New R&D centre in Hyderabad advances medical innovation


Olympus Corporation has announced a strategic initiative to establish an R&D Offshore Development Centre (ODC) in Hyderabad, India, through a strategic agreement with global technology company HCLTech. This move aims to diversify Olympus’ innovation activities and enhance its global R&D capabilities.


The establishment of the R&D ODC in Hyderabad demonstrates Olympus’ commitment to using global R&D talent and resources to drive advancements in medical technology. Known as India’s MedTech hub, Hyderabad offers the talent necessary for research and development activities essential to Olympus’ expansion efforts.


In conjunction with the ODC, Olympus is also preparing to establish an in-house R&D centre in Hyderabad in the coming years. This new centre will complement the company’s existing R&D centres in Japan, the US and Europe.


To further solidify its presence in India, Olympus plans to collaborate with AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, on joint research projects. This partnership aims to utilise clinical expertise and insights to develop innovative medical solutions that meet the evolving needs of patients worldwide.


Andre Roggan, Chief Technology Offi cer at Olympus, said: “It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce this agreement with HCLTech, a partner with whom we share a decade- long relationship in core engineering and R&D services. I am confi dent that our collaboration will enhance Olympus’ engineering capabilities and unlock new innovations that enable quality healthcare through technology.”


Mr D. Sridhar Babu, Minister of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) and Industries & Commerce (I&C) of the Government of Telangana, commented: “We are thrilled that Olympus Corporation, one of the world’s largest medical device companies, has chosen Hyderabad for its fi rst investment in India with an R&D centre. This marks a signifi cant milestone for our city’s medical devices ecosystem. With Hyderabad’s robust infrastructure, strategic location, and thriving community of innovative healthcare companies, this investment is poised to be a game-changer for the medical devices sector in India. We are confi dent that Olympus’ advanced technologies and expertise will signifi cantly contribute to our vision of becoming a global hub for medical device innovation and manufacturing. I welcome Olympus Corporation to our ecosystem.”


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Strategic partnership to expand photonics solutions in Singapore


Toptica Photonics AG, a global leader in laser photonics, is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with AceXon Technologies Pte Ltd, a leading sales and technical service provider in Singapore. This strategic collaboration aims to expand Toptica’s market presence across South East Asia.


AceXon, known for its expertise in laser, optics, electro-optics, and photonics, will now be the exclusive distributor of Toptica’s advanced photonics solutions. This partnership reinforces Toptica’s commitment to providing high-quality, innovative laser technologies to a wider audience.


“We are excited to partner with AceXon Technologies,” said Thomas Renner, President (CSO) of Toptica Photonics AG. “Their deep industry knowledge and strong regional presence will be invaluable in driving our growth and providing superior service to our customers.”


Lawrence Chua, Managing Director of AceXon Technologies, added: “We are honoured to be chosen as Toptica’s exclusive partner in Singapore. This collaboration marks a signifi cant milestone for us and highlights our dedication to delivering top-notch photonics solutions and services. We look forward to a successful partnership and to introducing Toptica’s innovative products to our regional market.”


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L-R Lawrence Chua, Managing Director of AceXon Technologies and Thomas Renner, President (CSO) of Toptica Photonics AG.


New Chief Scientific Advisor strengthens thermal safety expertise


HEL Group has announced the appointment of Professor Yih-Shing Duh as Chief Scientifi c Advisor. With over 30 years of experience in thermal safety, Professor Duh will support the ongoing development of HE’s comprehensive portfolio of battery calorimeters.


Professor Duh is currently a professor at Xiamen University, where he leads the Reaction Risk Evaluation Laboratory (RHEL) of the Gulei Institute of Petrochemical Research. He collaborates with HEL China to develop thermal testing protocols for lithium-ion batteries using HEL’s BTC-130. His academic experience includes positions at the Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan, Taiwan United University, and Yunlin University of Science and Technology.


Previously, Professor Duh has supported HEL in enhancing its battery testing product portfolio by conducting product principles and industry application training for HEL’s sales and after-sales personnel and advising customers through the BTC User Training Conference. As Chief Scientifi c Advisor, he will continue his involvement with HEL’s application support team, conducting calorimeter demonstrations and customer data analysis, and driving the development and expansion of HEL’s reaction calorimeters.


Allen Wang, General Manager, HEL China, commented: “Following a long-standing relationship with Professor Duh, we are thrilled to offi cially appoint him as our Chief Scientifi c Advisor. His extensive experience in lithium-ion battery thermal safety will be invaluable in supporting the growth of the battery market in China, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Xiamen University to develop safer, larger batteries.”


Professor Yih-Shing Duh.


Professor Yih-Shing Duh, Chief Scientifi c Advisor at HEL Group, stated: “I am delighted to be working with HEL Group, both in an advisory capacity and through our joint research efforts into reaction hazard safety at the RHEL. H.E.L’s range of battery calorimeters is highly innovative, providing accurate insights into the thermal behaviour of batteries. I look forward to demonstrating their effi cacy to customers and partners through the upcoming seminars at Xiamen University.”


Register for Professor Duh’s seminar: ilmt.co/PL/LLqy More information online: ilmt.co/PL/bBd9


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Researchers discover affordable antidote for cobra bites


Scientists from the University of Sydney and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have discovered that heparin, a commonly used blood thinner, can be repurposed as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom.


Cobras kill thousands and severely injure many more each year, with venom-induced necrosis often leading to amputation. Current antivenoms are costly and ineffective against local necrosis.


“Our discovery could drastically reduce necrosis injuries from cobra bites and might also slow the venom, improving survival rates,” said Professor Greg Neely, a corresponding author of the study from the Charles Perkins Centreand Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney.


Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, an international team identifi ed ways to block cobra venom. They found that heparin and related drugs can stop the necrosis caused by bites.


Published in Science Translational Medicine, the study shows that heparin, an inexpensive and widely available drug, could be quickly implemented after successful human trials. “Heparin is a WHO-listed Essential Medicine and could become a cheap, safe, and effective treatment for cobra bites,” said lead author Tian Du, PhD student at the University of Sydney.


The team discovered that enzymes producing heparan and heparin are crucial for venom to cause necrosis. By fl ooding the bite site with ‘decoy’ heparin sulfate or related molecules, the antidote binds to and neutralises the venom toxins, preventing tissue damage.


Professor Nicholas Casewell from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine highlighted the signifi cance of this discovery for low- and middle-income countries, where snakebites are a major health issue.


Professor Greg Neely and PhD student Tian Du in the Charles Perkins Centre University of Sydney. Photo Fiona Wolf-USYD-hires


“Current antivenoms are largely ineffective against severe local envenoming, leading to signifi cant disability,” he said.


Snakebites cause up to 138,000 deaths annually, with 400,000 more suffering long-term consequences. In parts of India and Africa, cobra species are responsible for many incidents.


The World Health Organization aims to halve the global burden of snakebites by 2030. Professor Neely hopes this new antidote will help achieve that goal and reduce death and injury in the world’s poorest communities.


Professor Nicholas Casewell, (right) Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Photo credit Ben Gilbert


The research team uses CRISPR technology to identify and block genetic targets of venoms. This approach also led to an antidote for box jellyfi sh venom in 2019.


Professor Casewell’s Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions has over 50 years of expertise in improving antivenom treatments and understanding snake venom biology. The centre hosts leading experts and the UK’s largest collection of tropical venomous snakes.


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