Japanese Market Opportunities Update
In September, I was invited to present a lecture to the Japanese Society for Water Design in Tokyo. My presentation focused on the scientific research and business development activities of MDI, specifically the areas of HIV/AIDS research work, and the sterilization and anti-bacterial activity of MDI-P. This was an unusually beneficial opportunity, as MDI was the only corporate entity invited to present it's work. Attending this conference were approximately 50 scientists and business development professionals from Japanese industry. As a result of my presentation, I was invited by several Japanese companies to schedule meetings to explore possible licensing, joint venture and other strategic alliances.
The Japanese market is already engaged in full scale commercialization of "function waters" for a variety of applications including: water purification, waste water treatment, food processing and sterilization, and agriculture applications. To date, there has been very limited activity in the medical therapeutics area utilizing "function water". This void is one in which MDI can play an integral role, and as a result we are now actively engaged in discussions with several large Japanese pharmaceutical companies to explore mutual areas of cooperation in utilizing MDI-P in the medical arena. I will be traveling to Tokyo in December along with Dr. Novick to further these discussions.
MDI Continues its Global Expansion
It should be clear that the rapid development of the elctrolyzed "functional waters" business is indicative of the ever increasing world-wide interest and demand for practical and innovative improvements in healthcare and the environment. Scientific evidence supports the fact that these technologies and approaches in this area are effective and have broad applications in health (medical, agricultural, food processing and cosmetic) and the environment (decontamination, water purification, waste water treatment and water quality).
MDI's recent activities in technology development, and strategic alliances make it imperative that every possible potential market opportunity is fully exploited. In this regard, MDI must increase it's international presence and seek to establish itself in key international target markets. Additionally, as MDI enters markets with commercialized versions of it's proprietary technologies, we must inevitably focus our attention on product development, manufactuing and distribution.
Two strategic markets are vital to out new developments and future growth: Canada and Europe.
The Canadian market is important to MDI as a potential base for product manufacturing and international distribution. Additionally, environmental issues have long been a priority of the Canadian people and Government, and both have shown recent interest in assisting Medical Discoveries, Inc. due, in part, to the technologies we now possess, and future products that will serve these interests. Also, Canada plays a strategic role in international product registration in the medical products arena, and can serve as a revenue producing market opportunity while MDI awaits US FDA product approvals.
To assist MDI in establishing a presence in and developing the Canadian market, I have identified two individuals whose experience, skills and professionalism are a perfect match for this endeavor: Mr. Naomichi Aoki and Mr Patrick Wanamaker.
For over four years, I have worked closely with Naomichi Aoki, both in North America and in Japan. Naomichi brings to a future Canadian operation a unique combination of international business skills and demonstrated success. During my association with him, Naomichi was instrumental in developing and negotiating over 20 international business development agreements ranging from product development, technology transfer and distribution. Mr Aoki, a Canadian citizen, is bilingual in Japanese and English, and has been working with me and our colleagues in Japan since May of this year (1997). Naomichi is part of the team whcih has been so successful in identifying and developing our alliances in Japan.
Joining Naomichi is Mr. Pat Wanamaker, a seasoned Banking Manager with over twnety years experience in business, financing, and capitolizing of start-up and development stage companies. Pat began his banking career in 1968 with Bank of Montreal, serving in various executive positions during his twenty year tenure. After serving as Branch Manager in Peterborough, Ontario, Pat later joined Central Guaranty Trust/Toronto Dominion Bank as Manager in the Personel Lending Group. Since 1964, Pat has been in the private industrial sector.
In Europe, health care, quality of life and environmental issues continue to play an important role in the growth and development of the European Union (EU). The EU, established with the purpose of a unified Europe for business growth and financial strength, is potentially the second largest market in the world. The technologies which MDI now possess, and the potential markets which these technologies and resultant products will serve, makes it imperative that we quickly assess and identify strategic alliances within the EU. While it is premature to elaborate on our activites in the EU to date, let me assure you that we are actively pursuing opportunities there, and have identified potential alliances which will enable MDI to quickly and aggressively enter these markets. During the first quarter of 1998, we should be able to make important announcements in this regard.
More later... |
