HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 December 2023 – Southco Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Southco Inc., a leading global provider of engineered access solutions such as locks, latches, captive fasteners, electronic access solutions and hinges/ positioning technology has introduced a new door latch, the TM-10-101-24. This surface-mounted latch actuates with a simple button push and smooth quarter turn that removes or inserts the handle into a keeper beside the panel. This actuation method ensures that the latch does not open accidentally, even under heavy loads or unpredictable environments. Manufactured from 316 grade stainless steel and electropolished to a smooth finish, it also offers superior actuation feel and aesthetics. This intuitive yet secure design combines with beautiful and durable construction to deliver a high-quality look and actuation experience that end users will notice.
A provisional patent for the novel DNA
aptamer and saliva Covid-19 test kit has been lodged
Codenamed “Gumnuts”, the test is
extremely low cost, convenient and easy to use, significantly cheaper than
current RNA and antigen-based test kits
A world-class international team of scientist
has been assembled for development and commercialisation
Clinical trials will commence shortly, with
a view to commercial availability before the end of 2020.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 19 August 2020 – Achiko AG (SIX:ACHI, ISIN CH0522213468) is
pleased to announce progress with a non-intrusive and affordable novel Covid-19
test kit, codenamed “Gumnuts”. With the assistance from Australian
intellectual property firm FB Rice (Melbourne), developer Regenacellx.sl
(“RCX”) has filed a provisional patent over the technology. Achiko
holds the exclusive commercialisation rights in exchange for a royalty and
technical advice.
The Company has assembled a world-class internationally recognised team for
the development and commercialisation of Gumnuts. The team is led by Dr Michael
J. Edel (Chief Scientist) and Dr Thomas Pouplin, joined by Dr Jittaporn
Wattanaseree and Dr Joalin Lim. Additionally, a larger science and
commercialisation organisation that spans across Spain, Switzerland, Thailand,
Singapore and Indonesia supports the team.
The planned Gumnuts kit is assembled around DNA aptamers and gold
nanoparticles, combined with a saliva sample, and is proceeding to clinical
trials shortly.
“After a significant number of years, projects and papers on
nanoparticle bio-conjugation, we are now engaging studies on
nanoparticle-aptamer bioconjugates for detection and actuation. What appeals in
aptamers to us is their chemical robustness. This eases their industrial
production while facilitating their use, as they offer longer shelf-life,
tolerance to environmental changes and more stable performance in different
media”, said Dr Victor Pentes, ICREA Research Professor, Institució
Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, VHIR and ICN2, Barcelona.
The first of many diagnostics planned to use the technology, Gumnuts is
designed to be affordable and convenient. It delivers results in minutes and
the testing experience is comparable to brushing one’s teeth. Sold alone or
combined with Achiko’s pandemic management platform Teman Sehat (“Health
Buddy”), the Company believes that the technology play a crucial role in
resolving the world’s problem with the pandemic.
Gumnuts has several differentiators and advantages over PCR, RT-PCR, LAMP,
antigen and antibody test kits, all of which are currently being used globally.
Current testing approaches may be constrained by reagents (supply chain, shelf
life, etc.) or the required equipment (PCR/RT-PCR machines, trained
technicians, etc.). They are confined in practical use (e.g. time to results,
invasiveness, etc.) and suffer from accuracy issues (e.g. antigen tests) or
high cost due to their structure. In contrast, DNA aptamers are known to be
comparatively stable and may have a shelf life of more than a year at room
temperature. The prospective materials required by Gumnuts may cost less than
USD 1.00, dropping to only be a few cents when mass-produced. This opens up a
realm of possibility for embedding testing in day-to-day applications beyond
the approaches known to date.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact around the world. To
respond effectively, a precise and fast diagnosis is needed. The current
testing technologies around PCR, antigen, and antibody test have problems such
as the high cost of PCR tests and the time it takes to deliver results.
Antibody tests miss the infection cycle and there are design weaknesses and
reliability problems with antigen testing,” said Dr Abdullah Qayyum,
Epidemiologist, Riau Hospital Supervisory Agency, Indonesia. “Low cost and
effective testing are key elements in responding to the pandemic. Research in
alternative methods is needed now. We are excited to be involved in this
project doing research and testing.”
Clinical trials are set to begin shortly. If the trials prove successful,
large-scale production of the test kit will begin with a view to commercial
availability before the end of 2020. Currently, the Company is selecting
manufacturers as well as distribution partners. It is also continuing
development at a wider range of assay approaches for Covid-19.
“Our novel test kit is a comprehensive offering for government and
industry, seeking solutions to manage their economies, sporting events, travel,
education, etc. We’re excited about and encouraged by the progress with
vaccines. However, the Company believes that testing will be an issue for many
years to come,” says Steven Goh, CEO and Director of Achiko. “Along
with Teman Sehat, our suite of solutions may allow governments and businesses
to move to a broader proactive testing approach covering nearly the entire
population.”
Beyond the initial application of DNA aptamers to the Covid-19 pandemic and
an array of assay formats (electronic, lateral, etc.), the Company is looking
towards diagnostics for dengue, tuberculosis, cancer biomarkers and numerous
other pathogens and believes that in combination with Teman Sehat, the
technology may form the foundation of a diagnostics-as-a-service and telehealth
business.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking
statements concerning Achiko AG and its business. Such statements involve
certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could
cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of
Achiko AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Achiko AG
is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to
update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
About Achiko AG
Headquartered in Switzerland, with a global market focus, Achiko AG (ISIN
CH0522213468) is an entrepreneurial platform company, utilising the knowledge
and experience of its people and key technologies to enable transformation in
various industries.
Through innovations in technology and regulation along with the company’s
unique operating footprint from Europe to Asia, Achiko seeks to transform
markets and bring unique value to its customers, people, and shareholders.
Achiko’s core platform consists of user registration and payment services which
are accessible to application developers. A messaging service and other
community based social features are being launched in late 2020. Achiko
supports innovations in healthcare through its Teman Sehat (“Health Buddy”)
ecosystem, a novel testing technology being developed with Regenacellx.sl, as
well as consumer payments and finance and games and entertainment.
For any inquiries regarding Teman Sehat or Gumnuts, please contact info@achiko.com
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 19 August 2020 – Ultimaker, the global leader in desktop 3D printing, and leading global additive manufacturer 3D Metalforge, announced today their partnership and launch of Southeast Asia’s largest industrial FFF printing facility. The new facility will offer industrial-grade, fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing from Ultimaker’s professional S-Line 3D printers, providing a complete ecosystem of certified 24/7 printers, engineering materials, 3D print fleet management and 3D print preparation software. Against the backdrop of increasing demand for 3D-printed parts, this will enable 3D Metalforge to ramp up its printing capabilities for its clients in the defence, maritime, medical, and the oil and gas industries.
21 units of Ultimaker S3 in 3D Metalforge’s print facility
The print facility, located in the western part of Singapore, comprises 21 units of Ultimaker S3 3D printers. Metalforge decided to invest in FFF 3D printers with Ultimaker, due to the latter’s partnerships with large globally operating material companies through the Material Alliance, an open platform that consists of more than 45 brands and 150+ material types. This has enabled 3D Metalforge to broaden its offerings, catering to diverse needs and requirements in different sectors. It is currently printing various parts required for COVID-19-related projects.
3D printing which is also known as additive manufacturing (AM), is suitable for such projects as there are limitations to traditional manufacturing — the challenge of tight deadlines, and rapidly changing design parameters. Additionally, AM is more suited for high-mix, low-volume production, common factors necessitated by the changes brought on by the pandemic.
As part of its expansion plans and upcoming projects with its customers, 3D Metalforge is looking to recruit eight trainees from The SGUnited Traineeships Programme as well as add another four engineers to its team. Through this programme, 3D Metalforge seeks to build a workforce with future-ready skills in AM, which is poised to take a more prominent role post-pandemic.
The launch of this facility has also helped 3D Metalforge realise and manage the local, distributed additive manufacturing vision with Ultimaker’s Digital Factory software platform, a remote 3D print fleet management system. This means that the company could potentially divert its production capability from Singapore to its upcoming facility in the US, or vice versa, to meet customer demand. This serves to create a more sustainable and agile supply chain.
“We deal with clients from blue-chip companies that have stringent criteria on the production of end-use parts. It is thus imperative that we invest in reliable FFF 3D printers that can meet our needs and benchmarking standards”, said Mr Matthew Waterhouse, CEO of 3D Metalforge. “Ultimaker also has an open solution that allows us to work with over 150 materials. This has enabled us to experiment and/or print with the most suitable material, depending on customers’ needs. Furthermore, I am pleased with the excellent after-sales support that I have received to date,” Mr Waterhouse added.
Mr Benjamin Tan, Vice President of Ultimaker APAC enthused, “We are pleased to be selected as the partner of choice by 3D Metalforge. As an established 3D printing company, Ultimaker offers a comprehensive solution to FFF 3D printing needs with its superior printers, industry-leading 3D print preparation and management software, and open material programme.”
Mr Tan added: “With FFF 3D printing, lead time is often halved, as compared to conventional methods like injection moulding. This allows companies to have quicker go-to-market strategies. A printed prototype also allows close examinations for modifications, and customisations before embarking on mass-printing. This helps companies save costs before committing to bulk print orders. We are confident that Ultimaker is well-poised to support 3D Metalforge’s journey in FFF 3D printing.”
About Ultimaker
Since 2011, Ultimaker has built an open and easy-to-use solution of 3D printers, software and materials that enable professional designers and engineers to innovate every day. Today, Ultimaker is the market leader in desktop 3D printing. From offices in the Netherlands, New York, Boston, and Singapore — plus production facilities in Europa and the US — its global team of over 400 employees work together to accelerate the world’s transition to digital distribution and local manufacturing. Ultimaker.com
About 3D Metalforge
As a leading global Additive Manufacturing company that supports cutting-edge companies with their global production printing requirements, 3D Metalforge’s hi-tech facility and engineering teams are based in the global cities of Singapore and Houston, Texas. We have one of the most advanced range of metal and polymer printing equipment including FFF, Multi Jet Fusion, Selective Laser Melting and Directed Energy Deposition printers that can produce high quality metal parts up to 1.5metres in size, and at a speed of up to 750g/hour.
Our full range of additive manufacturing (AM) services include consultancy (including site and opportunity assessment and diagnostics), engineering and design optimization, printing/production as well as post production services (eg. heat treatment).
3D Metalforge was first awarded the ISO9001:2015 certification in 2017 for achieving consistent and high quality standards in 3D printing for its world-class customers and our facility is also approved by Lloyd’s Register for the production of metalic parts. Key industries we support include maritime, oil & gas, precision engineering as well as manufacturing.
