April 18, 2023

Clinical data validate pioneering MeMed BV technology improves diagnosis of pediatric patients with fever in the Emergency Department

Clinical data validate pioneering MeMed BV technology improves diagnosis of pediatric patients with fever in the Emergency Department

Bacterial and viral infections are often clinically indistinguishable, leading to inappropriate patient management and antibiotic misuse
MeMed BV® is the first FDA-cleared host-immune response assay to accurately distinguish between the two in just 15 minutes

PETAH TIKVA, Israel and HAIFA, Israel; April 18, 2023 – MeMed, a leader in the emerging field of advanced host-response technologies, and Schneider Children’s Medical Center, the only comprehensive, tertiary care hospital of its kind in Israel, today announce that clinical data from the independent, prospective Rosetta study, recently published in PLOS One, showed that the MeMed BV test provides an accurate diagnosis of bacterial versus viral infection and reduces Emergency Department (ED) physician error.

The Rosetta study paper is called: Bacterial vs viral etiology of fever: A prospective study of host score for supporting etiologic accuracy of emergency department physicians.

Fever is a common symptom in children presenting to the ED and owing to limitations of real-time decision-making, attending physicians often make presumptive diagnoses. This diagnostic uncertainty can result in sub-optimal patient management, including the precautionary use of antibiotics [1,2]. There is an urgent need for a rapid and accurate test that can assist physicians in distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections, enabling improved diagnosis and reducing the incidence of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

To address the unmet need, MeMed developed the world’s first US FDA-cleared advanced host-response technology that differentiates between bacterial and viral infection in 15 minutes – the MeMed BV test.

The Rosetta study assessed the potential of MeMed BV to impact decision making and antibiotic stewardship in the ED by comparing its performance to physician’s etiological suspicion at patient presentation. The study enrolled 287 participants aged 3 months to 18 years, with respiratory tract infection or fever without source, in a tertiary care pediatric ED.

MeMed BV showed high diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 96%, sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 92%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99%. Furthermore, comparing physician suspicion to MeMed BV and to the reference standard, and assuming full adoption, the study found that MeMed BV has the potential to improve physician diagnosis and reduce errors by around two-fold, from 16% to 8%.

Meirav Mor MD, Head of Hospital Infection Control and Senior ED Physician at Schneider Children’s Medical Center, commented: “At Schneider, we’re dedicated to providing world-class pediatric care. In the Rosetta study, we assessed the impact of incorporating MeMed BV alongside our standard of care for children and discovered its significant potential for enhancing patient outcomes while also addressing the global antimicrobial resistance crisis.”

Dr. Eran Eden, MeMed’s CEO and co-founder, added: “We’re delighted to present the latest findings from the Rosetta study, focused on pediatric patients that present to the emergency room with fever without a source or respiratory tract infections. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that underscores MeMed BV’s reliability across diverse populations. This outcome serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment – to delivering tremendous clinical results, and we eagerly anticipate publishing additional in due course, exploring the use of MeMed BV in different patient populations.”

About MeMed
At MeMed, our mission is to translate the immune system’s complex signals into simple insights that transform the way diseases are diagnosed and treated, profoundly benefiting patients and society.

Follow and connect with MeMed via LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

MeMed Contacts:
Will Harris, VP Marketing, MeMed
pr@me-med.com

Media relations contact:
Consilium Strategic Communications MeMed@consilium-comms.com

About Schneider Children’s Medical Center

Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel is the only comprehensive, tertiary care hospital of its kind in the country and in the Middle East, offering the full range of pediatric disciplines under one roof to all children from 0-18. Since its establishment in 1991, Schneider Children’s has revolutionized the practice of pediatric medicine in the country and been recognized as one of the leading pediatric institutions in the world.

Schneider derives its name from its founders and major benefactors, the late Irving and Helen Schneider from New York, who also promoted its legacy to serve as a Bridge to Peace between nations. Through this open-door policy, where all children irrespective of race, religion or nationality are treated, Schneider Children’s receives patients from neighboring countries including the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, and from as far away as Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Schneider Children’s comprises 250 beds, 43% of which are assigned to critical care (Intensive Care Units, Neonatology, Burns, etc.). The medical center serves as the national referral center for Hematology-Oncology, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Cardiology, and organ and bone marrow transplantation.

Just for Children

Schneider Children’s is all about children. It utilizes a unique approach to pediatric medicine where children are treated as children and not as small adults. Since they have different emotional and physical resources for healing, Schneider Children’s utilizes a “whole-child-care” multidisciplinary approach, whereby treatment is integrated with emotional, psychological, educational and developmental care.

Medical Excellence

Schneider Children’s has led many firsts in Israel and the world: multi-organ transplantation, cardiac surgery in a 780gm preemie, heart valve replacement through catheterization, discovery of new genes for mental retardation, artificial pancreas trials, and innovative surgical and therapeutic techniques. Two physicians are recipients of Israel’s highest award: the Israel Prize for Medical Research.

Academic Excellence

Schneider Children’s is a member of Clalit Health Services – the largest HMO in Israel – and its only pediatric center of 14 hospitals. Through its affiliation with the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, every department conducts the teaching and training of doctors, medical students, nurses and paramedical personnel. Over half its physicians serve on Sackler’s medical faculty, while some 14% hold the title of professor.

Schneider Children’s Medical Center contact:
Michal Konforti
michalkon@clalit.org.il

Poole NM, Shapiro DJ, Fleming-Dutra KE, Hicks LA, Hersh AL, Kronman MP. Antibiotic Prescribing for Children in United States Emergency Departments: 2009–2014. Pediatrics. 2019;143. pmid:30622156
Leigh S, Grant A, Murray N, Faragher B, Desai H, Dolan S, et al. The Cost of Diagnostic Uncertainty: A Prospective Economic Analysis of Febrile Children Attending an NHS Emergency Department. BMC Med. 2019;17: 48. pmid:30836976

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000804396

April 18, 2023

Sweegen launches Sweetensify™ Flavors, debuting sweet protein brazzein technology

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., April 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator, Sweegen announced today the launch of Sweetensify Flavors, its newest flavor tool for food and beverage producers, to create better-for-everyone products. Powered by Sweegen’s novel sweet protein technology that includes brazzein, thaumatin II, and other unique proteins, Sweetensify Flavors improve and modulate sweet flavor, creating a sugar-like experience, thereby pushing the boundaries of healthier product innovation.

“Sweetensify Flavors will change how product developers think about reducing or eliminating sugar in beverages and foods,” said Casey McCormick, vice president of global innovation at Sweegen. “The flavor expression enabled by Sweetensify Flavors optimizes the sensory experience and enables a more sugar-like taste. It is substantially better than any previous technology. We target taste receptors on a biochemistry level that others simply cannot.”

Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors debuts brazzein, the company’s highly sought-after sweet protein, as well as thaumatin II. At the time of the Sweetensify announcement, Sweegen’s thaumatin II received the Flavor Extract Manufacturer’s Association (FEMA) GRAS status.

“Our regulatory vision is to open global markets and enable brands to access unique ingredients that will support their food and beverage creativity while delivering on health and wellness,” said Hadi Omrani, senior director of technical and regulatory affairs at Sweegen.

Sweet proteins like brazzein have an affinity for different taste receptors on the tongue, especially the receptor known as T1R3, which is associated with both umami and sweetness perception. Leveraging this unique attribute, Sweetensify Flavors will enable product developers to reduce the amount of sugar they use in products while maintaining the quality of characteristic flavors and sweetness.

Thaumatin II belongs to a family of sweet-tasting proteins called thaumatins. Thaumatin II is a variant of the original thaumatin protein with a similar structure and sweetness profile. Thaumatins are known for their intense sweetness, several times greater than sucrose (table sugar). Brazzein is also several thousand times sweeter than sugar, making it a cost-effective tool for brands on a large scale. Thaumatin II is considered safe for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The entire collection of Sweetensify Flavors has a wide range of benefits across sweet and savory applications, including enhancing flavor tonalities, blocking bitterness, reducing astringency and sweet linger, eliminating unwanted aftertastes, reducing sugar use, and blocking the burn from alcohol.

“Our product development teams are finding incredible synergies between Sweetensify Flavors and Sweegen’s state-of-the-art stevia systems,” said McCormick. “Ultimately, our solutions challenge the taste and cost of artificial sweeteners currently on the market.” McCormick further states, “Our customers are excited about the cross-application utility of the flavor collection enabled by the great pH and heat stability we see for these flavors along with high solubility.”

Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors are available for use in countries that allow flavors approved by the FEMA GRAS protocol. The company plans to expand its global availability rapidly.

To scale brazzein and thaumatin II sustainably, Sweegen uses a proprietary precision fermentation process, a technology that produces clean and sustainable ingredients. This allows for cost-effective commercial production of highly-sought after ingredients in global sugar reduction solutions. Sweegen’s innovation and strategic partner, Conagen, developed brazzein and thaumatins I and II with its proprietary protein and peptide production platforms and announced the development of the sweet proteins in 2021.

“We are the only company that has successfully scaled brazzein,” said Luca Giannone, senior vice president of global sales at Sweegen. “The launch of Sweetensify Flavors is one more example of how Sweegen brings to market the industry’s very best ingredient platforms and tools for enabling sugar reduction for health and wellness. This is our mission and our promise to our customers.”

Within one year of Sweegen announcing its ability to commercialize brazzein, it has received great interest in its proprietary sweet protein-based solutions. It has collaborated with several large food and beverage companies on sensory reformulations and new product developments.

“We look forward to the sensory results and feedback from our customers in anticipation of brazzein joining thaumatin II’s FEMA GRAS status,” said Giannone. “Sweegen is forging a path for better health and wellness in food and beverages with stellar ingredients. We are preserving Sweegen’s ability to continue perfecting these unique solutions with patents issued or pending worldwide.”

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.

We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data

In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and, therefore, should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8809463

April 18, 2023

Two Arrested for Operating Illegal Overseas Police Station of the Chinese Government

Defendants Aare New York City residents who allegedly operated the police station in lower Manhattan and destroyed evidence when confronted by the FBI. The defendants and their co-conspirators helped the Chinese intelligence service locate Chinese dissidents living in the United States.

A complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging two defendants in connection with opening and operating an illegal overseas police station, located in lower Manhattan, New York, for a provincial branch of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). “Harry” Lu Jianwang, 61, of the Bronx, and Chen Jinping, 59, of Manhattan, were arrested earlier this morning at their homes in New York City. Their initial appearances are scheduled this afternoon in Brooklyn before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr.

As alleged in the complaint, Lu and Chen are charged with conspiring to act as agents of the PRC government as well as obstructing justice by destroying evidence of their communications with an MPS official. The defendants worked together to establish the first overseas police station in the United States on behalf of the Fuzhou branch of the MPS. The police station – which closed in the fall of 2022 after those operating it became aware of the FBI’s investigation – occupied a floor in an office building in Manhattan’s Chinatown. While acting under the direction and control of an MPS Official, Lu and Chen helped open and operate the clandestine police station. None of the participants in the scheme informed the U.S. government that they were helping the PRC government surreptitiously open and operate an illegal MPS police station on U.S. soil.

“The PRC, through its repressive security apparatus, established a secret physical presence in New York City to monitor and intimidate dissidents and those critical of its government,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The PRC’s actions go far beyond the bounds of acceptable nation-state conduct. We will resolutely defend the freedoms of all those living in our country from the threat of authoritarian repression.”

“This prosecution reveals the Chinese government’s flagrant violation of our nation’s sovereignty by establishing a secret police station in the middle of New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “As alleged, the defendants and their co-conspirators were tasked with doing the PRC’s bidding, including helping locate a Chinese dissident living in the United States, and obstructed our investigation by deleting their communications. Such a police station has no place here in New York City – or any American community.”

“It is simply outrageous that China’s Ministry of Public Security thinks it can get away with establishing a secret, illegal police station on U.S. soil to aid its efforts to export repression and subvert our rule of law,” said Acting Assistant Director Kurt Ronnow of the FBI Counterintelligence Division. “This case serves as a powerful reminder that the People’s Republic of China will stop at nothing to bend people to their will and silence messages they don’t want anyone to hear. The FBI is dedicated to protecting everyone in the United States against efforts to undermine our democratic freedoms, and we’ll hold any state actors – and those who help them – accountable for breaking our laws.”

Before helping to open the police station in early 2022, Lu had a longstanding relationship of trust with PRC law enforcement, including the MPS. Since 2015, and through the operation of the secret police station, Lu was tasked with carrying out various activities, including to assist the PRC government’s repressive activities on U.S. soil:

• In 2015, during PRC President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States, Lu participated in counterprotests in Washington, D.C,. against members of a religion that is forbidden under PRC law. A deputy director of the MPS awarded Lu a plaque for the work he performed on behalf of the PRC government.

• In 2018, Lu was enlisted in efforts to cause a purported PRC fugitive to return to the PRC. The victim reported being repeatedly harassed to return to the PRC, including through threats of violence made to the victim and the victim’s family in the United States and in the PRC.

• In 2022, the MPS Official sought Lu’s assistance in locating an individual living in California who is a pro-democracy activist. In turn, Lu enlisted the help of another coconspirator. Later, when confronted by the FBI about these conversations, Lu denied that they occurred.

In October 2022, the FBI conducted a judicially authorized search of the illegal police station. In connection with the search, FBI agents interviewed both Lu and Chen and seized their phones. In reviewing the contents of these phones, FBI agents observed that communications between Lu and Chen, on the one hand, and the MPS Official, on the other, appeared to have been deleted. In subsequent consensual interviews, Lu and Chen admitted to the FBI that they had deleted their communications with the MPS Official after learning about the ongoing FBI investigation, thus preventing the FBI from learning the full extent of the MPS’s directions for the overseas police station.

If convicted of conspiring to act as agents of the PRC, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The obstruction of justice charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit: www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression

Source: EMM/ Homeland Security News Wire

April 18, 2023

Vehicular Traffic on KKH b/w Rawalpindi to Gilgit suspended

Vehicular Traffic on Karakoram Highway (KKH) between Rawalpindi to Gilgit has been suspended for all types of vehicles.

The Karakoram Highway was hit by landslides in Loter Nallah and high flood in Ochar Nallah in Kohistan.

According to Diamer police, a large number of vehicles along with passengers were stranded at various points in Kohistan.

The road clearance work would be initiated by Frontier Works Organization after the rain.

Source: Radio Pakistan

April 18, 2023

Eid shopping gains momentum across country

Eid shopping is gaining momentum across the country and a great rush of people is being witnessed in the outlets of readymade garments, bangles and sweets.

People from all walks of life, especially women and children are seen thronging the markets, shopping malls, business centers and makeshift stalls to purchase shoes, cosmetics, ready-made garments, artificial jewellery, multi-coloured bangles and mehndi.

The stitched Salwar Kameez, Kurata shirts, especially of lawn and cotton prints, varieties of bangles and shoes have dominated the shopping arcades. Shalwar Kameez with leather-made Peshawari Chappal had widely been recognized as the symbol of traditions and culture in Pakistan especially in KP, where the majority of people prefer it on Eid and other festivals.

Source: Radio Pakistan

April 18, 2023

PPP, MQM-P call for dialogue amongst political parties

PPP and MQM-Pakistan have called for dialogue amongst the political parties to bring political and economic stability to the country.

Talking to media in Islamabad today, PPP leader Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said politicians should always keep the door of dialogue open. He said political stability is vital for economic stability in the country. He said all the coalition parties will be contacted to achieve this objective.

Speaking on the occasion, MQM-Pakistan leader Abu Bakar said his party will support every effort and measure to strengthen democracy in the country and to ensure supremacy of the parliament.

Source: Radio Pakistan