Market Newsdesk

Charles River and PathoQuest Strengthen Strategic Partnership

PathoQuest establishes U.S. subsidiary with state-of-the-art biologics genomic testing laboratory in Wayne, PA to expand its next-generation sequencing capabilities

WILMINGTON, Mass. & PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
PathoQuest SAS, a genomic expert company dedicated to quality control testing of biologics, and its strategic partner Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL), announced today that it has established a U.S. subsidiary, PathoQuest, Inc., and will construct a state-of-the-art next generation sequencing (NGS)-based testing laboratory at Charles River’s site in Wayne, PA. The establishment of this lab will enhance the strategic partnership between the two companies and will also expand Charles River’s and PathoQuest’s capabilities to meet client needs by providing a fully integrated and reliable solution for rapid viral safety testing of biologics, notably advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) and vaccines.

The expanded relationship between PathoQuest and Charles River will offer North American biotechnology companies a NGS testing facility in the U.S. that identifies adventitious agents using PathoQuest’s rapid, in vitro, comprehensive testing approach which accelerates development timelines of biologics without compromising safety and efficacy. This NGS approach can also be utilized for the genetic characterization of cell lines. The partnership between Charles River and PathoQuest provides clients with the most sensitive and rapid testing methodologies to help ensure the safety of products produced by the biopharmaceutical industry.

Construction of PathoQuest’s new office and laboratory facility is scheduled to begin in late 2020 with NGS services expected to be available in 2021. Once complete, the lab will be aligned with PathoQuest’s existing lab in Paris and offer testing that adheres to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines. This solution will offer the biopharmaceutical industry a comprehensive offering of testing services performed within the same facility, enabling rapid and reliable support for biologics development and quality control testing.

Charles River’s Wayne facility supports the development of biological products, including cell line characterization, viral safety, and viral clearance studies. Charles River has made an additional direct investment in PathoQuest to help fund the establishment of this new facility and to support the expansion of PathoQuest’s testing platform into North America.

Approved Quotes

• “The addition of a PathoQuest facility at the Wayne site highlights our commitment to addressing our clients’ dynamic needs. PathoQuest’s NGS-based testing solution provides a rapid, reliable and comprehensive testing solution, and now, clients will have it at their fingertips through this expanded partnership.” – Birgit Girshick, Corporate Executive Vice President, Discovery and Safety Assessment, Biologics Testing Solutions, and Avian Vaccine Services, Charles River
• “Our NGS-based approach provides a state-of-the-art quality control testing solution for biopharmaceutical quality assurance and production managers. Our new facility in Wayne will create additional opportunities to integrate with Charles River’s service offerings and expose more pharmaceutical and biotechnology groups to our technology, furthering the rapid expansion of our business.” – Jean-Francois Brepson, President and CEO, PathoQuest

About Charles River

Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.

About PathoQuest

PathoQuest as pharmaceutical establishment offers biopharmaceutical companies a game changing Genomic QC testing to secure the biosafety of biological drugs like cell & gene therapy products, vaccines and recombinant. It enables the ability to reduce the turnaround time for safety testing, replacing traditional methods like animal testing. PathoQuest’s technology combines a Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform with a proprietary sample preparation process completed by proprietary pathogen genome sequence databases and automated analysis pipeline.

Based on its technological platform, PathoQuest has also developed a metagenomic test direct from blood (iDTECT^®) to improve the diagnosis of Bloodstream infections and fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). For more information about PathoQuest, visit www.pathoquest.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201112005153/en/

Investor Contact for PathoQuest:

Patrick COURT

CFO

[email protected]

Media Contact for PathoQuest:

Ophélie PHILIPOT

External Communications Manager

[email protected]

Investor Contact for Charles River:

Todd Spencer

Corporate Vice President, Investor Relations

781-222-6455

[email protected]

Media Contact for Charles River:

Amy Cianciaruso

Corporate Vice President, Public Relations

781-222-6168

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Europe United States North America France Pennsylvania Massachusetts

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology General Health Medical Devices Health Pharmaceutical

MEDIA:

Logo

KYOCERA to Acquire 100% Ownership of California-Based SLD Laser

Kyocera’s fine ceramics to create synergies with new expertise in gallium nitride

KYOTO, Japan–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kyocera Corporation (President: Hideo Tanimoto, hereafter “Kyocera”) today announced that it has concluded an agreement with California, U.S.-based SLD Laser (formally named Soraa Laser Diode, Inc.) to acquire 100% ownership of SLD Laser. Under the agreement, SLD Laser plans to begin operating as a Kyocera group company upon approval of regulatory authorities.^{* 1}

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201112005440/en/

SLD Laser is a world leader in the commercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources and was established in 2013 as a technology startup. SLD Laser has won commercial success by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative laser-based products with high efficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications. It has obtained safety certifications from ANSI/UL^*2 and IEC^*3 for its high-brightness laser light sources, and is dedicated to the safe and successful application of laser-based innovations.

SLD Laser was recently ranked 7^th in Fortune magazine’s “2020 Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production^TM,” ^*4 having promoted an employee-centric corporate culture since its founding.

Kyocera is committed to expanding and developing its business as well as contributing to the growth of various industries through creating new products and cultivating new markets, aiming to attain great synergies by integrating SLD Laser’s advanced GaN expertise with its own production technologies and R&D capabilities in fine ceramic-related businesses.

For more information regarding SLD Laser, please visit https://www.sldlaser.com/

Overview of SLD Laser
Company name	Soraa Laser Diode, Inc.
Location	Goleta, California, U.S.A.
Established	2013
Number of employees	169 (As of August 31, 2020)
Sales bases	U.S., Germany, Japan, China
Key products	GaN (gallium nitride) based laser diode products

*1 Operation will start after receiving the approval from regulatory authorities regarding national antitrust and investment regulations

*2 American National Standards Institute / Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

*3 International Electrotechnical Commission

*4 https://www.greatplacetowork.com/best-workplaces/manufacturing-and-production/2020?category=small-and-medium

About SLD Laser (formally Soraa Laser Diode, Inc.)

SLD Laser is a world leader in the commercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources for automotive, mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications. The company is ISO 9001 certified and automotive compliant to IATF 16949, and operates facilities in Santa Barbara, CA and in Fremont, CA. SLD Laser’s innovative high luminance laser light sources are UL and IEC safety certified, and are utilized in a myriad of applications including automotive & mobility, specialty & portable illumination, entertainment & outdoor lighting, projection displays, biomedical & industrial imaging, 3D printing & material processing, as well as next generation sensing & communications. SLD Laser was founded in 2013 by Dr. Shuji Nakamura, 2014 Nobel Laureate in Physics, Dr. Steve Denbaars, Dr. James Raring, and Dr. Paul Rudy.

About KYOCERA

Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO:6971, https://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2020, the company’s consolidated sales revenue totaled 1.6 trillion yen (approx. US$14.7 billion). Kyocera is ranked #549 on Forbes magazine’s 2020 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201112005440/en/

KYOCERA Corporation (Japan), Corporate Communications

Kenichi Hara, Tel: +81-(0)75-604-3416 Fax: +81-(0)75-604-3516

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States Japan North America Asia Pacific California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Semiconductor Hardware Manufacturing Other Manufacturing Technology

MEDIA:

Logo

Photo

Laser Diode Module (Photo: Business Wire)

Noxopharm Announces Pilot Study With Bristol Myers Squibb’s Product

SYDNEY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Australian clinical-stage drug development company Noxopharm (ASX: NOX) is pleased to announce it has joined with Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) in an Australian pilot study investigating the ability of Noxopharm’s immunotherapy drug candidate, Veyonda^®, to overcome resistance to Bristol Myers Squibb’s nivolumab (Opdivo^®) in the treatment of cancer.

Veyonda is a first-in-class sphingosine-1-phosphate inhibitor with high selectivity for cancer cells. This mechanism of action yields a range of immunotherapeutic effects including restoration of immune function in tumors, commonly referred to as converting tumors from cold to hot.

The study, called IONIC-1, will investigate the ability of Veyonda to sensitize tumors to the PD-1 inhibiting actions of Opdivo. Approximately 30 cancer patients (e.g., melanoma, lung, and bladder cancers) will be involved, including those who have progressed on Opdivo, as well as Opdivo-naive patients (e.g., breast, ovarian, prostate cancers and sarcoma). It is anticipated that the first patients will be recruited early in the new year.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as Opdivo have revolutionized the treatment of some cancers with what can be dramatic, lifesaving benefits. However, most cancer types have proven to be resistant. Research points to a key limiting factor — the lack of competent immune function within cancer — with individual tumors actively expelling immune cells. Restoring that immune function is a major current goal within the pharmaceutical industry.

“I’m excited to be working with Noxopharm and Bristol Myers Squibb on this study,” said principal investigator professor Paul De Souza, dean of medicine at the University of Wollongong. “Checkpoint inhibitors have made a tremendous difference to some patients with advanced cancer. If we can increase the number of patients that respond through the addition of Veyonda to their treatment regimen, we will make a significant impact — not only to those individuals, but also on the oncology landscape.”

The checkpoint inhibitor market is a multi-billion-dollar market with rapid year-on-year growth, currently dominated by two major global pharmaceutical companies, one of which is Bristol Myers Squibb.

About Noxopharm

Noxopharm is a clinical-stage Australian oncology drug development company with offices in Sydney and New York. The company has a primary focus on the development of Veyonda^® and is the major shareholder in the non-oncology drug development company, Nyrada Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201112005235/en/

Jane Byram

SCORR Marketing

512-626-2758

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Australia/Oceania Australia United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Oncology Health Clinical Trials Research Science Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

MEDIA:

Logo

Field Roast™ Partners With Award-Winning Chef Roy Choi to “Make Taste Happen”

Brand Unveils First Redesign in Over 20 Years

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Doubling down on its unwavering commitment to crafting bold and adventurous taste, leading plant-based brand Field Roast Grain Meat Co™ (“Field Roast”), owned by Greenleaf Foods, SPC, announced a bold brand redesign and a multi-year partnership with prolific chef Roy Choi. The new packaging and partnership promise to inspire culinarians to “Make Taste Happen.”

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201112005224/en/

For the first time since its founding in 1997, the Seattle-born Field Roast is debuting a whole new look, including a redrawn logo and reimagined packaging. The new logo offers a modern spin on a traditional badge, designed to represent its trusted product and reputation for crafting high-quality plant-based meats and cheeses. The revamped packaging nods to the brand’s craftsman legacy with landscape imagery and flavor-forward product names.

To kick off the new era of the brand’s evolution, Field Roast has inked a multi-year partnership with culinary luminary and co-host of The Chef Show, Roy Choi. Choi and Field Roast will team up on the brand’s new Make Taste Happen campaign, which aims to inspire communities of culinary creators with bold flavors that help them craft, discover and share new taste experiences. To define its new identity, Field Roast surveyed more than 11,500 consumers to better understand their expectations of plant-based protein. The study found that Field Roast’s target consumer values food exploration, with nearly all stating that they like to be the first to discover something new (93%), try new things (100%), and that they enjoy cooking (93%).

“Field Roast has led the plant-based industry for more than 20 years, and this redesign represents the differentiated position we continue to pioneer in our category. We’re thrilled to bring consumers unexpected, indulgent flavors and to now inspire their culinary adventures with a trailblazing chef partner,” said Dan Curtin, president of Greenleaf Foods. “Field Roast is proud to welcome chef Choi to our team as a friend and collaborator. His leadership in the ever-evolving food scene and his unique talent for blending culture, community and culinary perfectly complements Field Roast. Together, we’ll help food-lovers explore more flavor adventures.”

In addition to teaming up to introduce Field Roast’s new look this year, Choi will help tell the Field Roast story through a national advertising campaign in 2021, which will include various marketing, public relations, and shopper marketing activities. Field Roast fans can also expect unique plant-based recipe ideation and inspiration from Choi.

“What first attracted me to Field Roast is how their food tastes and how it cooks. It’s flavorful and they aren’t scared of seasoning, which is what my food is all about,” said Choi. “As plant-based pioneers they’re committed to re-imagination and putting good things out into the world. As a chef and storyteller, I like to surround myself with boundary-breakers that are sincere and pure, so it made sense for us to take our partnership to the next level.”

Field Roast believes the best dishes have yet to be discovered. Its portfolio of high-quality plant-based burgers, sausages, roasts, appetizers and entrees, in addition to its leading Chao Creamery dairy-free cheese products, are crafted for those who want to discover, indulge and share in bold taste experiences. Field Roast’s new packaging is already rolling onto shelves at over 17,000 retailers across the U.S., with more stores planned in the coming months.

For more information on Field Roast, visit fieldroast.com and follow @FieldRoast on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About Greenleaf Foods, SPC

Greenleaf Foods, SPC, is transforming plant-based protein with a wide array of delicious and innovative products that satisfy consumers interested in adding protein variety to their diets. Our leading brands include Lightlife® (“Lightlife”) and Field Roast Grain Meat Co.™ (“Field Roast”). Together, these brands are delighting loyal, longtime fans and enticing new ones who never knew plant-based protein could taste so good. The Lightlife and Field Roast portfolios feature nearly 50 products and represent a leading market position in the refrigerated, plant-based protein category in the U.S. Greenleaf Foods, SPC is a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX:MFI).

About Roy Choi

Choi is known as one of the architects of the modern food truck movement and is co-host of the Netflix cooking series The Chef Show with Jon Favreau, as well as host and executive producer of the Emmy-winning social justice series Breaking Bread. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. In 2010, Food and Wine magazine named him Best New Chef. His cookbook/memoir L.A. Son was a NY Times Bestseller in 2013. In 2016, he was named TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World. And in 2017, LocoL in Watts, received the first ever LA Times Restaurant of the Year award. Roy resides in Los Angeles where he is a voice and advocate for street food culture past, present, and future, and the co-owner, co-founder, and chef of Kogi BBQ, Chego!, Best Friend at Park MGM Las Vegas, and LocoL.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201112005224/en/

Kayla Petersen, [email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Illinois Washington

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Women Entertainment Marketing Supermarket Men Communications Food/Beverage Celebrity Consumer Retail

MEDIA:

Photo

Field Roast™ announces award-winning chef Roy Choi is the new face of the brand. (Photo: Business Wire)

Photo

For the first time since 1997, Field Roast is debuting a whole new look, including a redrawn logo and reimagined packaging. (Photo: Business Wire)

Logo

American States Water Company’s Military Subsidiary Recognized for Strong Veteran Hiring and Employment Practices

SAN DIMAS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
American States Utility Services, Inc. (ASUS), a wholly owned subsidiary of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR), has met the criteria for the Platinum Medallion Award through the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Medallion Program. ASUS was recognized for these efforts during an online ceremony on November 10.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program implements the requirements of the HIRE Vets Act of 2017 and is the only federal award recognizing exceptional achievement in veteran employment.

The Platinum award recognizes employers who meet criteria in various categories including veteran hiring, veterans retained, and veteran benefits. This is the third year of the HIRE Vets Medallion Program and ASUS has participated all three years, achieving the Gold award for the two previous years.

“ASUS is proud to be recognized by the HIRE Vets program, and is committed to hiring qualified military veterans, military spouses, and reservists to help meet our staffing needs,” stated Robert J. Sprowls, President and CEO of American States Water Company. “Today, and every day, we are Serving Those Who Serve® and are grateful to our military service personnel, past and present, and the families who support them.”

About American States Water Company

American States Water Company is the parent of Golden State Water Company, Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. and American States Utility Services, Inc., serving over one million people in nine states. Through its water utility subsidiary, Golden State Water Company, the company provides water service to approximately 261,500 customer connections located within more than 80 communities in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. Through its electric utility subsidiary, Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc., the company distributes electricity to approximately 24,500 customer connections in the City of Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, California. Through its contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc., the company provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water distribution and wastewater collection and treatment facilities located on eleven military bases throughout the country under 50-year privatization contracts with the U.S. government.

American States Water Company has paid dividends to shareholders every year since 1931, increasing the dividends received by shareholders each calendar year for 66 consecutive years, which places it in an exclusive group of companies on the New York Stock Exchange that have achieved that result.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201112005061/en/

Eva G. Tang

Senior Vice President – Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer

(909) 394-3600, extension 707

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Natural Resources Defense Utilities Energy Natural Resources Other Defense

MEDIA:

Logo