Malaysia Ministry of Health

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helio Genomics (“Helio” or “the Company”), an AI-driven biotechnology company specializing in diagnostics technology and test development for cancer detection, today announced the strategic partnership, in commercializing HelioLiver Dx in Saudi Arabia, with Halub Medical Co., a healthcare company for Saudi Arabia, GCC and Middle East. The test is expected to be commercially available in Saudi Arabia and The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Q1 2025, with the following 12-month revenue for Helio expected to exceed $10 million dollars. “We are honored to partner with Halub Medical, a top healthcare provider in the Middle East,” said Shu Li, PhD, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Helio Genomics. “There are about 25–30% of the worldwide population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can lead to an increased incidence of liver cancers. We believe HelioLiver Dx can significantly improve the current standard of care, and we are thrilled to contribute to the success of Saudi Arabia’s Health Cluster.” “We are very pleased to introduce HelioLiver Dx to Saudi Arabia,” said Sheikh Ahmed Almalki, Chairman of Board of Directors of Halub Medical and Founder of Smo Elfaker and Dr. Omar Almalki, CEO Halub Medical. “The breakthrough liver cancer screening test, based on the pivotal trial conducted by 50 of the top medical institutions in the U.S. led by Stanford Medical Centers, demonstrates 4-times better sensitivity. In addition, we believe that a blood-based test such as HelioLiver Dx will have a significantly higher adherence rate, up to 9-times, compared to the current standard of care, ultrasound.” “With the introduction of the world leading AI-multi-modal platform technology and Helio’s world-renowned scientific team to the Health Cluster of Saudi Arabia, we are looking forward not only to saving lives by much better liver-cancer screening technologies, but also co-developing many other new early detection tests for major degenerative diseases,” said Dr. Talal A Almalki, CEO of Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. About HelioLiver Dx HelioLiver Dx is a multi-analyte blood test that analyzes cfDNA, methylation patterns, serum protein markers and demographic information to detect early-stage HCC. HelioLiver achieved superior sensitivity and non-inferior specificity compared to ultrasound, the current standard of care for HCC surveillance, as demonstrated by the results of the ENCORE and CLiMB clinical trials. HelioLiver Dx has received a Category I Current Procedural Terminology Proprietary Laboratory Analyses, or CPT PLA, code from the American Medical Association, effective October 1, 2022, which establishes a reimbursement pathway and facilitates expected Medicare coverage for increased access and potential broader adoption of HelioLiver in the United States. Based on the results of the CLiMB trial, Helio submitted its PMA application for HelioLiver to the FDA in the second quarter of 2024 for authorization as a Class III medical device. Prior to FDA approval, HelioLiver will remain commercially available in the United States in a CLIA laboratory as a laboratory developed test, or LDT. About Helio Genomics Helio Genomics is a commercial-stage, AI-driven biotechnology company focused on developing pioneering diagnostics for early cancer detection and prevention. Committed to improving global cancer survival rates, Helio Genomics specializes in blood-based diagnostic technologies, utilizing advanced approaches liquid biopsy and DNA methylation analysis to detect cancer at its earliest stages. The company's flagship product, HelioLiver, is a multi-analyte blood test dedicated to the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common and aggressive form of liver cancer. By evaluating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation patterns, serum protein markers, and demographic data, HelioLiver integrates AI and multi-marker analysis to deliver a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools. Helio pipeline portfolio includes multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing, focusing on cancers like liver, breast, and lung, which are notoriously challenging to detect early. As a science-driven company, Helio Genomics collaborates with clinical and academic institutions worldwide to advance cancer diagnostics, striving to make these solutions accessible and affordable on a global scale. For more information, please visit https://heliogenomics.com/. About Halub Medical Co. Halub Medical Co., based in Taif, Saudi Arabia, is a leading healthcare provider specializing in the distribution of laboratory diagnostic test kits across the GCC and Middle East, as well as advanced dermatology and aesthetic procedures. Known for high-quality diagnostic solutions, Halub Medical supplies a comprehensive range of test kits, supporting diverse medical and laboratory needs—from infectious disease detection and hormone level assessment to genetic testing and biochemical analyses. This distribution expertise enables healthcare facilities throughout the region to enhance their diagnostic capabilities with reliable and precise testing solutions. In addition to its diagnostic services, Halub Medical Co. features a premier facility for dermatology and aesthetic treatments, offering state-of-the-art laser services, including tattoo removal, permanent hair reduction, acne and scar revision, skin resurfacing, and vascular therapies. The center’s specialized treatments also address pigmented lesions, wrinkle reduction, vascular issues, body contouring, and laser-assisted lipolysis, catering to the most advanced skincare and aesthetic needs. Complementing these services, Halub Medical’s training center provides expert medical training and certification programs, empowering healthcare professionals to excel in both diagnostic and aesthetic fields. Recently, the owner extended their healthcare commitment by opening a rehabilitation center focused on addiction recovery, further enhancing healthcare support within the community. For more information, please visit https://halubmedical.com. Investor Contact: Jeremy Feffer Managing Director LifeSci Advisors jfeffer@lifesciadvisors.com

World class exhibitors showcase opportunities and challenges posed by frontier-pushing digital and practical health technologies, set to revolutionize patient care for the next decade Attendees exposed to AI-enabled diagnostic solutions, which expedite disease identification and promote fast access to treatment pathways Stability, support and opportunity hallmarks of KSA's high-growth investment environment to promote sustainable health ecosystem RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Health Exhibition, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Health and organized by Tahaluf, continued into its second day with key sessions focussing on the breadth and depth of healthcare innovation. Sessions included a focus on next generation pharma treatments, surgical technology, and digital health interventions. Advances in hospital technology, including emergency care, rapid stroke support and long term patient management also featured across the event's five stages and three exhibition halls. In addition, panel discussions addressed key topics, such as the future of oncology, early detection and advanced therapies, cardiovascular disease, cyber-security in healthcare, and the evolving investment environment. "Early diagnosis saves lives," said Dr. Danuta Jeziorska, CEO & Co-Founder, Nucleome Therapeutics at the Digital Health Forum. "We are in an era of the convergence of technologies, such as AI and genomics. The future of oncology and diagnosing patients is focused on acting early – on the Stage one of Cancer – or even to prevent it. "For example, in the UK, the survival rate for Stage one breast cancer diagnosis is almost 100%. But by Stage four, the survival rate is 25%. I'm sitting here today, because I was diagnosed very quickly." The Leaders' Summit heard from leading health sector author Mark Brignall, who discussed the global health workforce crisis, highlighted by the World Health Organization, which reveals acute staffing shortages across state owned health systems worldwide. The crisis, if unaddressed, will make most countries' health systems unsustainable, with an estimated worldwide staff shortfall of 18 million by 2030, he explained. Speaking on a panel entitled "Cybersecurity in Healthcare: Safeguarding Electronic Health Records", speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining trust when managing data at societal level, so that huge benefits can be unlocked from patient data. "If people don't trust us to look after their data safely, and to use it appropriately, they won't share it with us," said Simon Swift, CEO, Health Navigator. "If we can't access population-wide data, there are many things we can't do, and we can't keep populations, or individuals, safe. Trust is a slippery commodity – hard to gain, very easy to lose." Speakers also addressed the investment opportunities across the evolving medtech and pharmaceutical landscape in Saudi Arabia. "Investors are constantly looking for growth," said Dr Leonid Shapiro, Managing Partner, Candesic at the Investor Forum. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represents somewhere where there is plenty of support, stability and opportunity. "One of the biggest ambitions of the Ministry of Health here is to create a sustainable healthcare system. It's not just about meeting current needs, but thinking about future needs. "The population of the Kingdom is skyrocketing. Looking after that population can't be a burden placed on some companies and hospitals, instead it will be necessary to attract investors, to sell services, and to invest in physical services. That's what creates sustainability, and that's what's so exciting about investing here." added Dr Shapiro. "As the story of Global Health Exhibition 2024 continues, the event today focused not just on exciting, boundary-pushing technology, but the crunch issues that matter to health stakeholders worldwide," said Rachel Sturgess, Group Director, Tahaluf. "Ongoing risks around system sustainability for the long term, the continued threat of cybersecurity compromises as well as the increasing cost of care as population numbers rise are very real challenges which require creative, expert thinking to resolve. The Exhibition is acting as a vital conduit for these important discussions between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world." SOURCE Global Health Exhibition WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The seventh edition of the Global Health Exhibition has kicked off under the theme "Invest in Health" at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center in Mulham, north of Riyadh. The event is hosted under the patronage of the Ministry of Health, supported by the Health Sector Transformation Program, and organized by "Tahaluf" – a joint venture between the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, Informa Global, and the Event Investment Fund. The exhibition will continue until October 23. During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Health, His Excellency Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, highlighted the impact of health transformation in the sector, stating: "We aim to position Saudi Arabia as a hub for addressing current and future global challenges, following a unified government approach under Vision 2030. This is based on the principle of 'health in all policies' by developing regulations that encourage investment in innovation, building a healthcare system that unleashes the power of digital solutions and artificial intelligence, and developing local healthcare talent while attracting the best minds from around the world. These efforts are driving us forward in our health transformation with concrete and measurable steps." He added, "Today, we are proud of the World Health Organization's recognition of Saudi Arabia's elimination of trans fats from food products, placing the Kingdom at the forefront of countries receiving this distinction. Additionally, the WHO has announced that Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, is the first country in the region to achieve the highest 'maturity level 4' in the regulation of medicines and vaccines." Al-Jalajel also highlighted the expansion of the Saudi Board Program, which now offers 170 healthcare specialties, with 3,000 international practitioners enrolled. Speaking on investment opportunities, he said: "Investment in the healthcare sector continues to grow, with Saudi Arabia leading the region in healthcare investments. The largest public offering in the Saudi market this year was for Dr. Faqih Healthcare Group, preceded by the IPO of Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Group, which was among the largest at the time, solidifying the healthcare sector as the fastest-growing in the Saudi market." He also noted the rapid growth of private health insurance, stating, "In 2011, only 3 million people had health insurance. By the end of 2023, that number had increased to over 12 million, with a market size of SAR 40 billion, expected to double by 2030." Al-Jalajel further announced the second generation of the "Takkad" centers, the digital twin feature within the "Sehhaty" app, as well as the inclusion of the Virtual Health Hospital in the Guinness World Records as the largest virtual hospital in the world. He also mentioned that exceptional international medical professionals have been granted the Premium Residency. The Global Health Exhibition witnessed investments exceeding SAR 50 billion, including notable announcements such as a SAR 4 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing deal between NUPCO, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi, a SAR 5 billion expansion in Faqih Medical Group, and the construction of five primary care centers and two hospitals by Al Mousa Healthcare at a value of SAR 3 billion. The exhibition also announced Dallah's acquisition of Al Salam Hospital and Al Ahsa Hospital in the Eastern Province, adding a total of 749 beds, and the construction of a new Dallah Hospital in Riyadh with a 250-bed capacity and potential for expansion, valued at SAR 4 billion. On the sidelines of the exhibition, several agreements and partnerships were signed, including a partnership between the Council of Health Insurance and Alfaisal University, a memorandum of understanding between Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University and the National Institute for Health Research, and an MoU between the Ministry of Health's Engineering and Supply Affairs Division and the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification. Additionally, MoUs were signed between the Ministry's National Health Command and Control Center and the Ministerial Committee for Traffic Safety, along with collaboration agreements between Lean Business Services and Elm, and between the Public Health Authority (Weqaya) and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, among others. The exhibition opened with five key platforms: the Leadership Summit, Health Transformation Exhibition, Digital Health Exhibition, Medical Excellence Exhibition, and Investors' Exhibition. Other highlights include the NUPCO Health Innovation Hackathon, the "Next Generation Vision" competition for startups, and several unique experiences such as 3D medical diagnostics, the Medical Escape Room Challenge, and sporting activities, with prizes exceeding SAR 2 million awarded to attendees throughout the event. 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