Technology

Lucius Partners Portfolio Company, PD Theranostics, Completes its Merger with Ovation.io Creating a Multiomic Data Company Which Owns a Unique Population-Scale Biobank of Disease-Specific Biospecimens

Published

2 years ago

September 5, 2024

Ovation owns a unique population-scale biobank of consented and linkable disease-specific biospecimens, which includes more than 1.6 million samples from over 600,000 United States based patients; approximately one-third are tissue samples. Ovation plans to continue expanding the biobank with the addition of 200,000 + patient samples per monthOvation’s biobank includes tissue, blood and other sample types from patients with diseases of current discovery and development interest including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardio-metabolic/GLP-1, various types of cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s diseaseThe Company plans to produce a database of linked omics and patient/clinical data for each diseaseThe merger combines teams with deep domain expertise in human genetics, disease pathogenesis, and pathology

NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ovation and PDTx today announced the completion of their merger. The new entity creates an industry-leading multiomics data company managed by a team with deep expertise in genomics data, sequencing, bioinformatics, cell biology and imaging, AI/ML and data commercialization. The Company’s enhanced platform capabilities and data libraries can drive deeper insights into cellular biology and gene expression for research, drug development, and clinical decision making and across a broad range of diseases.

“We believe the two companies are deeply complementary and will provide our customers with best-in-class, diverse multiomics data,” said Curt Medeiros, CEO of Ovation. “These one-of-a-kind data sets will combine Ovation’s DNA and RNA sequencing of patient samples in a given disease state with PDTx’s mapping of cellular footprints, spatial context, immune system functionality and markers, as well as clinical pathology imaging. This will help drive our client’s R&D efforts, from target and biomarker discovery, through optimized clinical trial enrollment.”

Human genomic data has become an increasingly important tool in disease target and biomarker discovery. By analyzing an individual’s genetic makeup, especially in relation to clinical progression and outcomes, researchers are able to better understand the underlying causes of diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Ovation is building the world’s broadest commercially available human genomic dataset that brings together whole genome sequences with longitudinal clinical records at the patient level (“clinic-genomics data”) to address the speed and cost at which new research efforts can be powered by human genomics. This clinic-genomics database will enable a depth and breadth of analytics not currently possible due to the scale, continuous flow of new patient samples, and diversity of patients.

“The Ovation and PDTx teams are energized and have been collaborating for the past year to position our first proof-of-concept programs in IBD and prostate cancer for groundbreaking results,” said Patrick Gallagher, CEO of PDTx. “The in-house biobank will allow the team to accelerate data generation and more fully leverage the PDTx platform’s high dimensional multiomic modalities that characterize cellular status. This includes changes in and predictiveness of proteins, glycans, metabolites, and cell-cell spatial relationships that can drive discovery and correlations with pathological features of disease severity, progression and therapeutic response.”

PDTx has developed a disease-agnostic platform to analyze data collected across multiple high-dimensional imaging technologies to discover new drug development targets and identify critical biomarkers of disease progression and therapeutic response. The PDTx platform provides the ability to visualize the presence, concentration, and distribution of molecules and analyze intra- and inter-molecular and phenotypic single-cell relationships and their impact on morphology. Ovation will retain PDTx’s exclusive global license for the platform and its intellectual property from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center (VIC) at (MGH).

“We are incredibly excited to collaborate with the research team at Ovation,” said Mark Poznansky, M.D., Ph.D, scientific co-founder of PDTx and director of the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Connecting genetic data with cellular, structural, and chemical details of tissue affected by IBD or prostate cancer can lead to important translational medical progress. For example, our combining a multiomics platform that provides information on both the genetic and protein signature in blood as well the location of specific chemicals and cells within a tissue, can help identify new sets of biomarkers that are potentially impactful diagnostically and prognostically as well as revealing of new disease-related therapeutic targets.”

By combining imaging and sequencing, state-of-the-art multiomics can map the location of specific proteins and chemical products in tissues and identify the location and the presence of these chemical entities. This provides a critical perspective about the cellular microenvironment and inter-cellular interactions in biopsies of diseased tissue.

“This merger leverages a platform with unparalleled scalability to create a leading multiomics company with, ultimately, unparalleled data access and richness,” said James Ahern, Managing Partner of Laidlaw & Company and co-founder of Lucius Partners. “The unique capabilities it creates will speed the development of cost-saving, efficacious, patient-driven solutions for the healthcare industry and continue to enhance shareholder value. We greatly appreciate our shareholder’s support of this important vision.”

About Ovation

Ovation is an omics data company committed to accelerating the development of precision medicine. Ovation provides life sciences R&D teams access to high-quality omics data linked to rich, longitudinal clinical data, across therapeutic areas, at population scale. Ovation’s data increases the probability of success for drug discovery by enabling the identification and validation of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The company has an extensive biobank of more than 1.6 million geographically diverse, consented biospecimens from over 625,000 unique patients. For more information, visit www.ovation.io or follow the company on LinkedIn.

About PD Theranostics

PDTx is a data-driven healthcare company focused on leveraging proprietary workflows and using multi-parameter imaging-based methodologies to generate robust, one-of-a-kind multi-omic cellular biology-based databases for numerous disease states. Our proprietary imaging processes, (developed by scientific co-founders of PDTx and the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, MGH, Drs. Patrick Reeves, Ruxandra Sîrbulescu, and Mark Poznansky), driven by a multi-omics approach, will generate spatial roadmaps of human cancers and other diseases, leading to unparalleled data richness and depth. Through our ability to map tissue structures and immune populations, we believe we could more clearly define disease stage, and likelihood of disease progression, and identify the most efficacious treatment regimens for each patient.

Contact Information

Patrick Gallagher, CEO
PD Theranostics, Inc.
Managing Partner
Lucius Partners, LLC
pgallagher@luciuspartnersllc.com

James Ahern, Founder
Lucius Partners, LLC
jahern@luciuspartnersllc.com

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the advancement and development of the Ovation Platform and other information that is not historical information. When used herein, words such as “anticipate”, “being”, “will”, “plan”, “may”, “continue”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based on Ovation’s current expectations and various assumptions. Ovation believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. Ovation may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation, market conditions. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as Ovation’s current plans, estimates and beliefs. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Ovation cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Ovation does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update, republish, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by law.

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SOURCE Lucius Partners, LLC

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meridian-singapore-immigration-launches-new-website-to-simplify-the-pr-application-journey-for-foreigners-in-singapore-302757392.html

SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

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SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.