Archive for December, 2013

(RSOL) and Green Lantern Capital Partner to Develop 4.5 MW

Solar Projects to Offset More Than 204 Million Pounds of CO2 Emissions Over Next 25 Years

LOUISVILLE, Colo., Dec. 30, 2013  — RGS Energy, the commercial and utility division of Real Goods Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:RSOL), has joined forces with Green Lantern Capital to co-develop seven solar projects totaling 4.5 megawatts (MW) in Vermont.

RGS Energy will design, install, monitor and maintain the solar power systems. The company expects to begin construction in summer of 2014 and complete it by November.

On an annual basis, the solar power systems will be designed to generate more than 5.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity. Over the next 25 years, the solar energy produced would offset more than 204 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent to taking over 19,000 cars off the road or planting over 2.3 million trees (estimated per EPA-based data). The new solar projects will also help Vermont reach its goal of 20% renewable energy by 2017.

“Through these projects, we will be enabling municipalities, schools and businesses to reduce their energy costs while at the same time promoting solar energy,” said Luke Shullenberger, Green Lantern Capital’s founder and managing partner. “We partnered with RGS Energy, a pioneering solar company in the country, because of the best practices they have developed around quality and safety through their extensive experience building similar projects in Vermont and elsewhere.”

Tim Seamans, RGS Energy’s general manager, commented: “We have very deep solar roots in the Northeast, especially in Vermont where we have successfully installed more than 10 megawatts of solar, more than any other company. In collaboration with Green Lantern Capital, we are expanding in this important market segment. We are proud that the design, management and construction of these projects will help bring new jobs to Vermont, while supporting the state’s renewable energy goals.”

About Green Lantern Capital
Green Lantern of Waterbury Vermont is a development consulting and project financing company with a focus on distributed energy, clean-tech and real estate. The firm leverages relationships with institutional investors, family offices and lenders, and provides comprehensive, structured financing and asset management solutions for commercial-scale projects. From concept through to final commissioning, Green Lantern brings a focused, professional approach to its engagements, and makes projects happen. For more information, visit www.greenlanterncapital.com.

About Real Goods Solar, Inc.
Real Goods Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:RSOL) is one of the nation’s pioneering solar energy companies serving commercial, residential, and utility customers. Beginning with one of the very first photovoltaic panels sold to the public in the U.S. in 1978, the company has installed more than 16,000 solar power systems representing well over 120 megawatts of 100% clean renewable energy. Real Goods Solar makes it very convenient for customers to save on their energy bill by providing a comprehensive solar solution, from design, financing, permitting and installation to ongoing monitoring, maintenance and support. As one of the nation’s largest and most experienced solar power players, the company has 17 offices across the West and the Northeast. It services the commercial and utility markets through its RGS Energy division. For more information, visit RealGoodsSolar.com or RGSEnergy.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/realgoodssolar and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/realgoodssolar.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements relating to matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “should” or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy. While Real Goods Solar believes its assumptions and expectations underlying forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not be materially different. Risks and uncertainties that could cause materially different results include, among others, failure to complete the solar projects described above in a timely manner or at all, receiving shareholder approval for the proposed merger with Mercury Energy, Inc. (“Mercury”), successfully closing the Mercury merger, realizing synergies and other benefits from the Mercury merger, introduction of new products and services, completion and integration of acquisitions, possibility of negative economic conditions and other risks and uncertainties included in Real Goods Solar’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Real Goods Solar assumes no duty to update any forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Media and Investor Relations Contact
         Ron Both
         Liolios Group, Inc.
         Tel 1-949-574-3860
         RSOL@liolios.com
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(BIOL) Granted Canadian License to Sell Its Flagship EPIC 10 Soft-Tissue Diode Laser

IRVINE, CA–(Dec 30, 2013) – BIOLASE, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIOL), the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of dental lasers, and a pioneer in laser surgery in other medical specialties, today announced that it has received a license from the Health Canada-Medical Device Bureau to sell its EPIC dental soft-tissue diode laser systems throughout Canada. BIOLASE sells its products in Canada through a direct sales force and select distributors.

Chairman and CEO Federico Pignatelli commented, “With an estimated 19,000 dentists, Canada has historically represented one of BIOLASE’s most robust markets for its high-tech laser products. We believe that there is pent-up demand for the EPIC soft-tissue diode laser in Canada from our large and loyal installed base, and this approval is an important milestone for BIOLASE. We expect the Canadian market to be a strong contributor to our growth in 2014 with the ability to sell our newly cleared flagship EPIC 10-watt soft-tissue diode laser in addition to our revolutionary WaterLase iPlus.”

Tannis Sigurdson, Canada Sales Manager commented, “We are excited to have received Health Canada approval for our Epic 10 soft tissue laser. A large group of dentists and hygienists have been waiting very patiently for this approval of our newest generation of our Laser Family, and we are thrilled to add EPIC 10 to our Canadian product portfolio.

“Biolase lasers are highly regarded as state of the art systems that create superior surgical and aesthetic results within a dental practice. The Epic 10’s new sleek and versatile design will just make it easier for dentists to integrate it in their practice, and the added whitening feature will offer their patients quick and easy laser bleaching in one visit. We do believe that dental lasers will be the standard of care in every dental practice.”

About BIOLASE, Inc.
BIOLASE, Inc. is a biomedical company that develops, manufactures, and markets innovative lasers in dentistry and medicine and also markets and distributes high-end 2D and 3D digital imaging equipment and CAD/CAM intraoral scanners and in-office milling machines; products that are focused on technologies that advance the practice of dentistry and medicine. The Company’s proprietary laser products incorporate approximately 300 patented and patent-pending technologies designed to provide biologically clinically superior performance with less pain and faster recovery times. Its innovative products provide cutting-edge technology at competitive prices to deliver the best results for dentists and patients. BIOLASE’s principal products are revolutionary dental laser systems that perform a broad range of dental procedures, including cosmetic and complex surgical applications, and a full line of dental imaging equipment. BIOLASE has sold more than 24,000 lasers. Other laser products under development address ophthalmology and other medical and consumer markets.

For updates and information on WaterLase and laser dentistry, find BIOLASE online at www.biolase.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/biolase, Twitter at www.twitter.com/biolaseinc, Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/biolase, LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/biolase, Google+ at www.google.com/+BIOLASEIrvine, Instagram at www.instagram.com/biolaseinc and YouTube at www.youtube.com/biolasevideos.

BIOLASE®, WaterLase®, and EPIC™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of BIOLASE, Inc.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Statements contained in this press release that refer to BIOLASE’s estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements, as are any statements in this press release concerning prospects related to BIOLASE’s strategic initiatives, product introductions and anticipated financial performance. Forward-looking statements can also be identified through the use of words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” and variations of these words or similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect BIOLASE’s current perspective of existing trends and information and speak only as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from BIOLASE’s current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting BIOLASE’s business. These factors include, among others, adverse changes in general economic and market conditions, competitive factors including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions, uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and market changes, risks associated with managing the growth of the business, and those other risks and uncertainties that may be detailed, from time-to-time, in BIOLASE’s reports filed with the SEC. BIOLASE does not undertake any responsibility to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

For further information, please contact:
Michael Porter
Porter, LeVay & Rose, Inc.
212-564-4700

Monday, December 30th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (BIOL) Granted Canadian License to Sell Its Flagship EPIC 10 Soft-Tissue Diode Laser

(CSUN) Major International Development Milestone, Sale of Solar Farm in Cornwall

NANJING, China, Dec. 30, 2013 — China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: CSUN) (“China Sunergy” or “the Company”), a specialized solar cell and module manufacturer, today announced that it has completed the sale of a solar farm project (“the Project”) to Lightsource Renewable Energy Ltd. (“Lightsource”), which is a UK’s leading solar energy generator. The Project, located in the southwest of Cornwall in the United Kingdom (UK) was connected to the grid at the end of March of this year and now generates enough local green electricity to power over 1500 households.

The Project was completed on land that has traditionally been farmed with a rotation of cattle and crops. Whilst the area used for energy generation covers only 10% of the farm area, income from the Project will provide the farm owners with funds to make other areas of the farm more productive, including improved machinery, fencing and hedgerows. The agricultural output from the whole farm will remain similar to the pre-development scenario.

At the end of 2012, China Sunergy announced that it had started to invest in two UK solar farms, with an installed capacity of five megawatts-peak (MWp) each. Both solar farms were completed within just 3 months installed with the Company’s own high efficiency polycrystalline modules. The large scale application of solar panels (solar farms) is quick and does not harm the ground where it is installed on.

The sale of this first UK project marks a major milestone for the Company in relation to its downstream business, and also strengthens its confidence in investing and developing a project pipeline in other markets. As to the other 5MW project, the Company currently expects to have it accomplished in 2014.

Nick Boyle, CEO of Lightsource commented, “We are delighted to have completed this deal with China Sunergy and believe that this project, like our many others, will once again boost the rural economy in this area as well as allow further biodiversity. We applaud China Sunergy for their hard efforts and look forward to more deals with them in the future.”

“The sale of this Project highlights China Sunergy’s pioneering spirit, as we are the first Chinese developer to fully complete a downstream project lifecycle, having invested, developed, constructed, operated and now sold a ground-based solar PV project in the UK,” Mr. Stephen Cai, CEO of China Sunergy, commented, “The accomplishment underlines our forward-thinking strategy, as well as our customer’s confidence in our reliable quality, deep expertise, and execution capabilities. We will work harder to bring out more high quality projects in the future.”

About Lightsource Renewable Energy Ltd.

Lightsource is a UK’s leading solar energy generator managing over 2,200 acres of farmland which has been diversified with a commercial solar farm installation. The Lightsource operational portfolio currently operates over 300 MWp of large scale solar projects, generating enough green electricity to power over 100,000 UK housesholds. Headquartered in London, Lightsource comprises of over 160 full time staff and is at the forefront of solar farm development and operations in the UK.

About China Sunergy Co., Ltd.

China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:CSUN) designs, manufactures and delivers high efficiency solar cells and modules to the world from its production centers based in China and Turkey. China Sunergy also invests in high potential solar projects. Founded in 2004, China Sunergy is well known for its advanced solar cell technology, reliable product quality, and excellent customer service.

For more information, please visit http://www.csun-solar.com.

Investor and Media Contacts:

China Sunergy Co., Ltd.

CSUN IR
Phone: + 86 25 5276 6666-6694
Email: IR@chinasunergy.com

Asia Bridge Group Limited

Wendy Sun
Phone: + 86 10 8556 9033
Email: wendy.sun@asiabridgegroup.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry, and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the Company’s failure to maintain its listing qualification due to, among other things, volatility in the Company’s ADS price; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital or renew existing bank borrowings as they become due to finance the Company’s activities; the Company’s customers’ financial condition and creditworthiness, and their ability to settle accounts receivables; the effectiveness, profitability, and the marketability of its products; litigations and other legal proceedings, including any decisions by the US International Trade Committee and Department of Commerce on the petitions filed; the economic slowdown in China and elsewhere and its impact on the Company’s operations; demand for and selling prices of the Company’s products, execution of our strategy to expand into downstream solar power businesses, the future trading of the common stock of the Company; the ability of the Company to operate as a public company; the period of time for which its current liquidity will enable the Company to fund its operations; the Company’s ability to protect its proprietary information; general economic and business conditions; the volatility of the Company’s operating results and financial condition; the Company’s ability to attract or retain qualified senior management personnel and research and development staff; future shortage or availability of the supply of raw materials; impact on cost-competitiveness as a result of entering into long-term arrangements with raw material suppliers and other risks detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or to changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

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(SEV) Announces Appointment of New Directors

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 30, 2013 — Sevcon, Inc. (Nasdaq:SEV) today announced that it has increased the size of its Board of Directors to 12 directors, and has elected Glenn J. Angiolillo, Ryan J. Morris and Walter M. Schenker to the Board, effective immediately. Messrs. Angiolillo, Morris and Schenker were proposed as directors by GAMCO Asset Management, Inc., representing several Gabelli investment funds that are stockholders of Sevcon, and were approved by the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Mr. Angiolillo is president of a wealth management consulting and advisory firm and also serves as a director of NY Magic, Inc., LICT Corporation, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., and Trans-Lux Corporation. A lawyer, he has significant experience with commercial and corporate law, corporate governance and investment matters. Mr. Morris, an Operational & Information engineer and a Chartered Financial Analyst, is the managing partner of an investment partnership and the Chief Executive Officer of VideoNote LLC, an educational software company. He is Executive Chairman of the Board of InfuSystems Holdings, Inc. and was also Chairman of the Board of Lucas Energy, Inc. until November 2013. Mr. Schenker has been a principal of several firms in the brokerage, investment banking and investment management businesses. He has significant experience with many aspects of public company investing including accounting, financial reporting, capital allocation, strategic transactions and investor relations.

Sevcon Chairman of the Board William Ketelhut said, “We welcome the experience and perspectives these new directors bring to Sevcon and look forward to their contributions to maximizing value for our shareholders.”

About Sevcon, Inc.

Sevcon is a world leader in the design and manufacture of microprocessor based controls for zero emission electric and hybrid vehicles. The controls are used to vary the speed and movement of vehicles, to integrate specialized functions and to optimize the energy consumption of the vehicle’s power source. The Company supplies customers throughout the world from its operations in the USA, the U.K., France and the Asia Pacific region and through an international dealer network. Sevcon’s customers are manufacturers of on and off-road vehicles including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, fork lift trucks, aerial lifts, mining vehicles, airport tractors, sweepers and other electrically powered vehicles. For more information visit www.sevcon.com.

CONTACT: David Calusdian
         Sharon Merrill Associates
         1 (617) 542 5300
         SEV@InvestorRelations.com

         Matt Boyle
         President and CEO
         1 (508) 281 5503
         matt.boyle@Sevcon.com
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(ELMD) Receives FDA Market Clearance for the SmartVest® SQL™

Electromed, Inc. (NYSE MKT: ELMD), a global medical device company, today announced it has received notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that its next generation SmartVest® Airway Clearance System, the model SQL™ has been cleared to market.

“SQL solidifies Electromed’s innovation leadership by offering a device that is smaller, quieter, and lighter than our previous versions,” said Kathleen Skarvan, Chief Executive Officer. “We designed the SQL to stand apart from the competition with features that our patients and clinicians were asking for. They talked, and we listened.” In addition to being significantly smaller, quieter, and lighter than our previous versions, some of the features include enhanced ramping, an enhanced pause feature and more user-friendly graphics.

The model SQL is an electrically powered precursor device designed to deliver high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) to promote airway clearance, improve bronchial drainage and enhance mucus transport under the order of a physician’s prescription. It is prescribed to patients with a wide range of pulmonary-related health conditions including bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. HFCWO has been demonstrated to reduce lung infections and reduce health care costs associated with recurrent pneumonias, antibiotic use, and hospital stays. In addition to the innovative SQL generator, the system boasts a lightweight soft-fabric garment with several patented features.

“We believe we have the most comfortable and easy-to-use system among leading HFCWO devices, which leads to therapy adherence and better patient outcomes,” Skarvan added.

Electromed anticipates that the model SQL will be available to the U.S. market within the next 60 days.

About Electromed, Inc.
Electromed, Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells products that provide airway clearance therapy, including the SmartVest® Airway Clearance System, to patients with compromised pulmonary function. Further information about the Company can be found at www.electromed.com, or call 800-462-1045.

Cautionary Statements

Certain statements found in this release may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect the speaker’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance and include any statement that does not directly relate to a current or historical fact. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate” or “intend” or similar words. Forward-looking statements made in this release include the Company’s expectations regarding the availability of the model SQL in the U.S. market. Forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially due to the uncertainties and risks, known and unknown, associated with such statements. Examples of risks and uncertainties for Electromed include, but are not limited to, delays in the production or shipment of our products, the reluctance of physicians or other healthcare providers to accept a new product, the impact of emerging and existing competitors, and the effectiveness of our sales and marketing and cost control initiatives, as well as other factors described from time to time in our reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Annual Report on Form 10-K). Investors should not consider any list of such factors to be an exhaustive statement of all of the risks, uncertainties or potentially inaccurate assumptions investors should take into account when making investment decisions. Shareholders and other readers should not place undue reliance on “forward-looking statements,” as such statements speak only as of the date of this release.

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(MEIL) Completes a $2.1 Million Private Placement

LAS VEGAS, NV–(Dec 30, 2013) – Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL), a renewable energy company that offers an array of products and services to biodiesel fuel producers, today announced that on December 26, 2013, it completed a $2.1 million private placement pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In the offering, Methes sold 1.1 million units to select institutional and accredited investors, each unit consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant. Each warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of common stock at $4.00 and expires five years from the date of issuance. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $1.7 million, after deducting offering expenses and placement agent fees.

ViewTrade Securities, acted as lead placement agent and Newbridge Securities Inc. acted as co-placement agents.

Michel G. Laporte, Chairman & CEO of Methes Energies International Ltd., said, “We are pleased to have finalized this private placement with ViewTrade. Our relationship with ViewTrade began when they acted as co-underwriters in our IPO and have been a good team to work with. This financing allows us to expand our production at Sombra by adding some equipment that will help us save money and be more efficient as well as strengthen our balance sheet. We are now in a better position to execute our plan which is to go to maximum production at Sombra by the end of the first quarter.”

About Methes Energies International Ltd.

Methes Energies International Ltd. is a renewable energy company that offers a variety of products and services to biodiesel fuel producers. Methes also offers biodiesel processors that are unique, truly compact, fully automated state-of-the-art and continuous flow that can run on a wide variety of feedstocks. Methes markets and sells biodiesel fuel produced at its showcase production facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and at its 13 MGY facility in Sombra, Ontario, to customers in the U.S. and Canada, as well as providing multiple biodiesel fuel solutions to its clientele. Among its services are selling commodities to its network of biodiesel producers, selling their biodiesel production and providing clients with proprietary software to operate and control their processors. Methes also remotely monitors the quality and characteristics of its clients’ production, upgrades and repairs their processors and advises clients on adjusting their processes to use varying feedstock to improve the quality of their biodiesel. For more information, please visit www.methes.com.

About ViewTrade Securities:

ViewTrade Securities was founded in 1998 with the vision of creating a smoother, faster and more efficient straight through trading process (STP). Today we are a full service firm that offers a wide array of brokerage and trading services to meet the needs of our domestic and international clients. ViewTrade’s investment banking professionals have decades of experience in corporate finance and focus on servicing companies that are in the small to mid-cap markets in the US and Global Emerging Markets sectors.

About Newbridge

Newbridge Financial, Inc. (“NFI”) is the parent/holding company for NSC and NFSG. NSC is a FINRA member broker-dealer that engages in full service securities brokerage, investment banking and advisory services with a broad based group of individuals and institutional customer. NFSG is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor offering a broad spectrum of financial services including financial, insurance, retirement, estate and tax planning for our individual and corporate clients. For more information on Newbridge, please visit our public web-site at www.newbridgefinancial.com or www.newbridgesecurities.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and financial performance. In some cases, you can identify these statements by words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “except,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are based on numerous assumptions involving judgments with respect to future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. There are or may be important factors that could cause our actual results to materially differ from our historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2012, filed on February 25, 2013, as amended, which is available at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon management’s reasonable belief as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Contacts:
Methes Energies International Ltd.
Michel G. Laporte
Chairman and CEO
702-932-9964

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(PLUS) Completes Type 2 SSAE 16 Exam for OneSource Product Family

HERNDON, Va., Dec. 27, 2013 — ePlus inc. (Nasdaq:PLUS) today announced that it has successfully completed the Type 2 SSAE 16 (Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements) examination for its OneSource family of software products that provide information technology acquisition, asset management, procurement, and catalog management software services. The Type 2 SSAE 16 examination (or SOC 1) supersedes the SAS 70 audit standard and represents that the engagement was performed in accordance with the standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The SSAE 16 examination provides customers and auditors with an understanding that the description of services and solutions provided by ePlus are fairly presented. The Type 2 component of SSAE 16 provides an objective evaluation that ePlus’ controls were operating effectively during the specified period of the examination.

“As organizations continue to shift from traditional internal implementations and transition to leverage integrators and managed service providers to optimize their business models, it is increasingly critical to ensure that proper security and control procedures are in place by the vendors empowered to operate these applications,” said Mark Marron, chief operating officer of ePlus. “ePlus takes this responsibility very seriously and is committed to protecting our customers’ data and testing our control and business continuity procedures throughout the year. We are pleased to be able to provide this SSAE 16 report to our customers as evidence of our well-documented and disciplined control activities for our asset management, IT procurement, and hosted eProcurement, supplier portal, and content management solutions.”

The ePlus SSAE 16 report, conducted by one of the nation’s leading service audit firms specializing in SSAE 16 services, found that for the period of January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013, the description of ePlus products and services as well as operating effectiveness of controls supporting ePlus’ OneSource Procurement (including General Procurement and OneSource IT+), OneSource Supplier Portal, OneSource Content+, Manage+, and OneSource IT solutions provided “reasonable assurance” that the specified control objectives were achieved. The report includes the service auditor’s opinion that:

  • The description fairly presents the OneSource family of software products that was designed and implemented throughout the period of January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013.
  • The controls related to the control objectives stated in the description were suitably designed to provide reasonable assurance that the control objectives would be achieved if the controls operated effectively throughout the period of January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013, and user entities applied the complementary user entity controls contemplated in the design of ePlus’ controls throughout the period of January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013.
  • The controls tested, which together with the complementary user entity controls referred to in the scope paragraph of the report, if operating effectively, were those necessary to provide reasonable assurance that the control objectives stated in the description were achieved, operated effectively throughout the period of January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013.

For additional information about SSAE 16, visit https://www.brightline.com/soc1.

About ePlus Systems, inc.

ePlus Systems, inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ePlus inc., delivers eProcurement and related solutions and services to help public sector clients and commercial organizations across all industries get the most value from their spend. Its diversified portfolio of solutions includes eProcurement, supplier enablement, catalog content management, spend analytics, document management, and asset management. These solutions help drive cost savings, improve compliance, and enhance productivity throughout the organization. ePlus solutions are offered as hosted Software as a Service (SaaS) and traditional enterprise licenses. For additional information about ePlus Systems, visit www.eplus.com/software.

About ePlus inc.

ePlus is a leading integrator of technology solutions. ePlus enables organizations to optimize their IT infrastructure and supply chain processes by delivering world-class IT products from top manufacturers, managed and professional services, flexible lease financing, proprietary software, and patented business methods and systems. Founded in 1990, ePlus has more than 900 associates serving federal, state, municipal, and commercial customers nationally. The Company is headquartered in Herndon, VA.  For more information, visit www.eplus.com, call 888-482-1122, or email info@eplus.com. Connect with ePlus on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ePlusinc and on Twitter at twitter.com/eplus.

ePlus®, OneSource®, Content+®, Manage+®, and ePlus products referenced herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of ePlus inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of other companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements.” Actual and anticipated future results may vary materially due to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, possible adverse effects resulting from financial market disruption and general slowdown of the U.S. economy such as our current and potential customers delaying or reducing technology purchases, increasing credit risk associated with our customers and vendors, reduction of vendor incentive programs, and restrictions on our access to capital necessary to fund our operations; our ability to consummate and integrate acquisitions; the possibility of goodwill impairment charges in the future; significant adverse changes in, reductions in, or losses of relationships with major customers or vendors; the demand for and acceptance of, our products and services; our ability to adapt our services to meet changes in market developments; our ability to implement comprehensive plans for the integration of sales forces, cost containment, asset rationalization, systems integration and other key strategies; our ability to reserve adequately for credit losses; our ability to secure our electronic and other confidential information; future growth rates in our core businesses; our ability to protect our intellectual property; the impact of competition in our markets; the possibility of defects in our products or catalog content data; our ability to adapt to changes in the IT industry and/or rapid change in product standards; our ability to realize our investment in leased equipment; our ability to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel; and other risks or uncertainties detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information set forth in this press release is current as of the date of this release and ePlus undertakes no duty or obligation to update this information.

CONTACT: Kleyton Parkhurst, SVP
         ePlus inc.
         kparkhurst@eplus.com
         703-984-8150
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(AMAP) Shareholder Resolutions Adopted at 2013 Annual General Meeting

BEIJING, Dec. 27, 2013 — AutoNavi Holdings Limited (“AutoNavi” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:AMAP), a leading provider of digital map content and navigation and location-based solutions in China, today announced shareholder resolutions adopted at its annual general meeting of shareholders held in Hong Kong today.

AutoNavi’s shareholders adopted the following resolutions proposed by the Company:

  1. The adoption of the Company’s 2013 Share Incentive Plan, under which, subject to other provisions of the plan, the Award Pool (capitalized terms herein will have the meanings defined in the plan unless stated otherwise) initially shall be equal to 13,830,000 Shares, provided that, the Shares reserved in the Award Pool shall be increased automatically if and whenever the Shares reserved in the Award Pool (which, for the avoidance of doubt, means the number of Shares that remain in the Award Pool after excluding the total number of Shares underlying the options or other awards granted previously that remain outstanding) account for less than one percent (1%) of the total then-issued and outstanding Shares on an as-converted basis, as a result of which increase the Shares reserved in the Award Pool immediately after each such increase shall equal five percent (5%) of the then-issued and outstanding Shares on an as-converted basis.
  2. The authorization of each director of the Company to take any and every action that might be necessary to effect the foregoing resolution as such director, in his or her absolute discretion, thinks fit.

About AutoNavi Holdings Limited

AutoNavi Holdings Limited (Nasdaq:AMAP) is a leading provider of digital map content and navigation and location-based solutions in China. At the core of its business is a comprehensive nationwide digital map database that covers approximately 3.6 million kilometers of roadway and over 20 million points of interest across China. Through its digital map database and proprietary technology platform, AutoNavi provides comprehensive, integrated navigation and location-based solutions optimized for the Chinese market and users, including automotive navigation solutions, mobile location-based solutions and Internet location-based solutions, and public sector and enterprise applications. For more information on AutoNavi, please visit http://www.autonavi.com.

CONTACT: For further information, please contact:

         In China:

         Investor Relations
         AutoNavi Holdings Limited
         Tel: +86-10-8410-7883
         E-mail: ir@autonavi.com

         Derek Mitchell
         Ogilvy Financial, Beijing
         Tel: +86-10-8520-3073
         E-mail: amap@ogilvy.com

         In the U.S.:

         Justin Knapp
         Ogilvy Financial, New York
         Tel: +1-616-551-9714
         E-mail: amap@ogilvy.com
Friday, December 27th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (AMAP) Shareholder Resolutions Adopted at 2013 Annual General Meeting

(PWRD) Definitive Agreement to Sell Its Chinese Online Reading Business

BEIJING, Dec. 27, 2013  — Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD) (“Perfect World” or the “Company”), a leading online game developer and operator based in China, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Beijing Huanxiang Zongheng Chinese Literature Website Co., Ltd. (“PW Literature”), the entity that operates Perfect World’s Chinese online reading business, to Beijing Baidu Netcom Science Technology Co., Ltd. (“Baidu”), an entity unrelated to Perfect World, for a total consideration of approximately RMB191.5 million, for the acquisition of PW Literature’s equity and the repayment of PW Literature’s loan from Perfect World. The consummation of the transaction contemplated in the agreement is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to sharpen Perfect World’s focus on its core online game development and operation.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/CNTH023LOGO )

About Perfect World Co., Ltd. (http://www.pwrd.com)

Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD) is a leading online game developer and operator based in China. Perfect World primarily develops online games based on proprietary game engines and game development platforms. Perfect World’s strong technology and creative game design capabilities, combined with extensive knowledge and experiences in the online game market, enable it to frequently and promptly introduce popular games designed to cater changing customer preferences and market trends. Perfect World’s current portfolio of self-developed online games includes massively multiplayer online role playing games (“MMORPGs”): “Perfect World,” “Legend of Martial Arts,” “Perfect World II,” “Zhu Xian,” “Chi Bi,” “Pocketpet Journey West,” “Battle of the Immortals,” “Fantasy Zhu Xian,” “Forsaken World,” “Dragon Excalibur,” “Empire of the Immortals,” “Return of the Condor Heroes,” “Saint Seiya Online,” “Swordsman Online” and “Holy King;” an online casual game: “Hot Dance Party;” and a number of web games and mobile games. While a majority of the revenues are generated in China, Perfect World operates its games in North America, Europe, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia through its own subsidiaries. Perfect World’s games have also been licensed to leading game operators in a number of countries and regions in Asia, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Russian Federation and other Russian speaking territories. Perfect World intends to continue to explore new and innovative business models and is committed to maximizing shareholder value over time.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute forward-looking statements under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Perfect World’s limited operating history, its ability to develop and operate new games that are commercially successful, the growth of the online game market and the continuing market acceptance of its games and in-game items in China and elsewhere, its ability to protect intellectual property rights, its ability to respond to competitive pressure, its ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, changes of the regulatory environment in China, and economic slowdown in China and/or elsewhere. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Perfect World’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Perfect World does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

For further information, please contact

Perfect World Co., Ltd.
Vivien Wang – Vice President, Capital Market & Corporate Communications
Joanne Deng – Associate Investor Relations Director
Tel: +86-10-5780-5700
Fax: +86-10-5780-5713
Email: ir@pwrd.com
http://www.pwrd.com

Christensen Investor Relations
Patty Bruner
Tel: +1-480-614-3036
Fax: +1-480-614-3033
Email: pbruner@christensenir.com

Jung Chang
Tel: +852-2117-0861
Fax: +852-2117-0869
Email: jchang@christensenir.com

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(PBHC) John F. Sharkey III Elected to Pathfinder Bank Board

OSWEGO, NY–(Dec 27, 2013) – John F. Sharkey III has been elected to the Board of Directors of Pathfinder Bank (NASDAQ: PBHC), according to Janette Resnick, Chair of the Board.

The election was effective as of the December 19, 2013 Pathfinder Bank Board Meeting.

Mr. Sharkey is President of Universal Metal Works, a custom metal fabrication facility, in Fulton, New York, and the Managing Partner of Universal Properties, LLC.

“We are very pleased that John has agreed to serve on The Board of Directors of Pathfinder Bank,” stated Jan Resnick, Chairman of the Board. “John will bring his well established entrepreneurial and management skills to our board room, as well as his strong knowledge of the Central New York business community. The Board of Directors has been engaged in its own succession planning process over the last several years,” Resnick continued, “and we are proud of our results.”

Prior to his role with Universal Metal Works, Mr. Sharkey was President of Universal Joint Sales, a heavy-duty trucks parts distributor, headquartered in Syracuse, New York. During his tenure at Universal Joint Sales, the company grew to 13 locations throughout the Northeast and Florida. In 1998, Mr. Sharkey sold Universal Joint Sales to FleetPride. For three years following the sale of the company, Mr. Sharkey acted as FleetPride’s Regional Vice President.

Mr. Sharkey is an active member of the Central New York community, serving on Boards including the Council of Fleet Specialists, Rockwell International’s Distributor Advisory Council, and the Camillus Youth Hockey Association. He is also a committee member of the Syracuse Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

Mr. Sharkey and his wife Barbara originally resided in Camillus, New York, where they raised their two sons. In 2005, the couple built a home in Oswego, where they currently reside. He enjoys golfing, boating, skiing, and flying. He recently earned his Instruments Pilot License.

Pathfinder Bank is a New York State chartered savings bank headquartered in Oswego, whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ SmallCap Market; symbol: PBHC, listing: PathBcp). The Bank has eight full-service offices located in Oswego, Fulton, Mexico, Lacona, Central Square, and Cicero. The company reported total assets of $492.5 million and total shareholders’ equity of $40.7 million for the period ending September 30, 2013.

Contact:
Thomas W. Schneider
President and CEO
(315) 343-0057

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(SIM) Announces Repurchases Of Its Own Shares

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Dec. 27, 2013  — Grupo Simec, S.A.B de C.V. (NYSE: SIM) announces to the general public that through its repurchase fund, on December 26, 2013, bought 60,000 of its own shares, (SIMEC-B).

Grupo Simec S.A.B de C.V. has authorized a repurchase fund of $ 1,000 million pesos, which will be used to support interested investors in generating greater liquidity of its stock in the market, buying stocks when needed and selling them when there is excess of demand.

Grupo Simec and the Group who controls them, reports that they have no interest in selling their shares, as has been the case since the current administration took over, this fund will be operated only to give the necessary support to investors.

The objective of this fund is to increase the turnover of the floating shares, it is not intended to decrease or increase the current number of shares in the market.

Contact:
Mario Moreno Cortez
+52-33-3770-6734
mmoreno@gruposimec.com.mx

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(LTON) Announces NASDAQ Trading Suspension Effective January 2, 2014

SINGAPORE, December 27, 2013  — Linktone Ltd. (NASDAQ: LTON, ASX: LTL) (“Linktone” or the “Company”), a provider of media and entertainment content and services in key strategic markets in Asia, confirmed today that the Company will file a Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on January 2, 2014 to commence its previously announced process to delist from the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”). On that date, the Company anticipates trading of the Company’s American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) on NASDAQ will be suspended and the delisting will become effective approximately 10 days thereafter. Accordingly, the Company expects that December 31, 2013 will be the last day that the Company’s ADSs will trade on NASDAQ. Linktone will continue to be subject to reporting obligations under the Exchange Act until such time as it can terminate its registration under the Exchange Act.

ABOUT LINKTONE LTD.

Linktone Ltd. is a provider of rich and engaging services and content to a wide range of traditional and new media consumers and enterprises in Mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Linktone focuses on media, entertainment, communication and edutainment products, which are promoted through the Group’s various nationwide distribution networks, integrated service platforms and multiple marketing sales channels, as well as through the networks of leading mobile operators in Mainland China and Indonesia.

CONTACTS:

Tan Peck Joo, CFO / Poh Shih Yin, Regional Financial Controller
Tel: +65-6840-3588 / +65-6840-3503
Email: pjtan@ltongroup.com / shihyin@ltongroup.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar statements. The accuracy of these statements may be impacted by a number of risks and uncertainties and you should not place undue reliance on these statements. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our ability to complete and maintain our delisting and deregistration as contemplated or at all. Linktone does not undertake any obligation to update this forward-looking information, except as required under applicable law.

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(AMZN) Record-Setting Holiday Season for Amazon Prime

(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced a record-setting holiday season for Amazon Prime, the annual membership program offering unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items. More than one million customers around the world became new Prime members in the third week of December. On Amazon’s peak shipping day, more Prime items were shipped worldwide than ever before. The entire 2013 holiday season was the best ever for Amazon, with more than 36.8 million items ordered worldwide on Cyber Monday, which is a record-breaking 426 items per second, and millions of customers unwrapped Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets this holiday season.

“Amazon Prime membership continues to grow, and we now have tens of millions of members worldwide. They benefit from all-you-can-eat free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items and our members have a voracious appetite,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. “We are extremely grateful to our customers around the world and wish everyone the very best for the coming year.”

Kindle and Amazon Digital Media Facts:

  • Cyber Monday holiday shopping weekend was the best ever for Kindle Fire tablets and Kindle e-readers.
  • With thousands of Tech Advisors on call Christmas Day, Amazon beat its goal for the Mayday button response time—the average response time was just 9 seconds.
  • Amazon’s digital media selection grew to more than 27 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, books, audiobooks, and popular apps and games in 2013.
  • Prime Instant Video selection increased from 33,000 to more than 40,000 movies and TV episodes in 2013. Amazon Instant Video now includes more than 150,000 movies and TV episodes.
  • Prime Instant Video is the exclusive online-only subscription home for hundreds of TV seasons including PBS series “Downton Abbey” and “Mr. Selfridge,” the CBS summer blockbuster series “Under the Dome” and other hit TV shows including “Justified,” “Falling Skies,” “Grimm,” “Vikings,” “Workaholics,” “Suits” and “Covert Affairs.” Prime Instant Video also offers an exclusive collection of kids shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. that customers won’t find on any other online-only subscription service, including favorites like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Dora the Explorer,” “Team Umizoomi,” “Blue’s Clues,” and “The Bubble Guppies.”
  • Amazon’s first original series “Alpha House” and “Betas” can also be found exclusively on Prime Instant Video.
  • Selection in the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library in 2013 grew from 250,000 books to more than 475,000 books—books that Kindle owners with a Prime membership can borrow for free with no due dates.
  • More than 200,000 exclusive books were added to the Kindle store in 2013.
  • The most gifted Kindle book during the holiday season was “Sycamore Row” by John Grisham.
  • 150 Kindle Direct Publishing authors each sold more than 100,000 copies of their books in 2013. Top sellers this year include “Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover and “Wait for Me” by Elisabeth Naughton.
  • The best-selling Kindle Direct Publishing author during the holiday season was H.M. Ward.
  • Kindle Direct Publishing authors sold hundreds of thousands of books in November through the new Kindle Countdown Deals.
  • Amazon Appstore selection worldwide more than doubled in 2013 – there are now more than 100,000 apps and games in the Amazon Appstore and on Kindle Fire devices.

Holiday Fun Facts:

Shipping:

  • Amazon shipped to 185 countries this holiday.
  • The last Prime One-Day Shipping order that was delivered in time for Christmas was placed on Dec. 23 at 10:22 p.m. PST and shipped to Carlsbad, California. The item was a Beautyrest Cotton Top Mattress Pad.
  • The last Local Express Delivery order that was delivered in time for Christmas went to Everett, Washington. It was a Plantronics Audio 655 USB Multimedia Headset in Frustration Free Packaging ordered at 12:26 p.m. PST on Christmas Eve and delivered at 3:56 p.m. PST that same day.
  • Amazon.com shipped enough items with Prime this holiday to deliver at least one gift to every household in America.
  • Prime was so popular this holiday, that Amazon limited new Prime membership signups during peak periods to ensure service to current members was not impacted by the surge in new membership.

Customer Purchases:

  • On Cyber Monday, customers ordered more than 36.8 million items worldwide, which is a record-breaking 426 items per second.
  • More than half of Amazon customers shopped using a mobile device this holiday.
  • Between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, Amazon customers ordered more than five toys per second from a mobile device.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough Crayola Marker Makers to be able to draw a line around the world four times.
  • The new Xbox One and PlayStation 4 gaming consoles were so popular that at the peak of sales for each console, customers bought more than 1,000 units per minute.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough Rainbow Looms from third-party sellers that the bands can stretch around the circumference of the Earth.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough Hot Wheels from third-party sellers to stretch around the Daytona International Speedway racetrack.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough miniature flashlights to satisfactorily light four collegiate football fields in accordance with NCAA standards.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough running shoes to provide a pair to every participant in the top 10 largest marathons in the world.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough winter boots to keep everyone living in three of the coldest cities in America – Duluth, Minnesota, Butte, Montana, and Watertown, South Dakota – warm for the winter.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough cross-body purses to outfit every attendee at a typical Taylor Swift concert.
  • If you stacked every Himalayan Crystal Lamp purchased by Amazon customers this holiday season, the height would reach the top of Himalaya’s highest peak – Mt. Everest.
  • Amazon customers bought enough books in the Divergent Series – “Divergent,” “Insurgent,” “Allegiant,” and the complete box set – to wrap around Chicago’s Pier Park Ferris Wheel 263 times.
  • If you placed every upright vacuum purchased by Amazon customers end-to-end, they would reach 15 times the depth of the Marianas Trench, the deepest point in Earth’s oceans.
  • If the Nylabone Dinosaur Chew Toys purchased during this holiday season were stacked on top of each other, they would be the height of more than 950 T-Rex dinosaurs.
  • The number of “Star Trek Into Darkness” Blu-ray combo packs purchased would span the distance of 25 Star Trek Enterprise space ships.
  • If you had a single plain M&M for each Eminem album purchased on the Amazon MP3 Store over the holidays, you’d have nearly 100 lbs. of candy-coated chocolate.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough youth archery kits to outfit every resident of Katniss Everdeen’s hometown, District 12, four times over.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds to fill Don Draper’s (of “Mad Men”) whiskey glasses for 251 years.
  • Amazon customers purchased enough Cuisinart Griddlers to place one in every McDonald’s restaurant in the world.

Holiday Best Sellers (Amazon.com only):

  • Tablets: Kindle Fire HD; Kindle Fire HDX 7”; Kindle Fire HDX 8.9”
  • TVs: Samsung 32” Smart LED HTDV; Samsung 40” LED HDTV; Samsung 22” Slim LED HDTV
  • Laptops: Samsung Chromebook; ASUS Transformer Book; Acer Chromebook
  • Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel T3i; Canon PowerShot A2500; Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera
  • Video Games: Call of Duty: Ghosts – Xbox 360; Just Dance 2014 – Nintendo Wii; Grand Theft Auto V – Xbox 360
  • Toys: Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Kit; Spot It; LEGO Green Building Plate
  • Baby: Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes; Lamaze Cloth Book; Baby Einstein Bendy Ball
  • Books: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck, Book 8” by Jeff Kinney; “Things That Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics” by Charles Krauthammer; “Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans” by Rush Limbaugh
  • Kindle Books: “Sycamore Row” by John Grisham; “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak; “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt
  • Music: “Artpop” by Lady Gaga; “Wrapped in Red” by Kelly Clarkson; “The Marshall Mathers LP2 (Deluxe)” by Eminem
  • Amazon MP3: “The Marshall Mathers LP2” by Eminem; “Artpop” by Lady Gaga; “Pure Heroine” by Lorde
  • Movies & TV: “Despicable Me 2” (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy); “Star Trek Into Darkness” (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy); “Man of Steel” (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)
  • Amazon Instant Video: “We’re the Millers”; “Man of Steel”; “Monsters University”
  • Prime Instant Video: “Alpha House” Season 1; “Downton Abbey” Season 3; “Falling Skies” Season 3
  • Home: Darice 80-Piece Deluxe Art Set; Black & Decker Dustbuster 15.6-Volt Cordless Cyclonic Hand Vacuum; Swarovski 2013 Annual Edition Crystal Star Ornament
  • Kitchen: Tovolo Ice Molds; Artisan Metal Works Silicone Non-Stick Baking Mat Sets; Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddle
  • Jewelry: Sterling Silver and Amethyst Flower Earrings; Sterling Silver “I Love You To The Moon and Back” Two Piece Pendant Necklace; Alex and Ani Bangle Bar “Tree of Life” Russian-Silver Expandable Bracelet
  • Women’s Clothing: Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Full-Zip Fleece Jacket; Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Duck Quilt Flannel Lined Active Jacket; Columbia Women’s Arcadia Rain Jacket
  • Men’s Clothing: Levi’s Men’s 501 Jean; Levi’s Men’s 505 Straight Fit Jean; Levi’s Men’s 550 Relaxed Fit Jean
  • Shoes: Clarks Originals Men’s Desert Boot; Tamarac Men’s Camper Moccasin; Bearpaw Women’s Emma 10″ Shearling Boot
  • Beauty: Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret; D & G Light Blue By Dolce & Gabbana For Women Eau De Toilette Spray; Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
  • Health & Personal Care: Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband; Philips Sonicare Essence 5600 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush; Braun Series Pulsonic Shaver System
  • Tools & Home Improvement: Mini CREE Led Flashlight Torch Adjustable Zoom Light Lamp; O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream; WBM Himalayan Natural Crystal Salt Lamp with Bulb and Cord
  • Pets: KONG Cozie Marvin the Moose Dog Toy; Nylabone Durable Dental Dinosaur Chew Toy; Greenies Treat-Pak for Dogs, Original
  • Sports & Outdoors: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter; Magnesium Fire Starter; SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop
  • Grocery: Miracle-Gro AeroGarden 7-Pod Indoor Garden by AeroGrow; Donut Shop K-Cup for Keurig Brewers; Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter Set

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth’s Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon’s developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon’s own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle Paperwhite is the world’s best-selling and most advanced e-reader. It features new display technology with higher contrast, the next generation built-in light, a faster processor, the latest touch technology, and exclusive new features designed from the ground up for readers. Kindle, the lightest and smallest Kindle, features improved fonts and faster page turns. The new Kindle Fire HDX features a stunning exclusive 7” or 8.9” HDX display, a quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, 2x more memory, and 11 hours of battery life, as well as exclusive new features of Fire OS 3.0 including X-Ray for Music, Second Screen, Prime Instant Video downloads, and the revolutionary new Mayday button. The all-new Kindle Fire HD includes an HD display, high-performance processor and dual speakers at a breakthrough price.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, www.amazon.es, www.amazon.com.br, www.amazon.in, www.amazon.com.mx, and www.amazon.com.au. As used herein, “Amazon.com,” “we,” “our” and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management’s expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment and data center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com’s financial results is included in Amazon.com’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

Thursday, December 26th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (AMZN) Record-Setting Holiday Season for Amazon Prime

(MBII) Begins Production at Michigan Plant

DAVIS, Calif., Dec. 26, 2013  — Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (MBI) (NASDAQ: MBII), a leading global provider of bio-based pest management and plant health products announced it has initiated production of Grandevo®, the company’s flagship bioinsecticide, at its Bangor, MI plant. This is the company’s first production of a fermentation product at this location since renovation of the plant, acquired in July 2012, was initiated.

“Producing this first batch of Grandevo is an important milestone in meeting the margin objectives we have set for 2014,” explains Hector Absi, Sr. VP of Commercial Operations for MBI.  “As we expect to continue delivering double digit sales growth of our existing products and plan for new product introductions, this new manufacturing capability will allow faster scale up, make us much more responsive to surges in market demand and more effective in managing our production costs.”

Revitalization and expansion of the facility will be completed in multiple phases with an anticipated total capital expenditure of $32 million. Installation of the first of three fermentation tanks, and the construction of a dedicated building to house them, marks the completion of phase 1A of the project.

Future phases will include production of the company’s Regalia® biofungicide, as well as increasing the capacity of the utilities and installing larger fermenters that will accommodate production of multiple products at higher volumes.

Absi adds, “This is a key accomplishment for our company, but there is more to be done to fulfill our manufacturing plan. Our priority is to ensure we have the capability, and flexibility, to meet the exciting sales targets we have set for 2014.”

About Marrone Bio Innovations
Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBII) is a leading provider of bio-based pest management and plant health products for the agriculture, turf and ornamental, and water treatment markets. Our effective and environmentally responsible solutions help customers operate more sustainably while controlling pests, improving plant health, and increasing crop yields. We have a proprietary discovery process, a rapid development platform, and a robust pipeline of pest management and plant health product candidates. At Marrone Bio Innovations we are dedicated to pioneering better biopesticides that support a better tomorrow for users around the globe. For more information, please visit www.marronebio.com.

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, hopes, goals, intentions, initiatives or strategies, including statements relating to  anticipated sales and costs to complete the manufacturing facility.  Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including the difficulty in predicting the outcome of product research and development efforts and regulatory approvals.  Additional relevant information concerning risks can be found in the in the Form 10-Q that the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8. 2013.

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(BLUE) Joins the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE) a clinical-stage company committed to developing potentially transformative gene therapies for severe genetic and orphan diseases, today announced that the company was recently added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (Nasdaq: NBI) effective prior to the market open on December 23, 2013. The Index is designed to track the performance of a set of securities listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market that are classified as either biotechnology or pharmaceutical according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB). This is the most recent index to which the company has been added in 2013. The company is also included in the Russell Global, 3000 and 2000 indices.

About bluebird bio, Inc.

bluebird bio is a clinical-stage company committed to developing potentially transformative gene therapies for severe genetic and orphan diseases. bluebird bio has two clinical-stage programs in development. The most advanced product candidate, Lenti-D, is in a recently-initiated phase 2/3 study for the treatment of childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD), a rare, hereditary neurological disorder affecting young boys. The next most advanced product candidate, LentiGlobin, is currently in a phase 1/2 study in France for the treatment of beta-thalassemia major and severe sickle cell disease. A second phase 1/2 study with LentiGlobin in the United States has been initiated for the treatment of beta-thalassemia major.

bluebird bio also has an early-stage chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell (CAR-T) program for oncology in partnership with Celgene Corporation.

bluebird bio has operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Paris, France. For more information, please visit www.bluebirdbio.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the advancement of the Company’s clinical studies and the potential safety and clinical benefits of the Company’s product candidates. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of cessation or delay of any of the ongoing or planned clinical studies and/or our development of our product candidates, the risk of a delay in the enrollment of patients in the Company’s clinical studies, the risk that the results of previously conducted studies involving similar product candidates will not be repeated or observed in ongoing or future studies involving current product candidates, the risk that our collaboration with Celgene will not continue or will not be successful, and the risk that any one or more of our product candidates will not be successfully developed and commercialized. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause our actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and bluebird bio undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

Thursday, December 26th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (BLUE) Joins the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

(FUEL) Announces $100 Million Credit Facility

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Dec. 26, 2013  — Rocket Fuel Inc., (Nasdaq:FUEL), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) advertising solutions for digital marketers, today announced that it had entered into a $100 million syndicated credit facility led by Comerica Bank on December 20, 2013. The syndicate also includes Silicon Valley Bank and City National Bank. This credit facility amends and restates Rocket Fuel’s existing Loan and Security Agreement dated April 7, 2010.

J. Peter Bardwick, Rocket Fuel’s CFO, said, “This increase in our banking lines, plus our strong cash position of $125 million at the end of the third quarter, gives us flexibility to fund our growth effectively. We appreciate the support of our lenders and are excited to enter 2014 in such a strong position.”

With the amended facility, Rocket Fuel’s liquidity reserves comprising cash and committed credit facilities will help support future growth and financial flexibility for Rocket Fuel in the coming years. The facility is available to fund working capital growth, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes. The facility expires on December 20, 2018 with respect to term loans and on December 20, 2016 with respect to revolving loans.

“The innovative work that Rocket Fuel is doing is reflective in its recent successes and growth in the market,” says Dennis Rapoport, Comerica Bank vice president. “We are happy to continue our partnership with Rocket Fuel and excited to see what is in store for 2014.”

About Rocket Fuel

Rocket Fuel delivers a leading programmatic media-buying platform at Big Data scale that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve marketing ROI in digital media across web, mobile, video, and social channels. Rocket Fuel powers digital advertising and marketing programs globally for customers in North America, Europe, and Japan. Customers trust Rocket Fuel’s Advertising That Learns ® platform to achieve brand and direct-response objectives in diverse industries from luxury cars to groceries to retail. Rocket Fuel currently operates in over 20 offices worldwide and trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “FUEL.” For more information, please visit http://www.rocketfuel.com or call 1-888-717-8873.

About Comerica Incorporated

Comerica Incorporated (NYSE:CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $64.7 billion at September 30, 2013.

CONTACT: Investor Relations:
         Alex Wellins
         The Blueshirt Group
         (415) 217-5861
         ir@rocketfuel.com
Thursday, December 26th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (FUEL) Announces $100 Million Credit Facility

(SPCB) $10M Sale of SmartID Division to SuperCom

Divestiture Increases Company Emphasis on Core Contactless Technology and NFC Solutions

ROSH PINA, ISRAEL–(Dec 26, 2013) –  On Track Innovations Ltd. (OTI) (NASDAQ: OTIV), a global leader in cashless payment solutions based on contactless transactions and near-field communication (NFC), has closed the sale of its SmartID division to SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB), a global provider of traditional and digital identity solutions.

SuperCom acquired the SmartID division’s ongoing operations, including accounts and transfer of related employees, as well as intellectual property directly related to the SmartID business. OTI received $10 million in cash at the closing as the agreed closing payment. An additional payment of $7.5 million is expected to be received upon the completion of certain earn-out and business milestones, and an additional $5 million subject to performance-based milestones over three years.

“It was a long process and we are appreciative to the dedicated teams of both companies who made it happen,” said Ofer Tziperman, CEO of OTI. “I am especially proud of the SmartID team and wish them a great success with SuperCom.

“The divestiture marks a major step in executing on our strategic plan of focusing on our core business of providing cashless payment technology and solutions. With the additional cash now on our balance sheet, we can more effectively capitalize on the fast growing, multi-billion dollar NFC and cashless payments markets. We plan to leverage our bolstered balance sheet and significant competitive advantages to drive OTI’s long-term growth and profitability.”

About OTI
On Track Innovations Ltd. (OTI) is a leader in contactless and NFC applications based on its extensive patent and IP portfolio. OTI’s field-proven innovations have been deployed around the world to address NFC and other cashless payment solutions, petroleum payment and management, cashless parking fee collection systems and mass transit ticketing. OTI markets and supports its solutions through a global network of regional offices and alliances. For more information, visit www.otiglobal.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on OTI’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of OTI could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. For example, forward-looking statements include statements regarding receipt of future consideration from the sale of OTI’s SmartID Division, OTI’s long term growth and profitability, further penetration of the NFC markets and execution of OTI’s growth plans. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in OTI’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as otherwise required by law, OTI disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Investor Contact:
Scott Liolios or Matt Glover
Liolios Group, Inc.
949 574 3860
Email Contact

Thursday, December 26th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (SPCB) $10M Sale of SmartID Division to SuperCom

(PNTR) to Purchase Remainder of Shagrir Systems Ltd.

Pointer Telocation Ltd. (Nasdaq CM: PNTR) – a leading developer, manufacturer and operator of Mobile Resource Management (MRM), announced today that it has reached an agreement with certain shareholders of Shagrir Systems Ltd. (“Shagrir“), to acquire a 41.8% interest in Shagrir. Pointer currently owns 54.5% of the issued share capital of Shagrir and the acquisition will increase Pointer’s shareholding in Shagrir to 96.3%. The remaining 3.7% of the shares of Shagrir are held by present and former managers of Shagrir and the Company intends to purchase such additional shares under similar terms.

In consideration for the 41.8% interest in Shagrir the Company shall: (i) pay a cash consideration of NIS 29 million (approximately $8.3 million); and (ii) issue 914,000 Ordinary Shares of Pointer, representing 14.1% of the issued share capital of Pointer following the issuance of such shares.

Based on September 30, 2013 financial statements, on a pro-forma basis, the transaction would have improved basic EPS by more than 10% to $0.51 from $0.46.

A definitive agreement is expected to be entered into by December 31, 2013 with the closing of the transaction anticipated to take place no later than March 31, 2014, subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals and obtaining financing from a banking institution.

Shagrir provides Mobile Resource Management (MRM) and roadside assistance services for the automotive industry including towing services and  mobile automobile repair services (primarily in Israel), and also offers car sharing services via Car2Go in urban areas throughout Israel.

David Mahlab, President and CEO of Pointer said: “Shagrir is a leading and profitable provider of Mobile Resource Management services in Israel, supplying Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Roadside Assistance and Fleet Management. We are delighted with this opportunity to further consolidate our interest in Shagrir. The deal will strengthen our ability to increase the synergies between our global entities and we expect it to be accretive to our shareholders. This deal follows soon after our previous deal in which we acquired our partner’s share in our Brazilian subsidiary. Our full consolidation of Shagrir is a further milestone in our long term strategy and in line with our expansion goals. It puts us further along the road of becoming a global service provider in the growing Mobile Recourse Management market”.

About Pointer Telocation:

Pointer Telocation is a leading provider of technology and services to the automotive and insurance industries, offering a set of services including Road Side Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Fleet Management. Pointer has a growing list of customers and products installed in 50 countries. Cellocator, a Pointer Products Division, is a leading AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) solutions provider for stolen vehicle retrieval, fleet management, car & driver safety, public safety, vehicle security and more. The Company’s top management and the development center are located in the Afek Industrial Area of Rosh Ha’ayin, Israel.

For more information: http://www.pointer.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains historical information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “seems,” “plan,” “aim,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views, assumptions and expectations of the Company with respect to the proposed acquisition and other future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in the markets in which the Company operates and in general economic and business conditions, loss or gain of key customers and unpredictable sales cycles, competitive pressures, market acceptance of new products, inability to meet efficiency and cost reduction objectives, changes in business strategy and various other factors, both referenced and not referenced in this press release. Various risks and uncertainties may affect the Company and its results of operations, as described in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. The Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact

Zvi Fried, V.P. and Chief Financial Officer
Tel.: +972-3-572-3111
E-mail: zvif@pointer.com

Kenny Green/Ehud Helft, CCG Investor Relations
Tel: +1-646-201-9246
E-mail: pointer@ccgisrael.com

Monday, December 23rd, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (PNTR) to Purchase Remainder of Shagrir Systems Ltd.

(CANF) Top-Line Results of Phase IIb Study with CF101 in Rheumatoid Arthritis

PETACH TIKVA, Israel, Dec. 23, 2013  — Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (TASE: CFBI), (NYSE MKT: CANF), a biotechnology company with a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address inflammatory and cancer diseases, announced results from a 12-week, placebo-controlled Phase IIb study involving 79 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (“RA”) for its proprietary drug CF101, an A3 adenosine receptor (“A3AR”) agonist. The study entailed 2 arms, a placebo and a CF101 1 mg treated group, in which CF101 was administered orally twice-daily as a monotherapy for 12 weeks to patients with RA.  Only patients with elevated baseline expression levels of the biomarker A3AR were enrolled in the study.

In the study, CF101 1 mg met all primary efficacy endpoints, showing statistically significant superiority over placebo in reducing signs and symptoms of RA as compared to the placebo, as measured by ACR20 response rates at 12 weeks (ACR20 response rates: placebo = 25%; CF101 = 49%, p=0.035). This advantage was also evident in higher response rates in the CF101 group versus placebo in ACR50 (ACR50 response rates: placebo = 9%; CF101 = 19%) and ACR70 (ACR70 response rates: placebo = 3% ; CF101 = 11%). Similar to the Company’s observations in the previously reported CF101 psoriasis trials, the response of patients with RA was cumulative over time, suggesting a consistent anti-inflammatory effect of CF101.  Moreover, half of the RA patients treated with CF101 showed clinically meaningful improvement.

CF101 was very well-tolerated with no evidence of immunosuppression. CF101 had an excellent safety profile, as has already been shown in more than 750 patients in previously reported Phase II clinical studies in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, all treatment-emergent adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity.

These results will be presented at the 9th International Congress on Autoimmunity in Nice, France from March 26-30, 2014.

“Along with our recently presented interim analysis data with CF101 in psoriasis, results from this study in RA, in which half of the patients treated with CF101 showed clinically meaningful improvement, demonstrate the potential of the A3AR agonist CF101 in inflammatory indications. The data also supports the notion that A3AR can be used as a biological predictive marker,” stated Pnina Fishman, Chief Executive Officer of Can-Fite.

About CF101
CF101 is a small molecule orally bioavailable drug which binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3AR, which is known to be over-expressed in inflammatory cells. The correlation between A3AR expression levels prior to treatment and patients’ response to CF101 suggests that the A3AR may be utilized a predictive biomarker to be analyzed prior to patients’ treatment. CF101 is currently being developed for the treatment of RA and other inflammatory indications, including psoriasis, for which positive data from an interim analysis of an ongoing Phase II/III study was recently released by the Company.

About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd.
Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd is an Israeli public company, the ordinary shares of which are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (the “TASE”) (TASE: CFBI). Level II American Depository Receipts of the Company currently trade on the NYSE MKT (NYSE MKT: CANF). Can-Fite, which commenced business activity in 2000, was founded by Pnina Fishman, Ph.D., researcher in the Rabin Medical Center, and Ilan Cohn Ph.D., patent attorney and senior partner at Reinhold Cohn Patent Attorneys in Israel. Dr. Fishman serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Can-Fite. Dr. Fishman founded Can-Fite on the basis of her scientific findings, and Can-Fite is focused on the development of small molecule orally bioavailable drugs, in particular, ligands that bind to the A3 adenosine receptor. Such drugs mediate anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and the A3AR is developed  as a biological predictive marker. Can-Fite’s lead drug candidate, CF101, is in clinical development for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis.  Can-Fite’s CF102 drug candidate is being developed for the treatment of liver diseases and CF602 is being developed for the treatment of inflammation and sexual dysfunction.  To date, more than 700 patients have participated in clinical trials conducted by Can-Fite. Can-Fite previously spun off its activity in the ophthalmic field to OphthaliX Inc., in which it holds 82%, and is currently listed on the U.S. Over-the-Counter Markets (OTCQB: OPLI).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, about Can-Fite’s expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, its product development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. In addition, from time to time, Can-Fite or its representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “should” or “anticipate” or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. These forward-looking statements may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made by Can-Fite with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of one of Can-Fite’s authorized executive officers. Forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause Can-Fite’s actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause Can-Fite’s actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors summarized in Can-Fite’s filings with the SEC and in its periodic filings with the TASE.  In addition, Can-Fite operates in an industry sector where securities values are highly volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond its control.  Can-Fite does not undertake any obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact

IRTH Communications
Robert Haag
Email Contact
1-866-976-4784

Monday, December 23rd, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (CANF) Top-Line Results of Phase IIb Study with CF101 in Rheumatoid Arthritis

(YRCW) Reaches Agreement to Reduce Debt by $300 Million

Deal Contingent on IBT Ratification

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Dec. 23, 2013 — YRC Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq:YRCW) announced today that it has reached an agreement with certain holders of its Series A Convertible Notes, Series B Convertible Notes and other institutional investors that will allow it to reduce debt by approximately $300 million. In doing so, the company will meet a primary requirement (retiring at least 90% of the company’s Series A and B Convertible Notes) needed to satisfy the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ (IBT) conditionality of ratifying the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) proposal that is currently out for ratification by the company’s employees who are IBT members. However, the agreement will still remain contingent on getting the MOU proposal ratified by its members. The vote on the MOU is anticipated to be complete on January 8, 2014 and results will be available shortly thereafter. In addition, the debt reduction deal is contingent on getting holders of at least 90% of the $124 million of the company’s pension fund debt to amend and extend the currently outstanding note.

“The agreement is a momentous step toward delevering the company’s balance sheet, significantly improving the company’s credit profile, and is expected to secure some of the best paying jobs in the LTL industry,” said James Welch, Chief Executive Officer of YRC Worldwide and President of YRC Freight. “The last two years have been a long and hard fought journey in turning around one of the largest trucking companies in America. After shedding a significant portion of our non-core assets and operations and with the help of our unionized and non-unionized employees, we have focused our attention back to what we do best – North American LTL trucking.”

Under the agreement, the investors will invest $250 million in cash for newly-issued shares of common stock of YRC Worldwide at a price of $15.00 per share. The proceeds will be used to pay off the existing 6% Convertible Notes due February 2014 and defease and/or pay off the existing Series A Convertible Notes due March 2015. In addition, holders of approximately $50 million principal amount of the existing Series B Convertible Notes due March 2015 will convert those notes to common stock at a price of $15.00 to $16.01 per share, further reducing debt. The Series B Note holders that participate in the proposed transaction will also consent to amend the indenture to remove substantially all covenants and release the collateral securing those notes. The remaining Series B Convertible Notes may continue to be outstanding until their scheduled maturity of March 31, 2015. Consummation of the agreement is subject to a number of other customary conditions as well.

“These transactions will result in a substantial reduction of our debt and will position the company to address impending maturities, including the 6% Convertible Notes due in February 2014,” said Jamie Pierson, YRC Worldwide Chief Financial Officer. “These transactions also clear the way for us to enter the senior debt markets to refinance our current term and asset- based loans at more favorable interest rates.”

“We must now focus on the upcoming ratification vote and amendment and extension of the pension note as the two final steps in completing this major debt reduction transaction and reestablishing YRCW as a leader in the LTL industry. With a positive ratification vote and an amended and extended pension fund note, the improved financial picture will allow the company to increase its investment in new tractors, trailers, technology and equally if not more importantly training and developing its people.  Alternatively, if we are not successful, it would unfortunately mean some very difficult decisions for the company and its employees,” added Welch.

Important Information about the Proposed Transaction

This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or buy, nor the solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, any of the securities referred to herein or therein and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any offer and sale of the common stock referred to herein or therein has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release and the Current Report on Form 8-K referenced herein contain 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, including statements about management’s expectations with respect to consummating the proposed transaction and the impact of the proposed transaction on the Company. The words “will,” “would,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the proposed transaction described in this news release will be subject to a number of significant conditions, including, among other things, the ratification of the current proposal by the Company’s employees who are IBT members, the amendment and extension of the pension fund note and the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions contained in the definitive agreements related to the proposed transaction and the lack of unexpected or adverse litigation results. The Company cannot provide you with any assurances that the conditions contained in the definitive agreements related to the proposed transaction will be satisfied or that the proposed transaction can be completed in the timeframes required under the Company’s various agreements with its stakeholders. In addition, even if the proposed transaction is completed, the Company’s future results could differ materially from any results projected in such forward-looking statements because of a number of factors, including (among others) the risk factors that are from time to time included in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2013.

About YRC Worldwide

YRC Worldwide Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is the holding company for a portfolio of successful companies including YRC Freight, YRC Reimer, Holland, Reddaway, and New Penn. YRC Worldwide has one of the largest, most comprehensive less-than-truckload (LTL) networks in North America with local, regional, national and international capabilities. Through its team of experienced service professionals, YRC Worldwide offers industry-leading expertise in heavyweight shipments and flexible supply chain solutions, ensuring customers can ship industrial, commercial and retail goods with confidence. Please visit www.yrcw.com for more information.

Follow YRC Worldwide on Twitter: http://twitter.com/yrcworldwide

CONTACT: Investor Contact:
         Stephanie Fisher
         913-696-6108
         investor@yrcw.com

         Media Contact:
         Suzanne Dawson
         LAK Public Relations, Inc.
         212-329-1420
         sdawson@lakpr.com
Monday, December 23rd, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (YRCW) Reaches Agreement to Reduce Debt by $300 Million

(XRTX) Seagate Technology to Acquire Xyratex

Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), a world leader in storage solutions, and Xyratex Ltd (NASDAQ: XRTX), a leading provider of data storage technology, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Seagate will acquire all outstanding shares of Xyratex in an all-cash transaction valued at $13.25 per share, or a total of approximately $374 million, including approximately $80 million in cash on Xyratex’s balance sheet as of August 31, 2013. The consideration represents a premium of approximately 27% per share over Xyratex’s stock price at the close of trading on December 20, 2013.

Xyratex has developed a leading hard disk drive (“HDD”) capital test equipment business. The acquisition of this business will further strengthen Seagate’s vertically integrated supply and manufacturing chain for disk drives and ensure uninterrupted access to important capital equipment. The acquisition also expands Seagate’s storage solutions portfolio by adding Xyratex’s industry-leading enterprise data storage systems and high-performance computing business. Seagate will operate this business as a standalone entity and will focus on opportunities to improve and expand the business.

“This is a strategically important acquisition for Seagate as we continue to focus on delivering best-in-class storage solutions for our customers,” said Dave Mosley, President of Operations and Technology at Seagate. “As the average capacity per drive increases to multi-terabytes, the time to test these drives increases dramatically. Therefore, access to world-class test equipment becomes an increasingly strategic capability. As a premier provider of HDD testing equipment, Xyratex is an important partner and we are excited to integrate these important capabilities which will considerably streamline our supply and manufacturing chain for our core HDD business. We are also pleased to acquire Xyratex’s storage systems and high-performance computing business, which provides us additional opportunities to serve our customers with a broader array of storage solutions.”

“Xyratex is very pleased to become a part of Seagate’s industry-leading organization,” said Ernie Sampias, Chief Executive Officer of Xyratex. “Seagate shares our commitment to innovation and the critical role that test plays in providing the best storage products at the lowest possible cost. After a thorough strategic review process in which we evaluated a wide range of alternatives, the Xyratex Board of Directors determined that this all-cash transaction with Seagate maximizes shareholder value through an attractive premium, and also affirms the significant value that our employees have created.”

The transaction has been approved by Xyratex’s Board of Directors and is subject to customary closing conditions, including review by regulatory bodies and approval by Xyratex shareholders. Baker Street Capital, Xyratex’s largest shareholder, has agreed to vote its shares in favor of the transaction. The transaction is currently expected to close in mid-calendar year 2014. Seagate expects to finance the transaction from existing cash balances and the transaction is not subject to any financing conditions.

Seagate currently expects the transaction to be neutral to Seagate’s earnings per share in its fiscal year 2015. Seagate expects positive cash flow immediately following the transaction and expects revenue contribution to be between $500-$600 million in its fiscal year 2015.

Allen & Company LLC served as financial advisor and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati served as primary legal advisor to Seagate in connection with the transaction. Credit Suisse served as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to Xyratex.

About Seagate

Seagate is a world leader in hard disk drives and storage solutions. Learn more at www.Seagate.com.

About Xyratex

Xyratex is a leading provider of data storage technology, including modular solutions for the enterprise data storage industry and hard disk drive (HDD) capital equipment for the HDD industry. Xyratex enterprise data storage platforms provide a range of advanced, scalable data storage solutions for the Original Equipment Manufacturer and High Performance Computing communities. As the largest capital equipment supplier to the HDD industry, Xyratex enables disk drive manufacturers and their component suppliers to meet today’s technology and productivity requirements. Xyratex has over 25 years of experience in research and development relating to disk drives, storage systems and manufacturing process technology. Founded in 1994 in an MBO from IBM, and with headquarters in the United Kingdom, Xyratex has an established global base with R&D and operational facilities in North America, Asia and Europe.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, including, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies and prospects and estimates of industry growth for the fiscal quarter ending December 27, 2013 and beyond. These statements identify prospective information and include words such as “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “projects” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to the Company as of the date of this press release and are based on management’s current views and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are conditioned upon and also involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors may be beyond the Company’s control and may pose a risk to the Company’s operating and financial condition. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the uncertainty in global economic conditions, as consumers and businesses may defer purchases in response to tighter credit and financial news; the impact of the variable demand and adverse pricing environment for disk drives, particularly in view of current business and economic conditions; dependence on the Company’s ability to successfully qualify, manufacture and sell its disk drive products in increasing volumes on a cost-effective basis and with acceptable quality, particularly the new disk drive products with lower cost structures; the impact of competitive product announcements; possible excess industry supply with respect to particular disk drive products; and the Company’s ability to achieve projected cost savings in connection with restructuring plans. Information concerning risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from the expectations described in this press release is contained in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 29, 2013 and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on August 7, 2013, the “Risk Factors” section of which is incorporated into this press release by reference. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any subsequent date and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made.

Monday, December 23rd, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (XRTX) Seagate Technology to Acquire Xyratex

(CRMD) Receives Minutes from Neutrolin Pre-IND Meeting with FDA

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Dec. 23, 2013  — CorMedix Inc. (NYSE MKT: CRMD), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapeutic products for the prevention and treatment of cardio-renal and infectious disease, today announced receipt of the official minutes from the Nov. 14, 2013 Pre-IND (Investigational New Drug) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The minutes confirmed the guidance received from the FDA concerning the development of Neutrolin. CorMedix intends to work with the FDA to finalize a clinical protocol and file an IND to support activities required to commercialize Neutrolin in the U.S.

“Commercializing Neutrolin in the U.S. is an important long-term goal for CorMedix, and is one that we plan to pursue in tandem with several, more immediate, key objectives,” said Randy Milby, CorMedix Chief Executive Officer.  “We recently began shipping Neutrolin to our first hemodialysis customers in Germany.  As we enter 2014, we will be keenly focused on expansion into other targeted EU countries as well as non-European markets that recognize the CE Mark.”

About CorMedix

CorMedix Inc. is a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company that seeks to in-license, develop and commercialize therapeutic products for the prevention and treatment of cardiac, renal and infectious diseases. CorMedix’s first commercial product  is Neutrolin®, a catheter lock solution for the prevention of catheter related bloodstream infections and maintenance of catheter patency in tunneled, cuffed, central venous catheters used for vascular access in hemodialysis patients. Please see the company’s website at www.cormedix.com for additional information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, regarding management’s expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or CorMedix’s prospects, future financial position, future revenues and projected costs should be considered forward-looking. Readers are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from projections or estimates due to a variety of important factors, including: risks of launch and market acceptance of our products; obtaining regulatory approvals to conduct clinical trials and to commercialize CorMedix’s product candidates; the risks and uncertainties associated with CorMedix’s ability to manage its limited cash resources; obtaining additional financing to support CorMedix’s research and development and clinical activities and operations; CorMedix’s ability to maintain its listing on the NYSE MKT; the outcome of clinical trials of CorMedix’s product candidates and whether they demonstrate these candidates’ safety and effectiveness; CorMedix’s ability to enter into and maintain collaborations with third parties for its development programs; CorMedix’s dependence on its collaborations and its license relationships; achieving milestones under CorMedix’s collaborations; CorMedix’s dependence on preclinical and clinical investigators, preclinical and clinical research organizations, manufacturers and consultants; and protecting the intellectual property developed by or licensed to CorMedix. These and other risks are described in greater detail in CorMedix’s filings with the SEC, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from CorMedix. CorMedix may not actually achieve the goals or plans described in its forward-looking statements, and investors should not place undue reliance on these statements. CorMedix assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Monday, December 23rd, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (CRMD) Receives Minutes from Neutrolin Pre-IND Meeting with FDA

(VNRX) Announces Engagement of MissionIR Investor Relations Services

ATLANTA, GA–(Dec 23, 2013) – VolitionRx Ltd. (OTCQB: VNRX) (the “Company”) today announces that it has engaged the investor relations services of MissionIR. Through a network of investor-oriented sites and full suite of investor awareness services, MissionIR broadens the influence of publicly traded companies and enhances their ability to attract growth capital as well as improve shareholder value.

“VolitionRx is developing a blood-based cancer diagnostics tool that in preclinical trials has demonstrated tremendous potential to change the landscape of colorectal cancer screening,” stated Sherri Franklin, Director of Marketing at MissionIR. “As the Company continues its focus on ongoing clinical trials of this product, MissionIR will work to increase VolitionRx’s visibility among the investment community and strengthen dialogue with existing Company shareholders. We’re excited to be a part of VolitionRx’s future.”

Cameron Reynolds, CEO of VolitionRx, stated, “This new partnership with MissionIR will enhance our current investor relations initiatives and help us to execute a strategic campaign to better reach and communicate with our shareholders. Additionally, as we continue with the advancement of our cancer diagnostic tests, we look forward to working with MissionIR’s team to maximize product exposure and attain our short-term and long-term goals. MissionIR is providing a much needed service not only to VolitionRx, but to the broader small-cap market.”

About MissionIR

MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. Through a full suite of investor relations and consultancy services, we help public companies develop and execute a strategic investor awareness plan as we’ve done for hundreds of others. Whether it’s capital raising, increasing awareness among the financial community, or enhancing corporate communications, we offer a variety of solutions to meet the objectives of our clients.

For more information, visit www.MissionIR.com

About VolitionRx Ltd.

VolitionRx is a life sciences company focused on developing blood-based diagnostic tests for different types of cancer. The tests are based on the science of Nucleosomics which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream — an indication that cancer is present.

VolitionRx’s goal is to make the tests as common and simple to use, for both patients and doctors, as existing diabetic and cholesterol blood tests. VolitionRx’s research and development activities are currently centred in Belgium as the company focuses on bringing its diagnostic products to market first in Europe, then in the U.S. and ultimately, worldwide.

For more information, visit www.VNRX.MissionIR.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This Press Release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or advise in the event of any change, addition or alteration to the information included in this Press Release including such forward-looking statements.

Contact:

Mission Investor Relations
Sherri Franklin
http://www.MissionIR.com
404-941-8975
Investors@MissionIR.com

Monday, December 23rd, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (VNRX) Announces Engagement of MissionIR Investor Relations Services

VolitionRx Ltd. (VNRX)

VolitionRx Ltd. is a life sciences company focused on bringing to market its inexpensive, accurate, and scalable cancer detection blood tests. The company intends to use its NuQR suite of products to fill a looming void in cancer diagnostic testing, for which there currently is only one blood test in common clinical use.

NuQR is based on VolitionRx’s proprietary NucleosomicsR technology, capable of measuring and identifying nucleosome structures in the blood. The company has secured strong intellectual property protection for its products, further strengthened by patent applications in the United States, Europe and worldwide. Following ongoing clinical trials and regulatory approval, VolitionRx will market its diagnostic and screening tests for individual cancers under the NuQR brand.

The company is currently conducting clinical trials for its first product, a diagnostic test for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States – current tests are expensive, invasive and unpleasant, resulting in a significant need for an improved alternative for colorectal diagnoses.

VolitionRx’s primary office and laboratory are based in Namur, Belgium, from which the company’s strong team of professionals spearhead corporate initiatives. The company’s executive management team is further supported by a scientific advisory board staffed with senior scientists from around the world, as well as a highly experienced board of directors.

 

 

 

Monday, December 23rd, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on VolitionRx Ltd. (VNRX)

(ARIA) Announces U.S. Resumption of Marketing and Commercial Distribution

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARIA) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved revised U.S. Prescribing Information (USPI) and a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Iclusig® (ponatinib) that allows immediate resumption of its marketing and commercial distribution. The USPI includes a revised indication statement and boxed warning, updated safety information and recommendations regarding dosing considerations for prescribers.

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA (Photo: Business Wire)

Iclusig is now indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

  • T315I-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic phase, accelerated phase, or blast phase) or T315I-positive Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and
  • Chronic phase, accelerated phase, or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia or Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia for whom no other tyrosine-kinase inhibitor therapy is indicated.

The FDA granted approval of the revised USPI based on its review of the Iclusig clinical-trial data, including 24-month follow up of the pivotal PACE trial. The boxed warning has been revised to alert patients and healthcare professionals to the risk of vascular occlusive events and includes a new warning for heart failure. The starting dose of Iclusig remains 45 mg daily.

“In less than two months of suspending marketing and commercial distribution of Iclusig in the U.S., we addressed the issues raised by the FDA and now are able to market and distribute Iclusig again in the U.S.,” stated Harvey J. Berger, M.D. chairman and chief executive officer of ARIAD. “As we look ahead to re-launching Iclusig in the U.S. and fulfilling our post-marketing requirements, we will continue to focus on understanding the benefits and risks of Iclusig treatment in patients with resistant or intolerant Philadelphia-positive leukemias.”

At the end of October 2013, there were approximately 640 patients receiving Iclusig obtained through commercial channels in the U.S. Since then, Iclusig has been made available through emergency and single-patient investigational new drug (IND) applications, which were reviewed and approved by the FDA on a case-by-case basis. Through today, FDA has approved 350 INDs. This figure includes approximately 260 patients who have already received Iclusig and approximately 90 additional patients who have been approved to receive Iclusig through these mechanisms.

“We are committed to continuing our productive collaboration with the FDA and to helping patients and their physicians make informed decisions about the most appropriate use of Iclusig in the context of the revised product label,” stated Frank Haluska, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer of ARIAD.

“Commercial distribution of Iclusig will begin by mid-January at which time we will deploy dedicated commercial and medical affairs teams in the U.S. In the meantime, patients will continue to receive Iclusig through the IND mechanism,” stated Marty Duvall, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “We expect the commercialization of Iclusig to be cash-flow positive from the onset.”

REMS Program and Post-Marketing Requirements

The objective of the REMS program is to inform prescribers of the risk of vascular occlusion associated with Iclusig and of the revised indications. The REMS program, which will be initiated within three weeks, includes letters to physicians and professional societies, a fact sheet and information that will be communicated through professional journals and displayed at scientific meetings. All of these materials will be available on an Iclusig REMS website.

In addition, ARIAD has agreed to fulfill a series of post-marketing requirements beginning in 2014 to better understand the risks of vascular occlusion and to further explore various doses of Iclusig, as follows:

  • Enhanced pharmacovigilance assessment of risk factors for, and the management and consequences of, vascular occlusive events that are serious or require medical evaluation or treatment, occurring while patients are receiving Iclusig administered in clinical trials or obtained through commercial channels,
  • Prospective observation of patients on Iclusig obtained through commercial channels to evaluate the incidence of, and risk factors for, vascular occlusive events when Iclusig is given with or without anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents,
  • Continued follow-up of patients from the three ARIAD-sponsored trials of Iclusig in Philadelphia-positive leukemias to assess the long-term safety of Iclusig treatment, including the long-term risk of vascular occlusive events, and
  • A randomized, multi-arm trial to characterize a range of Iclusig doses and to inform its safe use in patients with refractory, chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia.

Today’s Conference Call at 11:30 a.m. ET

ARIAD management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the approval of a new U.S. product label for Iclusig today, December 20 at 11:30 a.m. ET. The live webcast can be accessed by visiting the investor relations section of the Company’s website at http://investor.ariad.com. The call can be accessed by dialing 888-771-4371 (U.S.) or +1 847-585-4405 (international) and providing the participant code 36331249. A replay of the call will be available on the ARIAD website approximately two hours after completion of the call and will be archived for three weeks.

About Iclusig® (ponatinib)

Iclusig is a kinase inhibitor. The primary target for Iclusig is BCR-ABL, an abnormal tyrosine kinase that is expressed in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia-chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Iclusig was designed using ARIAD’s computational and structure-based drug design platform specifically to inhibit the activity of BCR-ABL. Iclusig targets not only native BCR-ABL but also its isoforms that carry mutations that confer resistance to treatment, including the T315I mutation, a common mutation which has been associated with resistance to other approved TKIs.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE BOXED WARNING

WARNING: VASCULAR OCCLUSION, HEART FAILURE, and HEPATOTOXICITY

See full U.S. prescribing information for complete boxed warning

  • Vascular Occlusion: Arterial and venous thrombosis and occlusions have occurred in at least 27% of Iclusig treated patients, including fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, stenosis of large arterial vessels of the brain, severe peripheral vascular disease, and the need for urgent revascularization procedures. Patients with and without cardiovascular risk factors, including patients less than 50 years old, experienced these events. Monitor for evidence of thromboembolism and vascular occlusion. Interrupt or stop Iclusig immediately for vascular occlusion. A benefit risk consideration should guide a decision to restart Iclusig therapy.
  • Heart Failure, including fatalities, occurred in 8% of Iclusig-treated patients. Monitor cardiac function. Interrupt or stop Iclusig for new or worsening heart failure.
  • Hepatotoxicity, liver failure and death have occurred in Iclusig-treated patients. Monitor hepatic function. Interrupt Iclusig if hepatotoxicity is suspected.

Vascular Occlusion: Arterial and venous thrombosis and occlusions, including fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, stenosis of large arterial vessels of the brain, severe peripheral vascular disease, and the need for urgent revascularization procedures have occurred in at least 27% of Iclusig-treated patients from the phase 1 and phase 2 trials. Iclusig can also cause recurrent or multi-site vascular occlusion. Overall, 20% of Iclusig-treated patients experienced an arterial occlusion and thrombosis event of any grade. Fatal and life-threatening vascular occlusion has occurred within 2 weeks of starting Iclusig treatment and in patients treated with average daily dose intensities as low as 15 mg per day. The median time to onset of the first vascular occlusion event was 5 months. Patients with and without cardiovascular risk factors have experienced vascular occlusion although these events were more frequent with increasing age and in patients with prior history of ischemia, hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. Interrupt or stop Iclusig immediately in patients who develop vascular occlusion events.

Heart Failure: Fatal and serious heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 5% of Iclusig-treated patients (22/449). Eight percent of patients (35/449) experienced any grade of heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms consistent with heart failure and treat as clinically indicated, including interruption of Iclusig. Consider discontinuation of Iclusig in patients who develop serious heart failure.

Hepatotoxicity: Iclusig can cause hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death. Fulminant hepatic failure leading to death occurred in an Iclusig-treated patient within one week of starting Iclusig. Two additional fatal cases of acute liver failure also occurred. The fatal cases occurred in patients with blast phase CML (BP-CML) or Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Severe hepatotoxicity occurred in all disease cohorts. Iclusig treatment may result in elevation in ALT, AST, or both. Monitor liver function tests at baseline, then at least monthly or as clinically indicated. Interrupt, reduce or discontinue Iclusig as clinically indicated.

Hypertension: Treatment-emergent hypertension (defined as systolic BP≥140 mm Hg or diastolic BP≥90 mm Hg on at least one occasion) occurred in 67% of patients (300/449). Eight patients treated with Iclusig (2%) experienced treatment-emergent symptomatic hypertension as a serious adverse reaction, including one patient (<1%) with hypertensive crisis. Patients may require urgent clinical intervention for hypertension associated with confusion, headache, chest pain, or shortness of breath In 131 patients with Stage 1 hypertension at baseline, 61% (80/131) developed Stage 2 hypertension. Monitor and manage blood pressure elevations during Iclusig use and treat hypertension to normalize blood pressure. Interrupt, dose reduce, or stop Iclusig if hypertension is not medically controlled.

Pancreatitis: Clinical pancreatitis occurred in 6% (28/449) of patients (5% Grade 3) treated with Iclusig. Pancreatitis resulted in discontinuation or treatment interruption in 6% of patients (25/449). The incidence of treatment-emergent lipase elevation was 41%. Check serum lipase every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly thereafter or as clinically indicated. Consider additional serum lipase monitoring in patients with a history of pancreatitis or alcohol abuse. Dose interruption or reduction may be required. In cases where lipase elevations are accompanied by abdominal symptoms, interrupt treatment with Iclusig and evaluate patients for pancreatitis. Do not consider restarting Iclusig until patients have complete resolution of symptoms and lipase levels are less than 1.5 x ULN.

Neuropathy: Peripheral and cranial neuropathy have occurred in Iclusig-treated patients. Overall, 13% (59/449) of Iclusig-treated patients experienced a peripheral neuropathy event of any grade (2%, grade 3/4). In clinical trials, the most common peripheral neuropathies reported were peripheral neuropathy (4%, 18/449), paresthesia (4%, 17/449), hypoesthesia (2%, 11/449), and hyperesthesia (1%, 5/449). Cranial neuropathy developed in 1% (6/449) of Iclusig-treated patients (<1% grade 3/4).

Of the patients who developed neuropathy, 31% (20/65) developed neuropathy during the first month of treatment. Monitor patients for symptoms of neuropathy, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain or weakness. Consider interrupting Iclusig and evaluate if neuropathy is suspected.

Ocular Toxicity: Serious ocular toxicities leading to blindness or blurred vision have occurred in Iclusig-treated patients. Retinal toxicities including macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and retinal hemorrhage occurred in 3% of Iclusig-treated patients. Conjunctival or corneal irritation, dry eye, or eye pain occurred in 13% of patients. Visual blurring occurred in 6% of the patients. Other ocular toxicities include cataracts, glaucoma, iritis, iridocyclitis, and ulcerative keratitis. Conduct comprehensive eye exams at baseline and periodically during treatment.

Hemorrhage: Serious bleeding events, including fatalities, occurred in 5% (22/449) of patients treated with Iclusig. Hemorrhagic events occurred in 24% of patients. The incidence of serious bleeding events was higher in patients with accelerated phase CML (AP-CML), BP-CML, and Ph+ ALL. Most hemorrhagic events, but not all occurred in patients with grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Interrupt Iclusig for serious or severe hemorrhage and evaluate.

Fluid Retention: Serious fluid retention events occurred in 3% (13/449) of patients treated with Iclusig. One instance of brain edema was fatal. In total, fluid retention occurred in 23% of the patients. The most common fluid retention events were peripheral edema (16%), pleural effusion (7%), and pericardial effusion (3%). Monitor patients for fluid retention and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt, reduce, or discontinue Iclusig as clinically indicated.

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Symptomatic bradyarrhythmias that led to a requirement for pacemaker implantation occurred in 1% (3/449) of Iclusig-treated patients. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms suggestive of slow heart rate (fainting, dizziness, or chest pain). Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias occurred in 5% (25/449) of Iclusig-treated patients. Atrial fibrillation was the most common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and occurred in 20 patients. For 13 patients, the event led to hospitalization. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of rapid heart rate (palpitations, dizziness). Interrupt Iclusig and evaluate.

Myelosuppression: Severe (grade 3 or 4) myelosuppression occurred in 48% (215/449) of patients treated with Iclusig. The incidence of these events was greater in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML and Ph+ ALL than in patients with CP-CML. Obtain complete blood counts every 2 weeks for the first 3 months and then monthly or as clinically indicated, and adjust the dose as recommended.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Two patients (<1%) with advanced disease (AP-CML, BP-CML, or Ph+ ALL) treated with Iclusig developed serious tumor lysis syndrome. Hyperuricemia occurred in 7% (30/449) of patients overall; the majority had CP-CML (19 patients). Due to the potential for tumor lysis syndrome in patients with advanced disease, ensure adequate hydration and treat high uric acid levels prior to initiating therapy with Iclusig.

Compromised Wound Healing and Gastrointestinal Perforation: Since Iclusig may compromise wound healing, interrupt Iclusig for at least 1 week prior to major surgery. Serious gastrointestinal perforation (fistula) occurred in one patient 38 days post-cholecystectomy.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Iclusig can cause fetal harm. If Iclusig is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking Iclusig, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Advise women to avoid pregnancy while taking Iclusig.

Most common non-hematologic adverse reactions: (≥20%) were hypertension, rash, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dry skin, constipation, arthralgia, nausea, and pyrexia. Hematologic adverse reactions included thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, and leukopenia.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for Iclusig, including the Boxed Warning, for additional important safety information.

About ARIAD

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Lausanne, Switzerland, is an integrated global oncology company focused on transforming the lives of cancer patients with breakthrough medicines. ARIAD is working on new medicines to advance the treatment of various forms of chronic and acute leukemia, lung cancer and other difficult-to-treat cancers. ARIAD utilizes computational and structural approaches to design small-molecule drugs that overcome resistance to existing cancer medicines. For additional information, visit http://www.ariad.com or follow ARIAD on Twitter (@ARIADPharm).

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” including, but not limited to, the timing and financial success of the resumption of commercial marketing and sales of Iclusig; the Company’s ability to fulfill the four post-marketing requirements to the satisfaction of the FDA; the timing and results of the enhanced pharmacovigilance study, the prospective observational study and the long-term follow-up of subjects in Iclusig clinical studies; the timing, enrollment and results of the randomized, multi-arm trial to characterize a range of Iclusig doses; and the safety profile for Iclusig as it continues to be studied. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcome of events, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, preclinical data and early-stage clinical data that may not be replicated in later-stage clinical studies, the costs associated with our research, development, manufacturing and other activities, the conduct, timing and results of pre-clinical and clinical studies of our product candidates, the adequacy of our capital resources and the availability of additional funding, and other factors detailed in the Company’s public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information contained in this press release is believed to be current as of the date of original issue. The Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this document to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in the Company’s expectations, except as required by law.

Friday, December 20th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (ARIA) Announces U.S. Resumption of Marketing and Commercial Distribution

(AMRN) Receives FDA Notification That Action on ANCHOR

FDA Reviewing Amarin Request to Reinstate ANCHOR SPA

BEDMINSTER, N.J. and DUBLIN, Ireland, Dec. 20, 2013 — Amarin Corporation plc (Nasdaq:AMRN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization and development of therapeutics to improve cardiovascular health, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the company last night that the FDA does not expect to take action on Amarin’s supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for the proposed ANCHOR indication labeling expansion for Vascepa® (icosapent ethyl) capsules on the December 20, 2013 Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date because Amarin’s request to re-instate the ANCHOR Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement remains under consideration with the FDA. No new PDUFA date was established.

The FDA also communicated to Amarin that it now views Amarin’s appeal of the ANCHOR SPA agreement rescission and the ANCHOR sNDA as separate administrative decisions worthy of separate consideration. FDA plans to complete its review of Amarin’s request to re-instate the ANCHOR SPA agreement and plans to convey its decision to Amarin no later than January 15, 2014. The FDA provided no additional information on when it expects to complete its review of the ANCHOR sNDA.

Vascepa is currently FDA approved for use as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. The ANCHOR sNDA seeks approval of Vascepa for use as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adult patients on statin therapy with mixed dyslipidemia (one or more lipid disorder) and triglyceride levels between 200 and 499 mg/dL.

Amarin plans to continue to work with the FDA to pursue reinstatement of the ANCHOR SPA agreement and approval of the ANCHOR sNDA. There can be no assurance that Amarin will be successful in this effort.

About Vascepa® (icosapent ethyl) capsules

Vascepa® (icosapent ethyl) capsules, known in scientific literature as AMR101, is a highly pure-EPA omega-3 prescription product in a 1 gram capsule.

Indications and Usage

  • Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia.
  • The effect of Vascepa on the risk for pancreatitis and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined.

Important Safety Information for Vascepa

  • Vascepa is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to Vascepa or any of its components and should be used with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish.
  • The most common reported adverse reaction (incidence > 2% and greater than placebo) was arthralgia (2.3% for Vascepa, 1.0% for placebo).

FULL VASCEPA PRESCRIBING INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.VASCEPA.COM.

Vascepa is under various stages of development for potential use in indications that have not been approved by the FDA. Nothing in this press release should be construed as promoting the use of Vascepa in any indication that has not been approved by the FDA.

About Amarin

Amarin Corporation plc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization and development of therapeutics to improve cardiovascular health. Amarin’s product development program leverages its extensive experience in lipid science and the potential therapeutic benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Vascepa® (icosapent ethyl), Amarin’s first FDA approved product, is a patented, ultra pure omega-3 fatty acid product comprising not less than 96% EPA. For more information about Vascepa visit www.vascepa.com. For more information about Amarin visit www.amarincorp.com.

Forward-looking statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about anticipated FDA review of the ANCHOR SPA rescission decision and ANCHOR sNDA and the timing of such reviews, and Amarin’s plans to continue to pursue reinstatement of the ANCHOR SPA and approval of the ANCHOR sNDA. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein include the following: uncertainties associated generally with research and development, clinical trials and related regulatory approvals; the risk that SPA agreements with the FDA are not a guarantee that FDA will approve a product candidate; the risk associated with the FDA’s rescinding of the ANCHOR SPA agreement; the risk that FDA will follow the recommendation of the advisory committee against ANCHOR sNDA approval; the risk that the FDA may not complete its review of the ANCHOR SPA reinstatement or sNDA in the timing expected; and the risk that Amarin’s interpretation of the applicable legal standards and scientific information related to the SPA agreement rescission may not be determinative or adjudicated in Amarin’s favor or at all. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks associated with an investment in Amarin can be found in Amarin’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Amarin undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Availability of other information about Amarin

Investors and others should note that we communicate with our investors and the public using our company website (www.amarincorp.com), our investor relations website (http://www.amarincorp.com/investor-splash.html), including but not limited to investor presentations and investor FAQs, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The information that we post on these channels and websites could be deemed to be material information. As a result, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in Amarin to review the information that we post on these channels, including our investor relations website, on a regular basis. This list of channels may be updated from time to time on our investor relations website and may include social media channels. The contents of our website or these channels, or any other website that may be accessed from our website or these channels, shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.

CONTACT: Joseph Bruno
         Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
         Amarin Corporation
         In U.S.: +1 (908) 719-1315
         investor.relations@amarincorp.com
Friday, December 20th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (AMRN) Receives FDA Notification That Action on ANCHOR

(MKTG) Oracle Buys Responsys

Creates the World’s Largest Modern Marketing Cloud by Adding Leading B2C Marketing Orchestration Platform

REDWOOD SHORES, CA–(Dec 20, 2013) – Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Responsys, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKTG), the leading provider of enterprise-scale cloud-based B2C marketing software, for $27.00 per share in cash or approximately $1.5 billion, net of Responsys’ cash. Responsys is used by the most respected B2C brands across the globe to orchestrate marketing interactions across email, mobile, social, display and the web, at massive scale.

The addition of Responsys extends Oracle’s Customer Experience Cloud, which includes Commerce, Sales, Service, Social and the Oracle Marketing Cloud. By bringing together Responsys and Oracle Eloqua in the Marketing Cloud, for the first time CMOs that support industries with B2C or B2B business models will be equipped to drive exceptional customer experiences across marketing interactions and throughout the customer lifecycle from a single platform.

The Board of Directors of Responsys has unanimously approved the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2014, subject to Responsys stockholders tendering a majority of Responsys’ outstanding shares and vested equity incentive awards in the tender offer, certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

“Recognizing the unique needs of the CMO in B2B and B2C industries, the Oracle Marketing Cloud is now the only platform to unite enterprise-class leaders in these historically distinct marketing-automation fields,” said Mark Hurd, President, Oracle. “Our strategy of combining the leaders across complementary technologies signifies Oracle’s overwhelming commitment to winning and serving the CMO better than any other software company in the world.”

“Responsys has always been focused on helping marketers realize their largest opportunity — coordinating their marketing touch points across channels, across the customer lifecycle, and across industries, and as a part of Oracle, we will only accelerate our efforts,” said Dan Springer, CEO, Responsys. “Oracle not only shares our vision, but is the proven leader in bringing together best-in-class technologies and companies to realize the largest enterprise opportunities. We couldn’t be more excited about what this means for our customers and employees.”

“Oracle customers will benefit from continued R&D investment across the Responsys and Eloqua platforms, ensuring that CMOs in all industries are armed with a best-in-class solution,” said Thomas Kurian, Executive Vice President, Oracle Development. “When combined with the full Oracle Customer Experience Cloud, for the first time, companies will be empowered to orchestrate individualized experiences that extend from Marketing, to Commerce, to Sales, to Service, to Support.”

More information about this announcement is available at http://www.oracle.com/responsys

About Oracle
Oracle engineers hardware and software to work together in the cloud and in your data center. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), visit www.oracle.com.

Trademarks
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains certain forward-looking statements about Oracle and Responsys, including statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning Oracle’s proposed acquisition of Responsys, anticipated customer benefits and general business outlook. When used in this document, the words “anticipates”, “can”, “will”, “look forward to”, “expected” and similar expressions and any other statements that are not historical facts are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. Any such statement may be influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of Oracle or Responsys, that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected, described, expressed or implied in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the possibility that the transaction will not close or that the closing may be delayed, the anticipated synergies of the combined companies may not be achieved after closing, the combined operations may not be successfully integrated in a timely manner, if at all, general economic conditions in regions in which either company does business, and the possibility that Oracle or Responsys may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of operations or financial condition of Oracle or Responsys.

In addition, please refer to the documents that Oracle and Responsys, respectively, file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. These filings identify and address other important factors that could cause Oracle’s and Responsys’ respective operational and other results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements set forth in this document. You are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. Neither Oracle nor Responsys is under any duty to update any of the information in this document.

Oracle is currently reviewing the existing Responsys product roadmap and will be providing guidance to customers in accordance with Oracle’s standard product communication policies. Any resulting features and timing of release of such features as determined by Oracle’s review of Responsys’ product roadmap are at the sole discretion of Oracle. All product roadmap information, whether communicated by Responsys or by Oracle, does not represent a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decision. It is intended for information purposes only, and may not be incorporated into any contract.

Additional Information about the Acquisition and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed acquisition, Oracle will commence a tender offer for the outstanding shares of Responsys. The tender offer has not yet commenced. This document is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Responsys, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Oracle and its acquisition subsidiary will file with the SEC upon commencement of the tender offer. At the time the tender is commenced, Oracle and its acquisition subsidiary will file tender offer materials on Schedule TO, and Responsys will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. The tender offer materials (including an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents) and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement will contain important information. Holders of shares of Responsys are urged to read these documents when they become available because they will contain important information that holders of Responsys securities should consider before making any decision regarding tendering their securities. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, will be made available to all holders of shares of Responsys at no expense to them. The tender offer materials and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement will be made available for free at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.

In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, Oracle and Responsys file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports or other information filed by Oracle or Responsys at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Oracle’s and Responsys’ filings with the SEC are also available to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

Contact Info

Deborah Hellinger
Oracle Corporate Communications
+1.212. 508.7935
Email Contact

Ken Bond
Oracle Investor Relations
+1.650.607.0349
ken.bond@oracle.com

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(TSEM) and Panasonic Signed Definitive Agreement Creating Manufacturing Joint Venture

New JV to include three Panasonic semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Japan; Facilities to continue manufacturing existing Panasonic production of semiconductor diffusion process, including 12 inch advanced wafer fab with technologies of 65 and 45 nanometers, in addition to manufacturing expansion of new products and technologies from new customers.

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader (NASDAQ/ TASE ticker: TSEM), and Panasonic Corporation, a worldwide leader in the development and engineering of electronic technologies and solutions for customers in residential, non-residential, mobility and personal applications (First Section of TSE and NSE ticker: 6752) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to create a joint venture (JV) to manufacture Panasonic’s products, using Panasonic’s three semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Japan, as well as possible expansion of the current operations in those fabs, leveraging TowerJazz’s customers and businesses to capture out-of-group sales.

Within the scope of the JV, Panasonic will transfer its semiconductor wafer manufacturing process and capacity tools of 8 inch and 12 inch at its Hokuriku factories (Uozu, Tonami and Arai) to the JV, commit to acquire its products from the JV for the volume production based on long term partnership between TowerJazz and Panasonic of at least five years, and will transfer to TowerJazz 51% of the shares of this JV.

With aforementioned partnership, Tower Jazz and Panasonic will develop the JV to be a global leading specialty foundry leveraging TowerJazz’s world class design enablement platform and marketing advantages along with Panasonic’s well advanced technology and outstanding quality management capabilities.

About TowerJazz

Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ: TSEM, TASE: TSEM), its fully owned U.S. subsidiary Jazz Semiconductor Inc., and its fully owned Japanese subsidiary TowerJazz Japan, Ltd., operate collectively under the brand name TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader. TowerJazz manufactures integrated circuits, offering a broad range of customizable process technologies including: SiGe, BiCMOS, Mixed-Signal/CMOS, RFCMOS, CMOS Image Sensor, Power Management (BCD), and MEMS capabilities. TowerJazz also provides a world-class design enablement platform that enables a quick and accurate design cycle. In addition, TowerJazz provides (TOPS) Technology Optimization Process Services to IDMs and fabless companies that need to expand capacity. TowerJazz offers multi-fab sourcing with two manufacturing facilities in Israel, one in the U.S., and one in Japan. For more information, please visit www.towerjazz.com.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and engineering of electronic technologies and solutions for customers in residential, non-residential, mobility and personal applications. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates over 500 consolidated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.30 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2013. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company strives to create a better life and a better world for its customers. For more information about Panasonic, please visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net/

Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. A complete discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements included in this press release or which may otherwise affect TowerJazz’s business is included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Tower’s most recent filings on Forms 20-F, F-3, F-4 and 6-K, as were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Israel Securities Authority and Jazz’s most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, as were filed with the SEC, respectively. Tower and Jazz do not intend to update, and expressly disclaim any obligation to update, the information contained in this release.

Friday, December 20th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (TSEM) and Panasonic Signed Definitive Agreement Creating Manufacturing Joint Venture

(ORMP) Successful Oral Insulin Results from Ex-US Pharmacokinetic Study

Company Additionally Anticipates Results from Phase 2a FDA Study for Type 2 Diabetes in January

JERUSALEM, Dec. 20, 2013  — Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQCM: ORMP) (www.oramed.com), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of oral drug delivery systems, announced today successful results in a clinical trial testing the pharmacokinetic dose response of its oral insulin capsule (ORMD-0801) in type 1 diabetes patients.

Patients were treated with a different dose of oral insulin at each study visit; blood glucose and insulin levels were then monitored for the ensuing five hours.  Patient responses positively correlated with administered doses, as did the duration of the effect.

“Based on these and the notable results from our previous oral insulin trials in type 1 diabetes, we continue to move forward with this indication in parallel to our advanced clinical studies in type 2 diabetes,” commented CEO Nadav Kidron.

 

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease wherein the body destroys its own insulin-producing cells, leaving patients completely dependent on external insulin sources. The disease, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, currently affects both young and adult populations. According to the International Diabetes Federation, T1DM is on the rise at a rate of 3% per year and currently affects approximately 36 million people worldwide – about 10% of the global diabetes population. The disease was formerly known as juvenile diabetes, and currently affects both young and adult populations.

About ORMD-0801 Oral Insulin and T1DM

T1DM is currently treated with two types of insulin replacement therapies: long-acting insulin (basal) to help maintain stable insulin levels during fasting periods, and pre-meal insulin (bolus) doses. Oramed proposes to introduce ORMD-0801 to replace the mealtime (bolus) insulin doses, which would significantly reduce the number of daily injections.  Additionally, oral administration offers the benefit of reduced systemic exposure and may enable tighter regulation of blood sugar levels by directly affecting glucose control in the liver.  For more information on ORMD-0801, the content of which is not part of this press release, please visit http://oramed.com/index.php?page=14

About Oramed Pharmaceuticals

Oramed Pharmaceuticals is a technology pioneer in the field of oral delivery solutions for drugs and vaccines currently delivered via injection. Established in 2006, Oramed’s Protein Oral Delivery (PODTM) technology is based on over 30 years of research by top research scientists at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center. Oramed is seeking to revolutionize the treatment of diabetes through its proprietary flagship product, an orally ingestible insulin capsule (ORMD-0801) currently in Phase 2 clinical trials on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) under an Investigational New Drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and with its oral exenatide capsule (ORMD-0901; a GLP-1 analog), which has been assessed in healthy volunteers (Phase 1b) and is currently being tested in T2DM patients (Phase 2a). Oramed is also moving forward with clinical trials of ORMD-0801 for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The company’s corporate and R&D headquarters are based in Jerusalem.

For more information, the content of which is not part of this press release, please visit www.oramed.com

Forward-looking statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss our clinical trials, anticipated timeframe of trial results or revolutionizing the treatment of diabetes with our products. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Oramed only, and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties related to the progress, timing, cost, and results of clinical trials and product development programs; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval or patent protection for our product candidates; competition from other pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies; and our ability to obtain additional funding required to conduct our research, development and commercialization activities. In addition, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology and market requirements; delays or obstacles in launching our clinical trials; changes in legislation; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; lack of validation of our technology as we progress further and lack of acceptance of our methods by the scientific community; inability to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products; unforeseen scientific difficulties that may develop with our process; greater cost of final product than anticipated; loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition; laboratory results that do not translate to equally good results in real settings; our patents may not be sufficient; and final that products may harm recipients, all of which could cause the actual results or performance of Oramed to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Oramed undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Oramed, reference is made to Oramed’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company Contact:
Oramed Pharmaceuticals
Aviva Sherman
Office: +972-2-566-0001

US: +1-718-831-2512
Email: aviva@oramed.com

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(AMS) World’s First MEVION S250 Proton Therapy Treatment Delivered

AMERICAN SHARED HOSPITAL SERVICES (NYSE MKT:AMS), a leading provider of turnkey technology solutions for advanced radiosurgical and radiation therapy services, today shared an announcement from Mevion Medical Systems, developer of the MEVION S250 Proton Therapy System for cancer treatment, that the world’s first MEVION S250 proton therapy treatment has been delivered to a patient at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

AMS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ernest A. Bates, M.D., said, “Treatment of the first patient on the MEVION S250 Proton Therapy System is a major step in increasing the availability of this cutting-edge cancer fighting technology. Until now, widespread adoption of proton therapy has been limited by the high capital and operating costs of conventional systems. Because of its significantly lower capital and operating costs, we believe many leading cancer centers will now consider providing proton therapy with the MEVION S250 system. AMS’s proven financing model can help make this happen. AMS’ first MEVION S250 system is under installation at Orlando Health in Orlando, FL. We currently have commitments for two additional MEVION S250 systems and anticipate that we will place many more orders.”

AMS owns an equity interest in Mevion, and will supply a MEVION S250 for the proton center now under construction at Orlando Health, in addition to other projects under development:

World’s First MEVION S250 Proton Therapy Treatment Delivered at Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Landmark event represents a new era in radiation therapy.

ST. LOUIS, M.O., December 19, 2013 — A patient with a rare type of cancer called chondrosarcoma at the base of the skull has become the first person in the world to receive proton therapy using the revolutionary MEVION S250 Proton Therapy System from Mevion Medical Systems, Inc. of Littleton, MA. Radiation oncologists at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis delivered the treatment. The S. Lee Kling Proton Therapy Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is home to the MEVION S250, a unique proton therapy device designed to deliver the same precise, non-invasive treatments delivered by conventional proton systems but with a greatly reduced physical footprint, streamlined clinical workflow, and significantly lower implementation and operational costs.

“We are extremely pleased and proud to open the Kling Proton Therapy Center for the St. Louis community and beyond,” said Rich Liekweg, President of Barnes-Jewish Hospital. The closest proton therapy center is over 230 miles away from St. Louis. “The ability to add proton therapy to our world-class cancer care program in a significantly smaller and more economical package is imperative in today’s challenging health care environment. Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the first in the world to operate a single-room proton therapy system and the addition of this advanced technology continues our tradition of providing the best care for our patients.”

Proton therapy delivers highly precise doses of radiation while limiting unnecessary radiation to healthy tissue, potentially decreasing radiation side effects and improving patient outcomes. Mevion’s ability to provide this advanced treatment in a compact form is an industry first, leading the way in providing patients and clinicians access to proton therapy without the high entry and maintenance costs plaguing conventional proton systems. “Today’s important landmark event represents the beginning of a new era in proton radiation therapy. The ability to treat with this advanced technology is no longer encumbered by astronomical costs, prohibitive space requirements, and technologically cumbersome systems that to date have defined this treatment modality,” stated Joseph K. Jachinowski, Chief Executive Officer of Mevion Medical Systems. “The MEVION S250 proves that all the benefits and more of these legacy proton therapy systems can be delivered in a fiscally responsible manner.”

The pioneering proton team at the Kling Proton Therapy Center has been working diligently for the past several months running the MEVION S250 through independent and rigorous clinical quality assurance tests to ensure that system specifications, safety, and reliability requirements are met. “The advanced clinical workflow provided by the MEVION S250 and its full integration within the clinic has made it simple and straightforward to train the radiation therapy staff and prepare their clinic for day-to-day treatments,” said Dr. Stanley Rosenthal, Vice President of Clinical Systems and Education. “The initial training experience of the therapists demonstrates that the MEVION S250 workflow and delivery times are comparable to today’s image-guided radiation therapy techniques.”

“The teams from Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Mevion have worked tirelessly and diligently to arrive at this seminal event. The opportunity to bring a revolutionary medical device into routine clinical use that will improve the lives of many people around the globe isn’t something that happens often. We have all been touched by this event and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this team,” added Jachinowski.

Four additional MEVION S250 proton therapy systems are under installation at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ, the Stephenson Cancer Center at Oklahoma University in Oklahoma City, OK, First Coast Oncology in Jacksonville, FL and the Proton Therapy Center at Orlando Health. In addition, the Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals in Cleveland, OH broke ground on their MEVION S250 center in September of this year, and has taken delivery of the first system module, thus making Mevion Medical Systems the leading supplier of proton therapy in the USA.

About Mevion Medical Systems

Mevion Medical Systems, Inc. is a radiation therapy company dedicated to advancing the treatment of cancer. As the pioneering developer of modern proton therapy, Mevion provides innovative, safe, and effective solutions by transforming advances in medical technology and science into practical clinical reality. Mevion’s flagship product, the MEVION S250 Proton Therapy System, is designed to preserve all of the treatment benefits of traditional proton therapy systems while removing the obstacles of size, cost, and complexity. Realizing this vision, Mevion has forever changed the economics and accessibility of proton therapy worldwide. Founded in 2004, Mevion is a privately held company headquartered in the Boston metropolitan area with international offices in the United Kingdom and Japan. Visit us at: www.mevion.com.

About AMS

American Shared Hospital Services provides turnkey technology solutions for advanced radiosurgical and radiation therapy services. AMS is the world leader in providing Gamma Knife radiosurgery equipment, a non-invasive treatment for malignant and benign brain tumors, vascular malformations and trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain). The Company also offers the latest IGRT and IMRT systems, as well as its proprietary Operating Room for the 21st CenturySM concept. AMS owns common stock in Mevion Medical Systems, Inc., developer of the compact MEVION S250 Proton Therapy System.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may be deemed to contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and future plans of American Shared Hospital Services, which involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks of the Gamma Knife and radiation therapy businesses. Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial condition, results of operations and future plans of American Shared Hospital Services is included in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended on March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013, September 30, 2013, and the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 11, 2013.

Thursday, December 19th, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on (AMS) World’s First MEVION S250 Proton Therapy Treatment Delivered