KUALA
LUMPUR 29 SEPTEMBER 2020, Ho Wah Genting Berhad’s (“HWGB” or
the “Company”) (Bursa Stock Code:9601) wholly-owned
subsidiary, HWGB Biotech Sdn Bhd (“HWGB Biotech”) [formerly known as HWG
Consortium Sdn Bhd]
and its joint venture partner, US-based E-MO Biology Inc (“EBI”) is making
headway in developing vaccines for the prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus pandemic and other relevant diseases.
Following
a partnership inked on 6 August 2020, HWGB Biotech shall invest and EBI shall
undertake Phase IV clinical trials using existing poliomyelitis virus vaccines
(PVV) for prevention of Covid-19, under strict protocol of health regulator in
the US.
Additionally, EBI
will also carry out the research and development (R&D), testing,
registration and commercialization of the 5 provisional patent applications and
other activities relating to the patents for the purpose of treating the
diseases.
EBI is currently
awaiting the necessary approval from the United States Food and Drug
Administration (“US FDA”) to conduct phase IV clinical trials for a new
indication which proposes the use of PVV for prevention of COVID-19. On 25 August 2020, the US FDA
requested further information from EBI on the Investigational New Drug
Application (IND) which proposes the use of PVV for prevention of Covid-19.
HWGB
Biotech shall not be required to pay any other amount of the investment sum
until pre-approval or exemption from the US FDA for the IND is received and the
assignment of the patents are completed.
With
the positive stride, HWGB Biotech entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
with Xinkexian (Beijing) Biotechnology Co., Ltd (“XKX”) on 9 September 2020 on
a non-exclusive basis whereby XKX will manufacture the vaccines upon successful
completion of R&D and obtaining approval from the US FDA.
In
view of the positive progress in the project, EBI inked three agreements - the
appointment of Dr John Andrews, a veteran in vaccine development and clinical phase
IV study to support the IND submitted to US FDA which proposes the use of PVV
for prevention of Covid-19. Secondly, engage
the services of Roderick A Comunale II MD Inc to conduct clinical research on the
effects of Inactivate Polio Vaccine (IPV) in accordance with the US FDA
approved protocol.
Thirdly,
EBI has also collaborated with America Diagnostic & Genescan Diagnostics
Inc (“ADGD”) as a strategic partner involved with research, development and
production of the companion diagnostics systems.
EBI
will engage ADGD to conduct a series of immunology essays in supporting the
potential clinical research.
"We
believe we are in a solid footing and progressing in developing vaccine for
Covid-19 prevention, and we are quite certain to be a relevant player in
producing a reliable vaccine to be used not only in Malaysia but within the
larger market in the region," HWGB chief executive officer Dato’ Aaron Lim
said.
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ABOUT HO WAH GENTING BERHAD
Ho Wah Genting Berhad (“HWGB” or the “Company”) is
principally engaged in investment holdings and the provision of management
services to its subsidiaries. The Company had on 30 June 2020 diversified its
existing businesses to include healthcare related industry which mainly
involved in Health Supplement, Biotechnology and Health Technology. In addition,
the Company and its subsidiaries (“HWGB Group” or the “Group”)
are also engaging in the businesses of Investment holdings; manufacturing of
wires and cables and moulded power supply cord sets and cable assemblies for
electrical and electronic devices and equipment; Trading of wires and cables;
and travel agent and tour related services.
