Amicus (FOLD) Announces Positive Results, Phase 2 Pompe Disease

Amicus Therapeutics Announces Positive Results From All Four Cohorts in Phase 2 Chaperone-Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) Co-Administration Study for Pompe Disease

Strong Proof-of-Concept Data for Chaperone’s Ability to Stabilize and Enhance Activity and Uptake of Currently Marketed ERT Products for Pompe Disease

Results to be Presented at LDN WORLD Symposium in February 2013

Initiation of Repeat-Dose Pompe Study Anticipated in 3Q13

CRANBURY, N.J., Jan. 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amicus Therapeutics (Nasdaq: FOLD) today announced positive preliminary results from all 4 dose cohorts in a Phase 2 study (Study 010) to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) effects of the pharmacological chaperone AT2220 (duvoglustat HCl) co-administered with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Pompe disease (Myozyme^® and Lumizyme^®). Myozyme and Lumizyme (alglucosidase alfa, or recombinant human GAA enzyme, rhGAA) are the first and only approved treatments for Pompe disease. Based on the Study 010 results, Amicus expects to initiate a repeat-dose clinical study in the third quarter of 2013.

For people with Pompe disease, deficient GAA enzyme leads to the accumulation of glycogen in tissues affected by disease (primarily muscle). Preclinical data¹ demonstrated that AT2220 in combination with ERT enhances rhGAA enzyme activity, reduces glycogen accumulation, and potentially mitigates ERT-related immunogenicity in a mouse model of Pompe disease. In Study 010, co-administration of AT2220 to Pompe patients increased rhGAA enzyme activity and enhanced rhGAA enzyme uptake into muscle tissue compared to ERT alone.

John F. Crowley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, “Study 010 has established human proof-of-concept that AT2220-ERT co-administration increases GAA enzyme activity in muscle. We look forward to initiating our repeat-dose clinical study to investigate the effect of AT2220-ERT co-administration on ERT stability and activity, ERT-related immunogenicity, and other clinical measures. We believe that co-administration may deliver significant benefits compared to ERT alone and become an important therapy for people with Pompe disease.”

Additional details surrounding the development strategy for AT2220 in combination with ERT for Pompe disease will be provided during a live presentation and webcast at the 31^st Annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference on January 9, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. PT.

Study 010 Results – AT2220 Co-Administered with ERT (n=23)

Study 010 investigated single ascending oral doses of AT2220 co-administered with Myozyme or Lumizyme in patients with Pompe disease. The doses of AT2220 were 50 mg (Cohort 1), 100 mg (Cohort 2), 250 mg (Cohort 3), and 600 mg (Cohort 4). Each patient received one infusion of ERT alone, and then a single oral dose of AT2220 one hour before the next ERT infusion. Highlights from all four dose cohorts of AT2220 were as follows:

Safety: Single doses of AT2220 co-administered with ERT were well-tolerated, with no drug-related adverse events reported. In addition, AT2220 was cleared from muscle to near-undetectable levels by Day 7 in all four cohorts.

Recombinant Human GAA (rhGAA) Enzyme Activity in Plasma: 24-hour plasma PK was measured during and after each infusion. Plasma rhGAA activity increased in 23 out of 23 patients (100%) following co-administration and the increases were dose-related. These data suggest that co-administration increases the amount of stabilized, properly folded, and active rhGAA enzyme available for uptake into tissue.

Enzyme Activity in Muscle: Muscle biopsies were taken to measure GAA enzyme uptake into muscle tissue, with and without AT2220. In Cohort 1, all 4 patients had muscle biopsies on Day 7. In Cohorts 2-4, muscle biopsies were taken on Day 3 for half the patients, and on Day 7 for the other half of patients.

In Cohort 1, no consistent change in GAA enzyme activity was observed at day 7. In Cohorts 2, 3, and 4 the results show that more enzyme is taken up into muscle tissue following AT2220 co-administration compared to ERT alone. The effect was most pronounced at the highest (600 mg) dose of AT2220.

At Day 3 the GAA enzyme activity in muscle following co-administration compared to ERT alone in patients with evaluable biopsies increased by the following: 25% in Cohort 2 (n=3), 7% in Cohort 3 (n=3), and 133% in Cohort 4 (n=2). At Day 7 the GAA enzyme activity in muscle was lower relative to Day 3, as expected based on the cellular half-life of the enzyme. However, following co-administration compared to ERT alone in patients with evaluable biopsies the following increases were sustained: 20% in Cohort 2 (n=3), 40% in Cohort 3 (n=2), and 20% in Cohort 4 (n=3).

Effect of AT2220 on ERT-Related Immunogenicity Measured ex vivo

By stabilizing the folded and active form of the rhGAA enzyme, AT2220 may mitigate ERT-induced immunogenicity since unfolded and aggregated proteins are generally more antigenic than properly folded proteins. Recent published studies show that approximately 40% of the administered ERT can be captured by circulating antibodies and infusion associated reactions occur in approximately 50% of Pompe patients receiving ERT infusions.² Initial ex vivo studies using T cells derived from blood from 50 healthy donors demonstrated that the addition of AT2220 may significantly reduce the immunogenicity of Myozyme and Lumizyme. The studies utilized Antitope Ltd.’s EpiScreen™ assay and are being repeated in samples from the Pompe patients in Study 010. Results from these ex vivo studies may help to guide the clinical investigation of the effects of AT2220 on ERT-related immunogenicity.

Study 010 Design

Study 010 is a Phase 2 open-label, multi-center study to evaluate the safety and PK effects of four increasing oral doses of AT2220 (50 mg, 100 mg, 250 mg, or 600 mg) co-administered with ERT (Myozyme^®/Lumizyme^®) versus ERT alone in males and females with Pompe disease. The study enrolled male and female patients who had been on a stable dose and regimen of ERT for at least three months. All patients were given a regularly scheduled ERT infusion. One hour prior to the initiation of the next ERT infusion, patients received a single oral dose of AT2220. Plasma rhGAA activity and protein levels were evaluated during each infusion. Each patient underwent muscle biopsies three or seven days after each infusion to measure tissue GAA enzyme activity with and without the chaperone, as well as to measure the level of AT2220 in the muscle. More information about Study 010 can be obtained by visiting www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT1380743 or www.pompestudy.com.

About Amicus Therapeutics

Amicus Therapeutics (Nasdaq:FOLD) is a biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of developing therapies for rare diseases. The Company is developing orally-administered, small molecule drugs called pharmacological chaperones, a novel, first-in-class approach to treating a broad range of human genetic diseases. Amicus’ late-stage programs for lysosomal storage disorders include migalastat HCl monotherapy in Phase 3 for Fabry disease; migalastat HCl co-administered with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in Phase 2 for Fabry disease; and AT2220 co-administered with ERT in Phase 2 for Pompe disease.

About AT2220 for Pompe Disease

AT2220 is an investigational, orally-administered pharmacological chaperone owned exclusively by Amicus. The Company has completed a Phase 2 study (Study 010) of AT2220 (duvoglustat HCl) co-administered with the ERT alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme/Lumizyme) in individuals with Pompe disease. Published preclinical data¹ suggest that AT2220 in combination with this ERT may improve rhGAA enzyme activity, reduce glycogen accumulation, and potentially mitigate ERT-related immunogenicity in patients with Pompe disease.

Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness and respiratory insufficiency. It is caused by a deficiency in GAA activity, which leads to accumulation of glycogen in tissues affected by the disease (primarily muscle). Pompe disease affects an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 individuals worldwide and is clinically heterogeneous in the age of onset, the extent of organ involvement, and the rate of progression. Myozyme and Lumizyme (alglucosidase alfa, or recombinant human GAA enzyme, rhGAA) are the first and only approved treatments for Pompe disease. The clinical benefit of Myozyme and Lumizyme may be limited by low stability of the recombinant enzyme at neutral pH and body temperature, modest tissue uptake, and immune responses that affect tolerability and efficacy. Immune responses in the form of antibodies to rhGAA occur in a majority of Pompe patients receiving Myozyme/Lumizyme infusions³ and may limit treatment outcomes with ERT.

1.  Khanna R, et al., The Pharmacological Chaperone AT2220 Increases Recombinant Human Acid α-Glucosidase Uptake and Glycogen Reduction in a Mouse Model of Pompe Disease., PLoS ONE (2012) 7(7): e40776. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0040776.

2.  Banati M, et al., Enzyme Replacement Therapy Induces T-cell Responses in Late-Onset Pompe Disease., Muscle Nerve. 2011 Nov;44(5):720-6.

3.  Lacana E, et al., The Role of Immune Tolerance Induction in Restoration of the Efficacy of ERT in Pompe Disease., Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2012 160C:30-39

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to clinical development of Amicus’ candidate drug products and the timing and reporting of results from clinical trials evaluating Amicus’ candidate drug products. Words such as, but not limited to, “look forward to,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “targets,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “should” and “could,” and similar expressions or words identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations that involve risks, changes in circumstances, assumptions and uncertainties. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Amicus that any of its plans will be achieved. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this press release may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions Amicus might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. For example, with respect to statements regarding the potential goals, progress, timing and results of clinical trials, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the business of Amicus, including, without limitation: the potential that results of clinical or pre-clinical studies indicate that the product candidates are unsafe or ineffective; the potential that it may be difficult to enroll patients in our clinical trials; the potential that regulatory authorities may not grant or may delay approval for our product candidates; the potential that preclinical and clinical studies could be delayed because we identify serious side effects or other safety issues; the potential that we will need additional funding to complete all of our studies and, our dependence on third parties in the conduct of our clinical studies. Further, the results of earlier preclinical studies and/or clinical trials may not be predictive of future results. In addition, all forward looking statements are subject to other risks detailed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the year ended September 30, 2012. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Amicus undertakes no obligation to revise or update this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

FOLD–G

CONTACT: Investors/Media:
         Sara Pellegrino
         spellegrino@amicusrx.com
         (609) 662-5044

         Media:
         Dan Budwick
         (973) 271-6085
         dan@purecommunicationsinc.com

Good Times Restaurants (GTIM) Announces First Quarter Sales Increase

Cardium (CXM) To Report On Initiatives At Biotech Showcase 2013 Investment Conference

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) today announced that Christopher J. Reinhard, the Company’s Chairman & CEO, will present at the Biotech Showcase 2013 Conference, being held at the Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco Union Square Hotel, on Monday, January 7, 2013 at  2:15 p.m. (Pacific).  The presentation will be available live and by replay and can be accessed at http://www.media-server.com/m/p/xv9nyge4 or at Cardium’s website at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77949&p=irol-calendar.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20051018/CARDIUMLOGO)

The presentation will provide a corporate overview and include a review of the Company’s entrepreneurial initiatives, which include strategic partner-enabled product and platform opportunities that have been internally developed based on Cardium’s unique skill set, capabilities and technology.

Current entrepreneurial initiatives include: (1) the clinical development of Genedexa™ (previously referred to as the Excellarate™ product candidate), a DNA-based Phase 2b/3 product candidate initially for the treatment of chronic, non-healing diabetic foot ulcers and representing the first product extension from the Company’s FDA-cleared Excellagen^® technology platform; (2) LifeAgain™, a medical analytics and e-commerce platform of algorithms and medical-based social media programs that were developed by Cardium researchers to support a strategically partnered commercialization of specialized survivable risk life insurance underwritings for cancer patients and patients with chronic medical diseases, based on the improvement of early diagnosis and new chronic treatments and curative medical therapies; and (3) plans to leverage the established infrastructure, distribution capabilities and established retail network of To Go Brands^® through internal product development, external product acquisitions and strategic partnering.

Going forward, the Company may use alternative independent private financing strategies for one or more of these internally developed initiatives.  Cardium Therapeutics will continue to focus on its primary objectives that include: (1) the strategic partnering and commercialization of the FDA-cleared Excellagen^® product and platform; and (2) the successful completion of the DNA-based Generx^® Phase 3 development program. Information is provided in an updated investor presentation now available on Cardium’s website at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77949&p=irol-presentations.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium’s current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company’s newly-acquired To Go Brands^® nutraceutical business. The Company’s lead commercial product, Excellagen^® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium’s lead clinical development product candidate Generx^® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands^® develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers.  In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release or the referenced investor presentation are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that any entrepreneurial initiatives, including Genedexa, Life Again, and other prospective opportunities developed within Cardium, Tissue Repair Company or To Go Brands will be successfully developed and partnered or otherwise commercialized; that the results or trends observed in one clinical study or procedure will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized or will enhance our market value; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2013 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc.  All rights reserved.
For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Cardium Therapeutics^®, Generx^®,Cardionovo^®, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen^®, Genedexa™, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium^®, Appexium^®, Linée^®, Alena^®, Cerex^®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy^®, Neo-Carb Bloc^®, Neo-Chill^™, and Nutra-Apps^® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company.
To Go Brands^® is a trademark of To Go Brands, Inc.

SolarCity (SCTY) Announces Fiscal Year 2012 Update and Fiscal Year 2013 Guidance

SolarCity Corporation (Nasdaq:SCTY), a provider of clean, distributed energy, today announced an update on the Company’s megawatts (MW) deployed for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2012 and Q4 2012, and provided guidance on this metric for 2013.

“Following the completion of our IPO on December 12, 2012 and the completion of the fiscal year on December 31, the Company now has its first opportunity to provide an update on 2012 megawatt deployment and a forecast of megawatt deployment for 2013,” said SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive.

Fiscal Year 2012 Update

• In Fiscal Year 2012, the Company deployed 156 MW, against a plan of 146 MW deployed.
  • This represents 117% growth over 72 MW deployed in 2011.
  • Q4 2012 deployments totaled 47 MW.
  • Residential deployments were 85 MW for Fiscal Year 2012 and 30 MW for Q4 2012.
  • Commercial deployments, including non-residential government deployments, were 71 MW for Fiscal Year 2012 and 17 MW for Q4 2012.

Fiscal Year 2013 Guidance

• The Company expects Fiscal Year 2013 deployments to be 250 MW.
  • The Company expects residential deployments to be 190 MW in Fiscal Year 2013.
  • The Company expects commercial deployments to be 60 MW in Fiscal Year 2013.

In the future, the Company expects to provide guidance on these and other financial and operating metrics during its quarterly earnings calls, but is making an exception to that process now as it has not had the opportunity to provide 2013 guidance.

About SolarCity

SolarCity® (NASDAQ:SCTY) provides clean energy. The company has disrupted the century-old energy industry by providing renewable electricity directly to homeowners, businesses and government organizations for less than they spend on utility bills. SolarCity gives customers control of their energy costs to protect them from rising rates. The company offers solar power, energy efficiency and electric vehicle services, and makes clean energy easy by taking care of everything from design and permitting to monitoring and maintenance. SolarCity currently serves 14 states and signs a new customer every five minutes. Visit the company online at www.solarcity.com and follow the company on Facebook & Twitter.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements regarding 2013 megawatt deployment, future cashflow results, plans for investment, growth and future operations, and assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward looking statements, including the effect of electric utility industry regulations, net metering and related policies, the availability and amount of rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives, the availability and amount of financing from fund investors, the retail price of utility-generated electricity or the availability of alternative energy sources, the completion of year-end accounting procedures and the year-end audit and other factors. You should read the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our registration statement on Form S-1, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which identifies certain of these and additional risks and uncertainties. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Intellicheck (IDN) to Present at the Sidoti Micro-Cap Conference in NYC on Jan 7

Intellicheck Mobilisa, Inc. (NYSE MKT: IDN) (“the Company”), a global leader in access control and wireless security systems, announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Bill White, will be presenting at Sidoti & Company’s Annual Micro-Cap Conference to be held at the Grand Hyatt New York Hotel in New York City on Monday, January 7, 2013. He is scheduled to present from 8:40 am to 9:15 am ET in the Carnegie Hall Room.

About Sidoti & Company, LLC

Sidoti & Company, LLC, founded in 1999, continues to set the Wall Street standard for independent small-cap equity research. Its analysts mine dozens of industries to provide unbiased, institutional-quality research focusing on the investment merits of profitable companies at a sub-$3 billion market cap. For more information or to register for the conference, please visit http://microcap.sidoti.com.

About Intellicheck Mobilisa

Intellicheck Mobilisa is a leading technology company providing wireless technology and identity systems for various applications, including mobile and handheld access control and security systems for the government, military and commercial markets. Products include the Fugitive Finder system, an advanced ID card access control product currently protecting military bases and secure federal locations; ID Check, a patented technology that instantly reads, analyzes, and verifies encoded data in magnetic stripes and barcodes on government-issued IDs, designed to improve the Customer Experience for the financial, hospitality and retail sectors; and Aegeus, a wireless security buoy system for the government, military and oil industry. For more information on Intellicheck Mobilisa, please visit www.icmobil.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. When used in this press release, words such as “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “encouraged,” and similar expressions, as they relate to the company or its management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the company’s management identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the information presented here. Additional information concerning forward-looking statements is contained under the heading of risk factors listed from time to time in the company’s filings with the SEC. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information.

Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ) Reports December 2012 Sales Results

LYNNWOOD, WA — (Marketwire) — 01/03/13 — Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ: ZUMZ), a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories, today announced that total net sales for the five-week period ended December 29, 2012 increased 15.0% to $120.3 million, compared to $104.6 million for the five-week period ended December 31, 2011. The Company’s comparable store sales decreased 1.0% for the five-week period versus a comparable store sales increase of 10.0% in the year ago period.

To hear the Zumiez prerecorded December sales message, please dial (201) 689-8483 or (877) 523-5612, followed by the passcode # 986439 (ZUMIEZ).

About Zumiez Inc.

Zumiez is a leading multi-channel specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories, focusing on skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, motocross and BMX for young men and women. As of December 29, 2012 we operated 502 stores, 474 in the United States, 20 in Canada, and 8 in Europe. In the United States and Canada we operate under the name Zumiez and in Europe we operate under the name Blue Tomato. Additionally, we operate ecommerce web sites under www.zumiez.com and www.blue-tomato.com.

Company Contact:
Brian Leith
Director of Finance &
Investor Relations
Zumiez Inc.
(425) 551-1500, ext. 1610

Investor Contact:
ICR
Brendon Frey

Zalicus (ZLCS) Initiates the Second of Two Phase 2a Studies with Z160

Zalicus Inc. (NASDAQ: ZLCS), a biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops novel treatments for patients suffering from pain, today announced that it has initiated the second of two Phase 2a clinical studies with Z160, its first-in-class, oral, state-dependent, selective N-type (Cav2.2) calcium channel blocker for the potential treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. The Company also provided an overview of 2012 accomplishments.

Z160 is designed to selectively target neuronal pain signaling by modulating neurons that are undergoing high-frequency firing. Z160 has demonstrated efficacy in several animal models of neuropathic pain, and clinical trials in over 200 subjects have established Z160 as a safe and well tolerated drug candidate.

The second Phase 2a study with Z160 is enrolling subjects with Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), a chronic neuropathic pain state resulting from an outbreak of the herpes zoster virus, otherwise known as shingles. Due to this prolonged neuropathic pain, PHN is an industry-accepted standard condition for establishing clinical proof-of-concept for pharmaceutical product candidates seeking to address neuropathic pain. The 6-week, double-blind, multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled study is expected to enroll approximately 140 subjects and will be conducted in approximately 35 centers throughout the United States. The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy of Z160 compared to placebo in reducing pain in subjects with PHN as measured by the change in average weekly pain score from baseline to week 6 of treatment based on a daily 11-point Pain Intensity Numeral Rating Scale (PI-NRS).

“Postherpetic Neuralgia is an important medical condition for evaluating the activity of Z160 for three important reasons. First, it is a well-recognized standard for establishing clinical proof of concept in neuropathic pain; second, with a prevalence of less than 200,000 patients in the U.S., it has the potential for orphan drug status and could be a feasible first indication to pursue from a commercial perspective; and third, significant unmet medical need exists for novel, targeted and more efficacious chronic neuropathic pain therapies with improved safety and tolerability profiles such as Z160,” commented Mark H.N. Corrigan, MD, President and CEO of Zalicus.

The first Phase 2a clinical study with Z160, which began enrolling patients in August of 2012, is evaluating the activity of Z160 in subjects with pain associated with Lumbosacral Radiculopathy, a chronic neuropathic pain condition resulting from the compression or irritation of the nerve roots exiting the lumbar region of the spine.

2012 Accomplishments:

• Z160. Advanced Z160, a first-in-class, oral, state dependent, selective N-type calcium channel (Cav 2.2) blocker into two Phase 2a clinical trials for neuropathic pain including lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR) which began in the third quarter of 2012 and postherpetic neuralgia which began in the fourth quarter of 2012. Top line data from both studies are expected to be available late in the second half of 2013.
• Z944. Completed Phase 1 single and multiple ascending dose clinical studies with Z944 and are consulting with regulatory authorities on the clinical path forward. Z944 is a novel, oral, T-type calcium channel blocker which has demonstrated efficacy in a number of preclinical inflammatory pain models and other disease models. T-type calcium channels have been recognized as key targets for therapeutic intervention in a broad range of cell functions and have been implicated in pain signaling.
• Sodium Channel Blockers. Working to discover novel, oral, selective, state-dependent sodium channel blockers. Sodium channel blockers are a promising target linked to chronic pain.
• Exalgo. A 32mg dosage strength of Exalgo was approved by the FDA in August 2012. We have received over $7.9 million in royalty revenue on Exalgo sales through the quarter ended September 30, 2012.
• Prednisporin. Sanofi announced its intention to continue Prednisporin development under a third party sublicense. Future potential milestone payments and royalties to Zalicus will remain in place.
• cHTS. Our combination drug discovery research services business on track to generate approximately $7.0 million of revenue in 2012.

“During 2012, we made a number of advances with our novel ion channel programs, including advancing our novel formulation of Z160 into Phase 2 clinical development and advancing Z944 into the clinic,” commented Mark H.N. Corrigan, MD, President and CEO of Zalicus. “We plan to build on this success in 2013 by generating proof-of-concept data for Z160 in multiple indications and seeking to advance the development of our other ion channel programs.”

About Zalicus

Zalicus Inc. (Nasdaq: ZLCS) is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops novel treatments for patients suffering from pain. Zalicus has a portfolio of proprietary clinical-stage product candidates targeting pain such as Z160 and Z944 and has entered into multiple revenue-generating collaborations with large pharmaceutical companies relating to other products, product candidates and drug discovery technologies. Zalicus applies its expertise in the discovery and development of selective ion channel modulators and its combination high throughput screening capabilities to discover innovative therapeutics for itself and its collaborators in the areas of pain, inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. To learn more about Zalicus, please visit www.zalicus.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning Zalicus, its product candidates, their potential and the plans for their clinical and preclinical development, the Zalicus selective Ion channel modulation technology and related preclinical product candidates, Zalicus’ combination drug discovery technology, cHTS, and its financial condition, results of operations, and other business plans. These forward-looking statements about future expectations, plans, objectives and prospects of Zalicus may be identified by words like “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seek,” “plan” or “could” and similar expressions and involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including risks related to the sale and marketing of Exalgo by Covidien, risks related to the development and regulatory approval of Zalicus’ product candidates, including risks relating to formulation and clinical development of Z160 and Z944, the unproven nature of the Zalicus drug discovery technologies, the ability of the Company or its collaboration partners to initiate and successfully complete clinical trials of its product candidates, the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing or funding for its research and development, and those other risks that can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of Zalicus’ annual report on Form 10-K on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the other reports that Zalicus periodically files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those Zalicus contemplated by these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views and Zalicus does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views or events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release except as required by law.

Cardium (CXM) Announces Sales and Distribution Agreement With Academy Medical

Cardium Announces Sales and Distribution Agreement With Academy Medical to Promote Excellagen Clinical Adoption by U.S. Government Medical Providers

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) today announced a distribution agreement with Academy Medical, LLC to market, sell and distribute Excellagen to U.S. government medical providers, including the Veterans Administration (VA) healthcare system and military hospitals.  Excellagen is FDA-cleared, to support advanced wound care in a broad range of dermal wounds.  Academy Medical’s initial focus will be to provide education and training on the use of Excellagen in the treatment of traumatic wounds, non-healing venous, pressure and diabetic ulcers, limb salvage, and post-Mohs skin cancer surgery and to support distribution within its growing customer base of over 35 VA and military hospitals within the U.S.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20051018/CARDIUMLOGO)

The VA operates the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system.  With a healthcare budget of more than $50 billion, VA expects to have provided care to over 6.0 million patients during over 900,000 inpatient hospital admissions and nearly 80 million outpatient visits during 2012.  VA’s healthcare network includes 152 major medical centers and more than 800 community-based outpatient clinics.

“As the U.S. healthcare market continues to expand due to the aging population and with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, simpler-use and more cost-effective medical products like Excellagen have an opportunity to expand and grow within outcomes-oriented healthcare settings,” stated Christopher J. Reinhard, Chairman and CEO of Cardium.  “Our agreement with Academy Medical expands Cardium’s tactical access and distribution capabilities for Excellagen as we advance forward with our planned U.S. strategic partnering activities.  We are in discussions with potential strategic partners to establish representation, marketing and sales, or co-promotional arrangements along four U.S. vertical wound healing market channels: (1) podiatry, (2) wound care centers, hospitals, and long-term care facilities, (3) government medical service providers; and (4) dermatology.”

Consistent with Cardium’s long-term business strategy, the Company does not plan to establish an internal sales force for Excellagen.  This commercialization strategy is similar to other companies in the advanced wound care space.  For example, GraftJacket^® products developed by Wright Medical are now being marketed and sold by Kinetic Concepts Inc.; TEI Biosciences’ products are being sold by Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Stryker; and Cook Medical’s Oasis^® products are currently being marketed and sold by Healthpoint Biotherapeutics.

About Academy Medical, LLC

Academy Medical is a certified Veteran Owned Small Business specializing in the distribution of medical products to Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense hospitals and community-based outpatient clinics. As the largest distributor of biologics on the Federal Supply Schedule, Academy Medical supports veterans, healthcare providers, and governmental purchasing officials with cutting edge products backed by the company’s professional expertise. Additional information is available at www.academymedical.net.

About Excellagen

Excellagen is a syringe-based, professional-use, pharmaceutically-formulated 2.6% fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel that functions as an acellular biological modulator designed to accelerate the growth of granulation tissue and to activate the wound healing process.  Excellagen is FDA-cleared for the treatment of neuropathic and diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, surgical wounds, and other dermal wounds, and is intended for professional use following standard debridement procedures in the presence of blood cells and platelets, which are involved with the release of endogenous growth factors.  Excellagen’s unique high-molecular weight fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel formulation is topically applied through easy-to-control, pre-filled, sterile, single-use syringes and its viscosity-optimized gel formulation is designed for application at only one-week intervals.  Already-established standard CPT^® procedure reimbursement codes may apply when Excellagen is used with surgical debridement procedures.  Cardium is also advancing forward with the reimbursement process for Excellagen with Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurance providers.

There have been important, positive findings reported by physicians using Excellagen as part of our initial physician sampling, patient outreach and market “seeding” programs.  As case studies are being conducted, a number of physicians have reported a rapid onset of the growth of granulation tissue in a wide array of wounds, including non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (consistent with the results of Cardium’s Matrix clinical study), as well as pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and Mohs surgical wounds.  In certain cases, rapid granulation tissue growth and wound closure have been achieved with Excellagen following unsuccessful treatment with other advanced wound care approaches.  From a dermatology perspective, a previously unexplored vertical market, remarkable healing responses have been observed following Mohs surgery for patients diagnosed with squamous and basal cell carcinomas, including deep surgical wounds extending to the periosteum (a membrane that lines the outer surface of bones).  Additionally, because of the easy-use, and platelet activating capacity, physicians have been employing Excellagen in severe non-healing wounds at near-amputation status, in combination with autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy and collagen sheet products.  These case studies and positive physician feedback provide additional information regarding the diverse potential uses of Excellagen and support its medical utility as an important new tool to help promote the wound healing process.  Excellagen case studies are available at http://www.excellagen.com/surgical-wounds.html.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium’s current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company’s newly-acquired To Go Brands^® nutraceutical business. The Company’s lead commercial product, Excellagen^® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States.  Cardium’s lead clinical development product candidate Generx^® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands^® develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers.  In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that this or other distribution agreements will effectively expand access or lead to increased adoption by medical providers; that Academy Medical or other distributors will effectively provide education and training on the use of Excellagen or that it will be useful and used in non-healing venous, pressure and diabetic ulcers, limb salvage, and post-Mohs skin cancer surgery; that potential strategic partnerships will be successfully established; that results or trends observed in a clinical study or follow-on case studies will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized and their use reimbursed, or will enhance our market value; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2013 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc.  All rights reserved.
For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Cardium Therapeutics^®, Generx^®,Cardionovo^®, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen^®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium^®, Appexium^®, Linée^®, Alena^®, Cerex^®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy^®, Neo-Carb Bloc^®, Neo-Chill^™, and Nutra-Apps^® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company. To Go Brands^® is a trademark of To Go Brands, Inc.

Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Longwei (LPH) Raises FY Guidance with Increased Revenue Contribution from Huajie Facility

Company expects fiscal 2013 revenue to increase 30.7% to $667.3 million, with the new Huajie facility to contribute $121.0 million

TAIYUAN CITY, China, Jan. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Longwei Petroleum Investment Holding Ltd. (NYSE MKT: LPH) (“Longwei” or the “Company”), an energy company engaged in the storage and distribution of finished petroleum products in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), today announced that it has raised its full-year guidance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 (“FY13”).

Longwei now forecasts FY13 revenue to increase 30.7% year-over-year to $667.3 million, versus prior forecasts of $646.3 million.  Longwei also projects net income, adjusted for the warrant derivative liability, to grow approximately 23.0% year-over-year to $80.1 million, versus the prior forecast of $77.6 million.  The growth is primarily driven by the better-than-expected ramp-up of the new Huajie facility.  Longwei now expects revenue contribution from the Huajie facility of $121.0 million in FY13, up 21.0% from the prior forecast of $100.0 million.  The guidance does not account for any potential external financing for inventory, which could accelerate growth.

“The Huajie facility has captured significant market share in its region during its first three months of operations, leading to better-than-expected throughput.  This, combined with continued organic growth of the Taiyuan and Gujiao facilities, positions us well for strong growth in FY13,” said Cai Yongjun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Longwei.  “We expect strong quarterly top-line and bottom-line results for the period ended December 31, 2012.”

With the addition of the Huajie facility, the Company’s total storage capacity has increased to 220,000 metric tons (“mt”).  Longwei’s storage capacity is reported in metric tons based on the mass or weight of the product converted to volume storage based on the density of the product stored in its tanks, which consists of both above and below ground storage.  The volume storage capacity measurement is calculated in accordance with industry standards.  The tank inventory has been continuously audited under U.S. GAAP procedures by a U.S.-based, PCAOB-registered public accounting firm for the past six years.

The U.S. Department of Energy has developed an online calculator under its U.S. Energy Information Administration website for the conversion of metric tons to U.S. gallons: http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=about_energy_conversion_calculator-basics#mogascalc.

For the two months ended November 30, 2012, Longwei reported its revenue from product sales increased 35.0% to $107.5 million, compared to $79.6 million for the two months ended November 30, 2011.  Longwei’s product sales volume increased 26.1% for this two-month period year-over-year to 86,128mt, compared to 68,310mt for the two-month period ended November 30, 2011.  The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to the increase in the average sales price of petroleum between the periods and the volume growth of the new Huajie facility.

Longwei recently reported revenues of US $133.4 million and non-GAAP net income of $18.3 million or $0.18 per share, adjusted for the non-cash warrant derivative liability charge, for the first fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012.  The Company’s product sales volume increased 17.8% year-over-year to 110,587mt during the quarter.  As of September 30, 2012, the Company reported total assets of US $360.0 million and book value per share of $3.47.  The Company closed on the Huajie asset purchase on September 26, 2012.

The Company’s PRC wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Taiyuan Longwei Economy & Trading Co., was one of 15 companies in Taiyuan City and one of only 140 companies in Shanxi Province recognized on February 15, 2012 as a “Provincial Honorable and Credible Enterprise” for 2010.  The Company received the award from the Shanxi Administration for Industry and Commerce based on Longwei’s reputation as a company that honors its contractual obligations and maintains its credibility with customers.  “We have worked hard to build a good reputation for the Company over our 17-year operating history.  We believe our performance has earned us the trust of our customers and our shareholders, and we will vigorously defend our reputation,” stated Mr. Cai.

“China’s GDP growth next year will exceed 8%,” predicted Lu Zhongyuan, deputy director of the Development Research Center under the State Council, or China’s Cabinet.  “There is no doubt China’s economy will grow by more than 8% percent in 2013 and the government should focus more on promoting sustainable growth and containing imported inflation.  The economy has bottomed out since June of the year, buoyed by economic restructuring, innovation incentive and the market’s self-stabilizing forces,” Lu said.  He added, “This momentum will continue to drive up growth in the year ahead.” China Daily (December 30, 2012).

About Longwei Petroleum Investment Holding Limited

Longwei Petroleum Investment Holding Limited is an energy company engaged in the storage and distribution of finished petroleum products in the People’s Republic of China. The Company’s oil and gas operations consist of transporting, storing and selling finished petroleum products, entirely in the PRC. The Company’s headquarters are located in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province. The Company has a storage capacity for its products of 220,000 metric tons located at three storage facilities within Shanxi: Taiyuan, Gujiao and Huajie, which have an individual storage capacity of approximately 50,000 metric tons (“mt”), 70,000mt, and 100,000mt, respectively.  The Company has the necessary licenses to operate and sell petroleum products not only in Shanxi, but throughout the entire PRC. The Company’s storage tanks have the largest storage capacity of any non-government operated entity in Shanxi.

The Company seeks to earn profits by selling its products at competitive prices with timely delivery to transportation companies, coal mining operations, power supply customers, large-scale gas stations and small, independent gas stations. The Company also earns revenue from agency fees by acting as a purchasing agent for other intermediaries in Shanxi, and through limited sales of diesel and gasoline at two retail gas stations, each located at the Company’s Taiyuan and Gujiao facilities. The Company seeks to continue to expand its customer base and distribution platform through the utilization of its large storage capacity, which allows the Company the flexibility to take advantage of pricing, supply and demand fluctuations in the marketplace.

Longwei was recently named to the Forbes list of “Asia’s 200 Best Under a Billion” from a universe of 15,000 companies.  Forbes ranked the companies based on sales growth, earnings growth and return on equity in the past 12 months and over three years.  As was reported, Longwei’s three-year track record is 45% sales growth, 28% earnings per share growth and 28% return on equity.  The Forbes article can be found at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/christinasettimi/2012/07/25/asias-200-best-under-a-billion.

For further information on Longwei, please visit http://www.longweipetroleum.com. You may register to receive the Company’s future press releases on the website under ‘Email Alert.’

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Longwei’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, the actual results and performance of the Company may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Longwei’s operations are conducted in the PRC and, accordingly, are subject to special considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environment and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC and by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion, remittances abroad, and rates and methods of taxation. Other potential risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the ability to procure, properly price, retain and successfully complete projects, and changes in products and competition. Unless otherwise required by law, the Company also disclaims any obligation to update its view of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made here. Readers should review carefully reports or documents the Company files periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

At the Company:
Michael Toups, Chief Financial Officer
Tel: U.S. Office +1-727-641-1357
Email: mtoups@longweipetroleum.com
Web: http://www.longweipetroleum.com

Investor Relations:
Mike Bowdoin
RedChip Companies, Inc.
Tel: +1-800-733-2447, ext. 110
Email: mike@redchip.com
Web: http://www.redchip.com

Tina Xiao
Weitian Group LLC
Tel: +1-917-609-0333
Email: tina.xiao@weitian-ir.com
Web: http://www.weitian-ir.com

TransAtlantic Petroleum (TAT) Announces 2013 Capital Expenditure Budget

TransAtlantic Petroleum Announces 2013 Capital Expenditure Budget and Production Guidance, Provides Operations Update, and Announces Organizational Enhancements

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Jan. 2, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd. (TSX:TNP) (NYSE-AMEX:TAT) (the “Company” or “TransAtlantic”) announces the Company’s 2013 capital budget and production guidance, as approved by its Board of Directors, provides an operations update, and announces enhancements to the Company’s organizational structure.

2013 Capital Expenditure Budget

TransAtlantic’s Board of Directors has approved a capital expenditure budget for the twelve months ending December 31, 2013 of $131 million net to the Company. The budgeted spending includes $101 million of drilling and completion expense, $19 million of seismic and $11 million of infrastructure and other.

Approximately 32% of the Company’s spending is expected to be directed to the Thrace Basin, 40% toward activity on the Molla licenses, 19% at Selmo field, and 9% on exploration and other drilling.

Actual expenditures are likely to deviate from this initial plan according to drilling results, commodity prices, cash flow and capital availability (including the consummation of one or more joint ventures). The Company expects cash flow, available credit, and cash on hand will be sufficient to fund this spending program. TransAtlantic continues to work on forming a joint venture on several of the Company’s licenses. The successful consummation of a joint venture may also provide cash for planned activities and necessitate increased drilling activity.

2013 Production Guidance

TransAtlantic currently expects production during 2013, excluding any impact from exploration drilling, to total 1.8 million to 2.1 million barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) or an average production rate of between 5,000 and 5,700 boe per day. Crude oil is expected to account for approximately 60% of production volumes.

Regional CapEx Detail and Operations Update

Molla Area

Production from the Goksu-3H has continued at an encouraging rate, averaging 425 bbls of oil per day over its first 30 days of production, 412 bbls of oil per day over its first 60 days of production, and 477 bbls of oil per day over a recent seven day period. To further evaluate the play concept, during 2013 TransAtlantic plans to target the Mardin formation with six horizontal and one vertical wells in the Molla licenses (100% working interest).

The Company is pleased to announce that TransAtlantic’s first Bedinan test in the Molla licenses, the Bahar-1 exploration well, was successfully fracture stimulated on December 2, 2012. Sales volumes from the Bahar-1 started at a daily rate of 576 bbls of oil on December 5, 2012 and averaged 375 bbls of oil per day over the subsequent 20 days. In addition to the Bedinan oil flow test, the Hazro formation in Bahar-1 is also being tested. The Hazro exhibited oil and gas shows on the mud logs while drilling which was then corroborated by open hole log analysis and early test results are indicating productivity of approximately 150 bbls of oil per day. After the Hazro test, the Company will determine the appropriate production configuration to resume sales from the well.

In light of the Bahar-1 results, the Company plans to drill three wells targeting the Dadaş shale and/or Bedinan sandstone during 2013. TransAtlantic has recently spud the Bahar-2 exploration well, which will be drilled as a horizontal well in the Bedinan sandstone and is expected to be completed with a multi-stage frac.

TransAtlantic has allocated $15 million for seismic activities and infrastructure in the Molla area in order to appraise both the Mardin and Bedinan discoveries.

Selmo Field

As a result of advanced modeling based on reinterpreted 3D seismic and well control, the Company believes that horizontal drilling can be of large benefit to Selmo’s development. TransAtlantic’s budget therefore includes plans to drill five horizontal and one deep vertical test wells in Selmo field during 2013. The Company also expects to fracture stimulate seven existing Selmo wells during the year.

Thrace Area

During 2013 TransAtlantic plans to drill 17 wells in the Tekirdag Field area development program (41.5% working interest), eight wells testing the Hayrabolu structure area, and 11 wells in other licenses. Additionally, TransAtlantic has allocated $4 million for seismic activities and infrastructure.

Exploration Activity

During 2013 TransAtlantic plans to drill an appraisal well at Gaziantep and resume activity in Bulgaria. In the Gaziantep area, completion activity on the Alibey-1H exploration well (62.5% working interest) began in early December. Production during swabbing operations has indicated initial productivity of approximately 150 bbls of oil per day from the first stage of perforations. TransAtlantic and its partners have elected to temporarily suspend activity on the well as winter weather conditions have impeded equipment and personnel movement. The remaining prospective intervals will be completed and the well equipped for production when weather and completion tools dictate. The Company plans to drill a second well in its Gaziantep licenses to appraise the discovery and successful horizontal well test at the Alibey-1H well.

TransAtlantic is currently drilling below 9,300 feet at the Durokoy-1 well on the Idil license. The Konak-1 well on the Gurun license in central Turkey did not encounter economic levels of hydrocarbons.

Organizational Enhancements

As a result of the Company’s successful initial results in several new plays in Southeastern Turkey, and continued activity in the Thrace Basin, TransAtlantic has advanced an ongoing process to increase internal exposure to resource development practices among management and evaluation personnel. As part of this strategy, TransAtlantic is evolving toward a hub-and-spoke structure, with a strong technical team based in Dallas, Texas and regional outposts staffed predominately with local experts and asset-focused, execution-minded, operating teams who rotate frequently to North America to facilitate exposure to resource play concepts and related technology.

N. Malone Mitchell, 3^rd, TransAtlantic’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, “I am encouraged by our recent successful activity in Southeastern Turkey. We are continuing to evolve our internal structure to most appropriately develop the resources we have identified. We have a good team in place to advance our 2013 strategy, and we will continue to bolster our team with targeted hires with skills appropriate for resource development. With some successful execution of development wells with horizontal multi-completions, I believe 2013 may prove to be an impactful year for TransAtlantic.”

In facilitating this strategy, TransAtlantic’s Board of Directors has appointed Ian Delahunty to the role of President. Mr. Delahunty joined TransAtlantic in 2008 and has worked with the Company’s operations in Turkey, Romania and Morocco and has recently served as Vice President, Business Development and as Vice President, Engineering overseeing completions and workovers. Prior to working with TransAtlantic, Mr. Delahunty worked as a Senior Engineer with Schlumberger in Vietnam and the United States and as a Completions Engineer with Oxy in the United States. Mr. Delahunty will oversee all business and operational aspects of the Company and its subsidiaries and will continue leading TransAtlantic’s Business Development efforts.

Justin R. Davis has been named Vice President, Engineering and will manage production operations. Mr. Davis’ background includes significant tight reservoir experience, including previous roles serving as Operations Manager for Riata Energy’s Piceance Basin project in Colorado and stimulation design and engineering for SandRidge Energy’s West Texas assets. Mr. Davis was also previously employed in various management positions with Viking International, TransAtlantic’s former oilfield services subsidiary. In his new role Mr. Davis is responsible for completions and production engineering, and operations.

The Company has recently hired Mitchell R. Whatley to serve as Drilling Manager. Mr. Whatley is expected to start with TransAtlantic in mid-January 2013 after serving the past two years with Pioneer Natural Resources with a particular emphasis on the Eagle Ford shale. Mr. Whatley also served two years with EnCana Oil and Gas in roles targeting the Deep Bossier and the Haynesville shale plays.

Mr. Mitchell and Mustafa Yavuz will continue in their existing roles as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively.

Ian Delahunty, TransAtlantic’s President, stated, “As a result of the discovery of the Goksu field, the successful horizontal well test at Goksu-3H, the discovery and successful application of fracture stimulation at Bahar-1, the horizontal well discovery at Alibey-1H, and the ongoing activities in the Thrace basin, TransAtlantic has identified key organizational elements essential to advancing resource development expertise. A major part of our 2013 strategy will be to promote our technical leadership and asset team based structure.”

About TransAtlantic

TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd. is an international energy company engaged in the acquisition, development, exploration and production of oil and natural gas. The Company holds interests in developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas properties in Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania.

The TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12745

(NO STOCK EXCHANGE, SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN.)

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements regarding TransAtlantic’s capital spending plans for the twelve months ending December 31, 2013, oil and natural gas production expectations during the twelve months ending December 31, 2013, planned drilling of vertical and horizontal wells, planned seismic and infrastructure construction, expected start date of Mitchell R. Whatley as Drilling Manager, and other expectations, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions or information about future events, conditions, results of operations or performance that may constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. In addition to other assumptions identified in this news release, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the ability of the Company to continue to develop and exploit attractive foreign initiatives.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements or information. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to market prices for natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil products; estimates of reserves and economic assumptions; the ability to produce and transport natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil; the results of exploration and development drilling and related activities; economic conditions in the countries and provinces in which we carry on business, especially economic slowdowns; actions by governmental authorities, receipt of required approvals, increases in taxes, legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to fracture stimulation activities, changes in environmental and other regulations, and renegotiations of contracts; political uncertainty, including actions by insurgent groups or other conflict; the negotiation and closing of material contracts; shortages of drilling rigs, equipment or oilfield services.

The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Note on boe

Barrels of oil equivalent, or boe, is derived by the Company by converting natural gas to oil in the ratio of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) of natural gas to one bbl of oil. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf to 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation.

CONTACT: Chad Potter, VP, Financial and Investor Relations
         (214) 220-4323
         http://www.transatlanticpetroleum.com
         16803 Dallas Parkway
         Suite 200
         Addison, Texas 75001

ModusLink (MLNK) Receives NASDAQ Extension

ModusLink Global Solutions^™, Inc. (NASDAQ: MLNK) today announced that the NASDAQ Hearings Panel has granted the Company’s request to extend the stay of suspension of trading of the Company’s common stock pending completion of the hearing process and a final determination regarding continued listing. The Company received the extension by a letter received on December 31, 2012.

The Company is working to complete its previously announced process to restate financial results for certain prior periods and become current in its periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As disclosed on December 13, 2012, the Company received a letter from NASDAQ advising that because the Company remains noncompliant with the filing requirements for continued listing, the Company’s common stock is subject to suspension under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1). The Company exercised its right to appeal this determination and a hearing before NASDAQ’s Hearings Panel was granted by NASDAQ, and has been scheduled for January 31, 2013. The request for the hearing triggered a stay of the suspension for 15 days and the latest action by the NASDAQ Hearings Panel extends that stay until the hearing is held and a final determination is made. The Company will provide an update regarding its continued listing status after its hearing is conducted before the NASDAQ Hearings Panel and once a decision on the matter has been reached.

About ModusLink Global Solutions

ModusLink Global Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: MLNK) executes comprehensive supply chain and logistics services that improve clients’ revenue, cost, sustainability and customer experience objectives. ModusLink is a trusted and integrated provider to the world’s leading companies in consumer electronics, communications, computing, medical devices, software, luxury goods and retail. The Company’s operating infrastructure annually supports more than $80 billion of its clients’ revenue and manages approximately 470 million product shipments through more than 30 sites in 15 countries across North America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific region. For details on ModusLink’s flexible and scalable solutions visit www.moduslink.com and www.valueunchained.com, the blog for supply chain professionals.

ModusLink Global Solutions is a registered trademark of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. All other company names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Forward Looking Information

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements,” including those statements regarding: the Company’s progress toward completing the restatement process; the expected date for the NASDAQ hearing and the duration of the stay. Actual and anticipated future results may vary materially due to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: unanticipated accounting issues or audit issues regarding the financial data for the periods to be restated or adjusted; the inability of the Company or its independent registered public accounting firm to confirm relevant information or data; unanticipated issues that prevent or delay the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm from concluding the audit or that require additional efforts, procedures or review; the Company’s inability to design or improve internal controls to address identified issues; there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its appeal, receive a further extension from NASDAQ and remain listed on NASDAQ; there can be no assurance the Company will complete its restatement and become current in its regulatory filings by any future extension date approved by NASDAQ; the impact upon operations of legal compliance matters or internal controls review, improvement and remediation, including the detection of wrongdoing, improper activities or circumvention of internal controls; difficulties in controlling expenses, including costs of legal compliance matters or internal controls review, improvement and remediation; global economic conditions, especially in the technology sector, which are uncertain and subject to volatility; demand for our clients’ products, which may decline or may not achieve the levels anticipated by our clients; strain on managerial and operational resources as they try to oversee the expanded operations; failure to realize the expected benefits of restructuring and cost cutting actions; failure to expand operations in accordance with its business strategy; difficulty achieving and sustaining operating profitability if the Company’s cash balances are not sufficient to allow the Company to meet all of its business and investment goals; difficulties integrating technologies, operations and personnel in accordance with its business strategy; the Company derives a significant portion of its revenue from a small number of clients, and therefore the loss of any of those clients could significantly damage the Company’s financial condition and results of operations; the Company frequently sells to its supply chain management clients on a purchase order basis rather than pursuant to contracts with minimum purchase requirements, and therefore its sales and the amount of projected revenue that is actually realized are subject to demand variability; the Company’s pipeline of sales opportunities represents potential sales transactions and estimated annual revenue therefrom and there can be no assurance that such sales efforts will be successful or that the potential revenue will be realized; risks inherent with conducting international operations; increased competition and technological changes in the markets in which the Company competes; and the potential outcome and impact of the Company’s ongoing review of strategic alternatives. Further, there can be no assurance that the Company’s review of strategic alternatives will lead to any transaction, result in increased value to its stockholders or the realization of long-term value by stockholders.

Radiant (RLGT) Awarded More Than $650,000 and Injunctive Relief in DBA Arbitration

BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Radiant Logistics, Inc. (NYSE MKT: RLGT), a domestic and international logistics services company, today announced it was awarded more than $650,000 in damages from the former shareholders of DBA Distribution Services, Inc., a company it purchased in March 2011.  In the Award of Arbitration, the arbitrator found that the DBA Shareholders breached certain representations and warranties and awarded Radiant Logistics, Inc. $654,052 for such breaches.  In addition, the arbitrator found that Paul Pollara breached his noncompetition obligation to Radiant and enjoined Mr. Pollara from engaging in any activity in contravention of his obligations of noncompetition and nonsolicitation, including activities that relate to Santini Productions and his spouse, Bretta Santini Pollara until December 29, 2014.   Finally, the arbitrator ordered Paul Pollara to pay Radiant more than $21,000, the amount of salary he received while employed by DBA and concurrently violating his noncompetition and nonsolicitation obligations.  The Award also provided that the former DBA Shareholders and Mr. Pollara must pay to Radiant the administrative fees, compensation and expenses of the arbitrator associated with the arbitration.

“The Award of Arbitration was welcomed progress in the dispute with the former DBA Shareholders,” said Bohn Crain, Founder and CEO. “The arbitration effectively awarded damages of $650,000 for claims other than the breaches of Paul Pollara under his employment agreement with our wholly owned subsidiary DBA Distribution Services, Inc. and claims in a related matter before the California Superior Court against Bretta Pollara and Oceanair, Inc.  The $650,000 award will be taken as an off-set against amounts otherwise due the former DBA Shareholders and recognized as a gain, net of associated legal costs, for the quarter ended December 31, 2012.”

Mr. Crain continued: “While we are committed to vigorously protecting our interests in situations like these, it is important to draw a distinction between the bad acts of a few individuals and the solid contributions being made by members of the DBA network across the country. We are very proud to have DBA as part of the Radiant family and although this dispute has been a distraction, it has not prevented us from progressing our growth strategy. In this regard, we look forward to providing additional updates on our integration efforts in Los Angeles and other positive network developments in the near future.”

About Radiant Logistics: (NYSE MKT: RLGT)
Radiant Logistics (www.RadiantDelivers.com) is a non-asset based transportation and logistics company providing domestic and international freight forwarding and fulfillment services through a network of company-owned and exclusive agent offices across North America.  The company operates under the Radiant, Airgroup, Adcom, and DBA brands servicing a diversified account base including manufacturers, distributors and retailers using a network of independent carriers and international agents positioned strategically around the world.

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding future operating performance, events, trends and plans. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s plans and objectives, projections, expectations and intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, the actual results and performance of the Company may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, the Company also disclaims any obligation to update its view of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made here. Additional information concerning certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from that projected or suggested is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), copies of which are available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from the Company.

BioCryst (BCRX) to Present at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:BCRX) today announced that Jon Stonehouse, President and Chief Executive Officer of BioCryst is scheduled to present and provide a corporate summary and update regarding the Company at the 31^st annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on Thursday, January 10, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

Links to a live audio webcast and replay of the presentation may be accessed on the BioCryst website events page at http://investor.shareholder.com/biocryst/events.cfm.

About BioCryst Pharmaceuticals

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals designs, optimizes and develops novel small molecule drugs that block key enzymes involved in infectious and inflammatory diseases, with the goal of addressing unmet medical needs of patients and physicians. BioCryst currently has two late-stage development programs: peramivir, a viral neuraminidase inhibitor for the treatment of influenza, and ulodesine, a purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) inhibitor for the treatment of gout. In addition, BioCryst has several early-stage programs: BCX4161 and a next generation oral inhibitor of plasma kallikrein for hereditary angioedema, BCX4430, a broad spectrum antiviral for hemorrhagic fevers, and BCX5191, a nucleoside analog inhibitor of HCV RNA polymerase (NS5B) for hepatitis C. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.BioCryst.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding future results and achievements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents BioCryst files periodically with the SEC and located at http://investor.shareholder.com/biocryst/sec.cfm.