both trials aiming to recruit 600 participants," says Mohamed Abukar, clinical trials analyst at GlobalData.

Trial GDCT0379047, an interventional planned Phase IV trial, tests the efficacy and safety of a recombinant cytokine gene-derived protein injection combined with Umifenovir (Arbidol), Lopinavir/ Litonavir. The study aims to combine the immunostimulatory effects of the cytokine gene-derived protein injection with the antiviral properties of Umifenovir and Lopinavir/ Litonavir against COVID-19. This trial is located in Zhejiang, China and is sponsored by the Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hospital 1 in collaboration with Jiehua Biotechnology (Qingdao).

Trial GDCT0379500, an interventional ongoing Phase 0 study, aims to test the preventative effects of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) against COVID-19. This study aims to determine if the addition of TCM to standard health education is more effective than health education alone in preventing COVID-19. This trial is located in Hubei, China and is sponsored by the Hubei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in collaboration with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"Evidently, a substantial research effort has been geared toward therapies utilising Umifenovir, or TCM with four of the top five clinical trials involving these agents. Yet, to effectively combat the disease, a greater level of research and collaboration is required worldwide. Currently an overwhelming amount of the research is being conducted in China, which may limit the scope of potential therapies being investigated," Abukar points out. "China Evergrande

group, a real estate Fortune Global 500 company, aims to improve collaborative efforts by awarding a joint US$115 million grant to Harvard and Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, with the principle aim of enhancing diagnostic methods and treatment options of COVID-19." •