Archive for July, 2017
$CELH To Enter Chinese Market via Partner Qifeng; Celsius® Brands Distribution
BOCA RATON, Fla., July 31, 2017 — Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH), the makers of CELSIUS®, a clinically proven fitness drink, is pleased to announce entry into the China market and nationwide distribution of Celsius brands, through a new, strategic partnership through Qifeng Food Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., a national wholesale distributor of foods and beverages founded by former Pepsi, Nestle and Red Bull executives. Under the partnership, Qifeng Food will distribute CELSIUS© brands via all channels of trade through their network of over 500 distributors.
“Launching the CELSIUS® brand in China is a major initiative in our continued global expansion. China is a market we believe will add significant growth for the company,” said John Fieldly, interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. “Qifeng’s network of distributors, national expertise, and proven ability to execute, provides us with a strong partnership to maximize our exposure and speed to market. We are excited for this opportunity and look forward to this new strategic alliance.”
Qifeng Food Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., provides expert sales, marketing and distribution of healthy foods and beverages across China through a network of more than 500 distributors. The company’s team of experienced professionals have backgrounds with Fortune 500 Companies including Ogilvy & Mather, P&G, Johnson & Johnson, Pepsi, Nestle and Red Bull, and the team has in depth knowledge of how to grow brands in the China market place. The team’s innovative marketing solutions across a variety of platforms will be critical to growing the CELSIUS brand as they navigate a competitive landscape.
Under the newly signed partnership, Qifeng Food agrees to market, sell and distribute the CELSIUS brand to all provinces. “Partnering with CELSIUS® is a great opportunity for us to promote health throughout China. It is a robust product line of great tasting, functional drinks backed by scientific research which gives CELSIUS® a competitive edge,” said Madame Wang, a founding partner in Qifeng Food Technology (Beijing) Co. LLC.
About Qifeng Food Technology
Qifeng Food Technology (Beijing) Company, Limited, engages in the wholesale distribution of food products. In addition, the company concentrates on the sale and production of beverages and snacks. Qifeng Food Technology (Beijing) Company Limited is based in China.
About Celsius Holdings, Inc.
Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH), founded in April, 2004, is a global company, with a proprietary, clinically proven formula for its brand CELSIUS®. Celsius Holdings, Inc., has a corporate mission to become the global leader of a branded portfolio which is proprietary, clinically proven or innovative in its category, and offers significant health benefits.
CELSIUS®’ original line comes in seven delicious sparkling and non-carbonated flavors in sleek 12oz cans, and is also available in single serve powdered packets. CELSIUS®’ new natural line is available in six refreshing flavors: three sparkling and three non-carbonated, this line is naturally caffeinated and naturally sweetened.
New to the portfolio, CELSIUS HEAT™, a trainer’s grade version of the proprietary blend, offers additional caffeine as well as L-citrulline, a proven vasodilator. CELSIUS HEAT™ is sold in 16oz cans and is available in three carbonated flavors: Inferno Punch, Cherry Lime and Blueberry Pomegranate. CELSIUS HEAT™ targets professional trainers, endurance & competitive athletes, those who focus on defined, physical fitness results, and the military, versus the flagship line which comes in a smaller package and appeals to the masses, as an active lifestyle brand.
CELSIUS® has no preservatives, no aspartame, no high fructose corn syrup, and is non-GMO, with no artificial flavors or colors. The CELSIUS® line of products is kosher and vegan certified, soy, gluten, and sugar free and contains very little sodium. CELSIUS® is sold nationally at Fitness Clubs, 7-Eleven stores, Sprouts, The Fresh Market, and key regional retailers such as HEB, Publix, Winn-Dixie, Harris Teeter, Shaw’s and others. The first university study of the science underlying CELSIUS® products was conducted in 2005, and additional studies from the University of Oklahoma were conducted over the next five years. All studies were published in peer-reviewed journals and validate the unique benefits CELSIUS® provides.
For more information, please visit www.celsiusholdingsinc.com
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wish@celsius.com
Investor Relations
Cameron Donahue
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cameron@haydenir.com
$SOHU Subsidiary Sogou Ramping Towards IPO
BEIJING, July 31, 2017 — Sohu.com Inc. (NASDAQ: SOHU), China’s leading online media, video, search, and gaming business group (“Sohu” or the “Company”), today announced that its controlled Internet search services subsidiary Sogou Inc. (“Sogou”) plans to submit on a confidential basis to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a draft registration statement for a possible initial public offering (or “IPO”) of American depositary shares (or “ADSs”) representing ordinary shares of Sogou. The number and dollar amount of ADSs proposed to be offered and sold have not yet been determined.
The IPO may commence as early as market conditions permit, and is subject to Sogou’s filing with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1 in compliance with the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (or the “Securities Act”), and the SEC’s declaring such registration statement effective.
* This announcement is being made pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135 under the Securities Act. As required by Rule 135, this announcement is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer of any securities for sale.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Mr. Eric Yuan
Sohu.com Inc.
Tel: +86 (10) 6272-6593
E-mail: ir@contact.sohu.com
In the United States:
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Christensen
Tel: +1 (480) 614-3004
E-mail: lbergkamp@christensenir.com
$MYO Obtains CE Mark Approval for MyoPro®
Enables Company to Start Providing Devices in Europe
Myomo, Inc. (NYSE MKT:MYO) (“Myomo” or the “Company”), a commercial stage medical robotics company, today announced that it has obtained CE Mark approval for commercial sale of its next-generation MyoPro myoelectric arm orthosis across the European Economic Area (EEA). The CE Mark indicates MyoPro complies with the essential requirements of relevant EU legislation and has achieved quality system certification. MyoPro is the only lightweight wearable device that can restore function in the paralyzed or weakened arms and hands of individuals who have suffered a stroke, spinal cord or nerve injury, or other neuromuscular disability.
“The MyoPro powered brace allows individuals suffering from paralysis or stroke to perform routine daily activities,” said Paul R. Gudonis, Chairman and CEO of Myomo. “Gaining CE Mark approval is an important milestone for our Company and for the many people in Europe who will now be able to experience the benefits of MyoPro as they struggle with upper limb paralysis.”
Gudonis continues, “We are currently working with our partner Ottobock to plan our European launch beginning in Germany. Myomo recently conducted sales and clinical training for Ottobock staff, which has begun evaluating patients for the MyoPro device. With revenue of over a billion Euros and operations in 50 countries, Ottobock is a global market leader in technical orthopedics and prosthetics.”
Myomo launched its next-generation MyoPro orthosis in June 2017, extending the capabilities of the previous device. With the powered orthosis, a paralyzed individual can perform activities of daily living including feeding themselves, carrying objects and doing household tasks, and many are able to return to work. MyoPro is available in three models to match patient-specific needs.
About Myomo
Myomo, Inc. is a commercial stage medical robotics Company that offers expanded mobility for those suffering from neurological disorders and upper limb paralysis. Based on patented technology developed at MIT and the Company, Myomo develops and markets the MyoPro® product line of lightweight, non-invasive, powered arm braces to restore function in the paralyzed or weakened arms and hands of individuals that have suffered a stroke, spinal cord or nerve injury such as brachial plexus injury, or other neuromuscular disability such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS). It is provided through clinical relationships with VA medical centers, leading rehabilitation hospitals, and Orthotics and Prosthetics (“O&P”) practices. Several hundred have been successfully used by patients. It is the only device that, sensing a patient’s own neurological signals through non-invasive sensors on the arm, can restore their ability to use their arms and hands so that they can return to work, live independently and reduce their cost of care. Myomo is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with sales and clinical professionals across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.myomo.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s future business expectations, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. Other risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks related to new products, services, and technologies, government regulation and taxation, and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Myomo’s financial results is included in Myomo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
For Myomo:
ir@myomo.com
or
Investor Relations:
PCG Advisory
Vivian Cervantes, 212-554-5482
vivian@pcgadvisory.com
or
Public Relations:
Greenough
Rachel Robbins, 617-275-6521
rrobbins@greenough.biz
$SBBP to Host KEVEYIS®, Q2 FY17 Conference Call on August 7, 2017
DUBLIN, Ireland and TREVOSE, Pa., July 31, 2017 — Strongbridge Biopharma plc, (Nasdaq:SBBP), a global commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for rare diseases with significant unmet needs, today announced that it will host a conference call with members of Strongbridge’s management team on Monday, August 7 at 9:00 a.m. ET to provide a KEVEYIS® launch update, discuss the Company’s second quarter 2017 financial results and provide corporate highlights. The conference call will follow the anticipated release of the Company’s financial results earlier that day.
Event Details
Strongbridge will host a conference call on Monday, August 7 at 9:00 a.m. ET. To access the live call, dial 844-285-7153 (domestic) or 478-219-0180 (international). The conference call will also be audio webcast from the Company’s website at www.strongbridgebio.com under the “Investor/Webcasts and Presentations” section. A replay of the call will be made available for one week following the conference call. To hear a replay of the call, dial 855-859-2056 (domestic) or 404-537-3406 (international) with conference ID 61074112.
About Strongbridge Biopharma
Strongbridge Biopharma is a global commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for rare diseases with significant unmet needs. Strongbridge’s first commercial product is KEVEYIS® (dichlorphenamide), the first and only FDA-approved treatment for hyperkalemic, hypokalemic, and related variants of Primary Periodic Paralysis. KEVEYIS has orphan drug exclusivity status in the United States through August 7, 2022. In addition to establishing this neuromuscular disease franchise, the Company has a clinical-stage pipeline of therapies for rare endocrine diseases. Strongbridge’s lead compounds include RECORLEV™ (levoketoconazole), a cortisol synthesis inhibitor currently being studied for the treatment of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, and veldoreotide, a next-generation somatostatin analog being investigated for the treatment of acromegaly, with potential additional applications in Cushing’s syndrome and neuroendocrine tumors. Both RECORLEV and veldoreotide have received orphan designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. For more information, visit www.strongbridgebio.com.
Contacts: Corporate and Media Relations Elixir Health Public Relations Lindsay Rocco +1 862-596-1304 lrocco@elixirhealthpr.com Investor Relations U.S.: The Trout Group Marcy Nanus +1 646-378-2927 mnanus@troutgroup.com Europe: First House Mitra Hagen Negård +47 21 04 62 19 strongbridgebio@firsthouse.no USA 900 Northbrook Drive Suite 200 Trevose, PA 19053 Tel. +1 610-254-9200 Fax. +1 215-355-7389
$CIIX Subsidiary Establishes Hemp Education Center in California
SAN GABRIEL, California, July 31, 2017 —
ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) (“CIIX” or the “Company”), the premier financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors, today announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, ChineseHempOil.com, Inc., has established a Hemp Education Center in San Gabriel, California. The Company’s club-style Hemp Education Center is at the center of San Gabriel’s lively and growing Chinese-speaking community. Through its education center, ChineseHempOil.com, Inc. aims to provide valuable information to those that want to learn more about the potential health benefits of non-industrial hemp and hemp-derived CBD, while also increasing general awareness about non-industrial hemp which has roots in ancient Chinese medicine.
“I am delighted about the possibilities of our new Hemp Education Center,” says Warren Wang, founder and CEO of CIIX. “In recognition of the unprecedented opportunities in the legal non-industrial hemp industry, CIIX expanded its business to capitalize on the growing demand for hemp health products. Our new club-style Hemp Education Center will build awareness of the hemp industry and our brand while laying the groundwork for ChineseHempOil.com to be recognized as the premiere name in hemp products within the Chinese-speaking market.
Events and activities offered at the Hemp Education Center will work in conjunction with CIIX’s local advertising presence as part of its broader strategy to solidify brand recognition and help spread the word about the Company’s hemp products and hemp-derived CBD products.
We expect that community-centered education and outreach about the potential benefits of hemp and hemp-derived CBD will successfully drive demand for our products and raise the visibility of our unique services and products, especially among the Chinese-speaking population,” concludes Wang.
About ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB: CIIX)
Founded in 1999, ChineseInvestors.com endeavors to be an innovative company providing: (a) real-time market commentary, analysis, and educational related services in Chinese language character sets (traditional and simplified); (b) advertising and public relation related support services; and (c) retail, online and direct sales of hemp-based products and other health-related products.
For more information visit ChineseInvestors.com
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Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains 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. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company’s SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.
Contact:
ChineseInvestors.com, Inc.
227 W. Valley Blvd, #208 A
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Investor Relations:
Alan Klitenic
+1-214-636-2548
Corporate Communications:
NetworkNewsWire (NNW)
New York, New York
http://www.NetworkNewsWire.com
+1-212-418-1217 Office
Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com
$PDVW to Present at the Canaccord Genuity 37th Annual Growth Conference
WOODLAND PARK, N.J., July 28, 2017 — pdvWireless, Inc. (NASDAQ: PDVW) a wireless communications carrier focused on developing and offering private network and mobile communication solutions for businesses, today announced that Tim Gray, Chief Financial Officer, will present at the Canaccord Genuity 37th Annual Growth Conference to be held at the InterContinental Boston Hotel. The presentation will take place on Thursday August 10, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
About pdvWireless
pdvWireless, Inc. is a private wireless communications carrier focused on utilizing spectrum assets to develop and offer next generation network and mobile communication solutions to critical infrastructure and enterprise customers. It is the largest holder of licensed nationwide spectrum in the 900 MHz band in the United States. As a provider of mobile workforce management solutions, pdvWireless’ applications increase the productivity of field-based workers and the efficiency of their dispatch and call center operations. It operates private push-to-talk networks in major markets throughout the United States and its patented and industry-validated SaaS technology improves team communication and field documentation across a wide array of industries, including transportation, distribution, construction, hospitality, waste management and field service. pdvWireless’ Chairman, Brian McAuley and Vice Chairman, Morgan O’Brien, were the co-founders of Nextel Communications and have over 60 years of combined experience in two-way radio operations and successfully developing regulatory driven spectrum initiatives to address the unmet wireless communications needs of businesses. pdvWireless is headquartered in Woodland Park, New Jersey.
$HPJ Highpower International Receives $10.5 Million from Yipeng Shares Transfer
SAN DIEGO, Calif. and SHENZHEN, China, July 28, 2017 — Highpower International, Inc. (NASDAQ: HPJ) (“Highpower” or the “Company”), a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of lithium ion and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries, battery management systems, and a provider of battery recycling, today announced that it received RMB 71.0 million (approximately $10.5 million) on July 27th from Xiamen Jiupai Yuanjiang New Power Equity Investment Partnership (“New Power”) in relation to the previously announced Huizhou Yipeng Energy Technology Co., Ltd equity transfer agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement signed on May 5, 2017, Highpower will transfer 29.58% of its shares to New Power and New Power will invest RMB 60 million for a 20% stake in Yipeng. The transaction has been completed, and Highpower’s remaining stake in Yipeng is 4.65%.
Highpower, as a major and long term partner with Yipeng, will maintain its strategic cooperation in supplying power cells to Yipeng. The two parties signed an agreement in July for over 2,000 PHEV and EV bus power cells with sales reaching an estimated $12.0 million for the remainder of 2017.
Mr. George Pan, Chairman and CEO of Highpower International commented, “The equity transfer transaction enables Highpower to further invest in research and development and to boost production capacity for our products, including power cells for electric vehicles. Through continued investment in the research and development of cells, Highpower continues to focus on providing clients and consumers safe, reliable, and consistent cell products. With growing market demand and our successful field experience accumulated over the last five years, we are well positioned to advance our technology and core cell business expansion. We are excited by this opportunity to supply power cells for over 2,000 PHEV and EV buses for the remainder of the year, which will further strengthen our market position as a quality supplier to industry leaders.”
Mr. Sunny Pan, CFO of Highpower International commented, “We are pleased to have the equity transfer transaction closed. Pursuant to the announcement on May 5, 2017, Highpower’s benefits from the transaction include:
- Approximately RMB 20 million (approximately $2.9 million) of investment income since 2016;
- Approximately RMB 45 million (approximately $6.5 million) of investment in equipment returned in cash;
- Approximately RMB 50 million (approximately $7.3 million) in outstanding accounts receivable from Yipeng has been settled.
Highpower’s competitive edge lies in our cell technology and manufacturing capabilities, and we are focused on strengthening our core cell business including Ni-MH and Li-ion batteries. By adhering to our development strategy, we are well positioned to capture the opportunities associated with the growing demand for high-quality cells, Highpower’s principal strength.”
About Highpower International, Inc.
Highpower International was founded in 2001 and produces high-quality Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium-based rechargeable batteries used in a wide range of applications such as electric buses, bikes, energy storage systems, power tools, medical equipment, digital and electronic devices, personal care products, and lighting, etc. Highpower’s target customers are Fortune 500 companies and top 20 companies in each vertical segment. With advanced manufacturing facilities located in Shenzhen, Huizhou, and Ganzhou of China, Highpower is committed to clean technology, not only in the products it makes, but also in the processes of production. The majority of Highpower International’s products are distributed to worldwide markets mainly in the United States, Europe, China and Southeast Asia.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe-harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are not historical facts. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “project,” “plan,” “seek,” “intend,” or “anticipate” or the negative thereof or comparable terminology. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation, fluctuations in the cost of raw materials; our dependence on, or inability to attract additional, major customers for a significant portion of our net sales; our ability to increase manufacturing capabilities to satisfy orders from new customers; our ability to maintain increased margins; our dependence on the growth in demand for smart wearabledevices and energy storage systems, and other digital products and the success of manufacturers of the end applications that use our battery products; our responsiveness to competitive market conditions; our ability to successfully manufacture our products in the time frame and amounts expected; the market acceptance of our battery solutions, including our lithium ion batteries; and our ability to continue R&D development to keep up with technological changes. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties see “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s public filings with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company has no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.
CONTACT:
Highpower International, Inc.
Sunny Pan
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +86-755-8968-6521
Email: ir@highpowertech.com
Yuanmei Ma
Investor Relations Manager
Tel: +1-909-214-2482
Email: ir@highpowertech.com
ICR, Inc.
Rose Zu
Tel: +1-646-931-0303
Email: ir@highpowertech.com
$MRUS U.S. Court of Appeals Affirms Claim Against Regeneron
UTRECHT, The Netherlands, July 28, 2017 – Merus N.V. (Nasdaq:MRUS), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing innovative bispecific antibody therapeutics (Biclonics®), today announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the trial court’s conclusion that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. engaged in inequitable conduct before the United States Patent and Trademark Office while prosecuting U.S. Patent No. 8,502,018 (‘018 patent), entitled “Methods of Modifying Eukaryotic Cells.”
In today’s decision, the Federal Circuit ruled fully in favor of Merus, affirming that Regeneron’s ‘018 patent is unenforceable, having been obtained by inequitable conduct. The Federal Circuit noted Regeneron made “false” assertions, relied on a “misleading presentation,” and withheld material information from the United States Patent Office, and further, that Regeneron’s “litigation misconduct” “obfuscated its prosecution misconduct.”
“We are pleased by today’s decision, which serves as the latest vindication for Merus in this case against Regeneron,” said Ton Logtenberg, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Merus. “With this decision, and based on the continued strength of our IP estate, Merus remains focused and believes it is well-positioned as an innovator in the development of full-length human bispecific antibody therapeutic candidates for serious diseases.”
About Merus N.V.
Merus is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing innovative full-length human bispecific antibody therapeutics, referred to as Biclonics®. Biclonics® are based on the full-length IgG format, are manufactured using industry standard processes and have been observed in preclinical studies to have several of the same features of conventional monoclonal antibodies, such as long half-life and low immunogenicity. Merus’ lead bispecific antibody candidate, MCLA-128, is expected to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial in the second half of 2017 in two metastatic breast cancer populations. MCLA-128 is also being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in Europe in gastric, ovarian, endometrial and non-small cell lung cancers. Merus’ second bispecific antibody candidate, MCLA-117, is being developed in a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The Company also has a pipeline of proprietary bispecific antibody candidates in preclinical development, including MCLA-158, which is designed to bind to cancer stem cells and is being developed as a potential treatment for colorectal cancer and other solid tumors, as well as MCLA-145 designed to bind to PD-L1 and a non-disclosed second immunomodulatory target, which is being developed in collaboration with Incyte Corporation.
Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our need for additional funding, which may not be available and which may require us to restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or Biclonics® and bispecific antibody candidates; potential delays in regulatory approval, which would impact our ability to commercialize our product candidates and affect our ability to generate revenue; the lengthy and expensive process of clinical drug development, which has an uncertain outcome; the unpredictable nature of our early stage development efforts for marketable drugs; potential delays in enrollment of patients, which could affect the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals; our reliance on third parties to conduct our clinical trials and the potential for those third parties to not perform satisfactorily; we may not identify suitable Biclonics® or bispecific antibody candidates under our collaboration with Incyte or Incyte may fail to perform adequately under our collaboration; our reliance on third parties to manufacture our product candidates, which may delay, prevent or impair our development and commercialization efforts; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; our patents may be found invalid, unenforceable, circumvented by competitors and our patent applications may be found not to comply with the rules and regulations of patentability; we may fail to prevail in existing and potential lawsuits for infringement of third-party intellectual property; and our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks.
These and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on April 28, 2017, and our other reports filed with the SEC, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change, except as required under applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
Contacts: Media: Eliza Schleifstein +1 973 361 1546 eliza@argotpartners.com Investors: Kimberly Minarovich +1 646 368 8014 kimberly@argotpartners.com
$KOOL Issuance of New Cellular Processing Patent
Next-generation automated technology isolates and harvests rare cell types with superior purity, recovery, and viability, and is well suited to the high production demands of immunotherapy drugs
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., July 28, 2017 — Cesca Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:KOOL), a market leader in automated cell processing, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has awarded a new U.S. Patent, No. 9,695,394 (the ‘394 patent’), entitled “Cell Separation Devices, Systems, and Methods.” The patent was awarded to SynGen, Inc., whose cell processing assets were acquired by ThermoGenesis Corp., Cesca’s 80%-owned device subsidiary, on July 10, 2017. The patent relates to the automated isolation of rare, therapeutically critical target cells from blood, bone marrow, leukapheresis product, and other cell sources, while maintaining the viability of the cells under asceptic conditions. This advanced technology is part of Cesca’s proprietary CAR-TXpress™ platform that now integrates multi-component automation steps, including T-cell isolation, purification, culture expansion and washing, and single cassette-based automated -196°C cryopreservation and retrieval. The CAR-TXpress™ system provides a comprehensive and commercially viable, automated cellular manufacturing and control (CMC) solution for the development of CAR-T and CAR-NK therapeutics.
“This new patent issuance significantly strengthens the intellectual property position surrounding our proprietary automation technology which is core to our best-in-class ThermoGenesis portfolio of cell processing systems,” said Chris Xu, Cesca’s chief executive officer. “Traditional cell processing methodologies, including those currently being implemented and used by leading CAR-T developers, are manual and time consuming, presenting significant challenges to the future large-scale commercial feasibility of these revolutionary therapies. In contrast, Cesca’s patented, automated cell processing systems provide greater cell yields and higher consistency in a fraction of the time, making them ideally suited to meet industry needs. The ability to leverage our technology to commercialize the BACS process is a milestone achievement for our company.”
Cesca’s ‘394 patent covers a device and methodology for integrating automated cellular separation and buoyancy-activated cell sorting (BACS) processes. BACS employs microscopic bubbles to isolate a specific cell type from a complex mixture of cells, such as blood. These microbubbles bear antibodies on their surface, enabling them to bind specifically to a single desired target cell type. When coated with microbubbles, the target cells float to the top of the host liquid, while non-target cells sink to the bottom – a process that can be accelerated by centrifugation. Subsequent collection of the floating target cell layer and release of the cells from their microbubbles provides a highly-purified preparation of just the cells of interest, with high recovery efficiency while retaining cell viability. Additionally, the ‘394 patent allows for the automated isolation of cells with low density surface antigens, which was previously a major cellular manufacturing challenge.
“Cesca’s unique CAR-TXpress™ cell processing solution begins with BACS-based cell isolation technology to provide the ultra-high levels of cell purity, recovery, and viability of target immune cells from donor blood that therapeutic cell manufacturers increasingly demand,” said Philip Coelho, chief technology officer of ThermoGenesis and co-inventor of the ‘394 patent. “Unlike conventional cell isolation technologies that work on narrow streams of slowly moving suspended cells, our BACS-enabling technology works in bulk volumes of cells, dramatically reducing processing time. With these advantages, we look forward to partnering with leading CAR-T developers as they strive to bring these groundbreaking therapies to patients suffering from cancer and other serious diseases.”
About Cesca Therapeutics Inc.
Cesca is a leading regenerative medicine company that develops, commercializes and markets a range of automated technologies for cell-based therapeutics. Its device division, ThermoGenesis, provides a full suite of solutions for automated clinical biobanking, point-of-care applications, and automation for immuno-oncology. Cesca is also leveraging its proprietary AutoXpress® technology platform to develop autologous stem cell-based therapies that address significant unmet needs in the vascular, cardiology and orthopedic markets.
Forward-Looking Statement
The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. A more complete description of risks that could cause actual events to differ from the outcomes predicted by Cesca Therapeutics’ forward-looking statements is set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Cesca Therapeutics’ annual report on Form 10-K and other reports it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, and you should consider each of those factors when evaluating the forward-looking statements.
Company Contact: Cesca Therapeutics Inc. ir@cescatherapeutics.com Investor Contact: Rx Communications Paula Schwartz 917-322-2216 pschwartz@rxir.com
$MTRX TransCanada Agreement on Power Generation Project
Financial outcome expected to be as forecasted during the Company’s FY 2017, Q3 Earnings Call
TULSA, Okla., July 27, 2017 — Matrix Service Company (Nasdaq:MTRX) announced today that its subsidiary, Matrix NAC, has reached agreement with its customer, TransCanada, to modify the execution strategy on a key project in the Electrical Infrastructure segment.
“TransCanada and Matrix NAC have worked diligently to modify the project execution strategy to assure the best possible schedule, most efficient cost outcome, and the highest levels of safety and quality,” said Matrix Service Company President and CEO, John R. Hewitt. “While Matrix NAC’s scope of work will be reduced as a result of this agreement, the forecasted financial outcome of the project is not expected to negatively impact the future earnings performance of the company.”
About Matrix Service Company
Founded in 1984, Matrix Service Company is parent to a family of companies that include Matrix Service, Matrix NAC, Matrix PDM Engineering and Matrix Applied Technologies. Our subsidiaries design, build and maintain infrastructure critical to North America’s energy, power and industrial markets. Matrix Service Company is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma with subsidiary offices located throughout the United States and Canada, as well as Sydney, Australia and Seoul, South Korea.
The Company reports its financial results based on four key operating segments: Electrical Infrastructure, Storage Solutions, Oil Gas & Chemical and Industrial. To learn more about Matrix Service Company, visit matrixservicecompany.com
This release contains forward-looking statements that are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are generally accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “continues,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “believe,” “estimate,” “should” and “will” and words of similar effect that convey future meaning, concerning the Company’s operations, economic performance and management’s best judgment as to what may occur in the future. Future events involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those we currently anticipate. The actual results for the current and future periods and other corporate developments will depend upon a number of economic, competitive and other influences, including those factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” sections and elsewhere in the Company’s reports and filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the control of the Company, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially and adversely affect the results of the Company’s operations and its financial condition. We undertake no obligation to update information contained in this release.
For more information, please contact: Matrix Service Company Kevin S. Cavanah Vice President and CFO +1-918-838-8822 Email: kcavanah@matrixservicecompany.com
$NAKD, Bendon Agreement to Acquire Frederick’s of Hollywood License
– To Accommodate Transaction, Naked and Bendon Amend Merger Agreement to Extend F-4 Registration Statement Filing Deadline and Anticipated Date for Completion of the Merger
Naked Brand Group Inc. (NASDAQ:NAKD) (“Naked”), an innovative fashion and lifestyle brand, and Bendon Limited (“Bendon”), a global leader in intimate apparel and swimwear and Naked’s merger partner, announced today that Bendon has entered into an agreement to acquire full ownership of FOH Online Corp. (“FOH”), the exclusive licensee of the Frederick’s of Hollywood global online license. FOH was initially founded by and provided with funding from an affiliate of Bendon. Bendon has a Master Services Agreement with FOH, through which it helps manage the online brand in exchange for a management fee.
Naked, Bendon and Bendon Group Holdings Limited (“Holdco”) recently entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”), under which both of Naked and Bendon will become wholly owned subsidiaries of Holdco, a newly formed Australian holding company.
As a result of the agreement between Bendon and FOH, Bendon will acquire all of the outstanding common stock of FOH in exchange for the forgiveness of debt owed by FOH to Bendon. As a result, Bendon will control FOH’s existing license to develop and sell online intimates products, sleepwear and loungewear products, swimwear and swimwear accessories and costumes products under the Fredrick’s of Hollywood name. As part of the transaction, Holdco will issue to FOH shares, which would have otherwise been issued to Bendon at the time of the merger. A substantial portion of these shares will be transferred to the affiliate of Bendon which initially funded FOH. The issuance of the Holdco shares is expected to have a minimal impact on the aggregate percentage of shares that Naked stockholders will hold in Holdco immediately following the closing of the business combination, while providing the shareholders with the benefit of being the Licensee of the “Frederick’s of Hollywood” License.
FOH sales for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2017, were approximately $18 million of direct to consumer e-commerce sales. FOH’s license has an initial term running through December 2020, with FOH having the right to renew the license 10 times for five year periods each.
Justin Davis-Rice, Executive Chairman of Bendon and Director of Naked, commented, “Frederick’s of Hollywood is an iconic lingerie brand with tremendous brand recognition that we believe will be an excellent complement to our portfolio. We believe the acquisition of this high growth e-commerce business provides a strong platform for the next phase of online growth for our business. We look forward to working closely with the Frederick’s of Hollywood team to create an exceptional offering for the brand’s loyal customers. In addition, we believe that there is great opportunity to leverage our well-established global wholesale and retail distribution channels as we look to further expand the Frederick’s of Hollywood brand throughout the United States. Overall, we are excited to bring the Frederick’s of Hollywood online business into the Bendon portfolio, and expect that this acquisition will enhance shareholder value for the combined Naked and Bendon business at closing and over the long-term.”
To accommodate the preparation of the financial and legal documentation related to the Frederick’s of Hollywood transaction, as well as the work required to incorporate information associated with the transaction, Naked and Bendon have entered into an amendment to the Merger Agreement. This will provide additional time to file the proxy statement/prospectus to be included in the registration statement on Form F-4 to be filed by Holdco related to the business combination with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The registration statement on Form F-4 containing the proxy statement/prospectus is now expected to be filed with the SEC on or before August 25, 2017, and the business combination is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.
About Naked Brand Group Inc.:
Naked was founded on one basic desire – to create a new standard for how products worn close to the skin fit, feel, and function. Currently featuring an innovative and luxurious collection of innerwear products, the Company plans to expand into additional apparel and product categories that exemplify the mission of the brand, such as activewear, swimwear, sportswear and more. Naked’s women’s and men’s collections are available at www.wearnaked.com, as well as through some of the leading online retailers and department stores in North America, including Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, Soma, Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon.com, and BareNecessities.com, among others. Renowned designer and sleepwear pioneer and Chief Executive Officer, Carole Hochman, leads Naked from its headquarters in New York City. http://www.nakedbrands.com/
About Bendon Limited:
Bendon is a global leader in intimate apparel and swimwear renowned for its best in category innovation in design, and technology and unwavering commitment to premium quality products throughout its 70-year history. Bendon has a portfolio of 10 highly productive brands, including owned brands Bendon, Bendon Man, Davenport, Evollove, Fayreform, Hickory, Lovable (in Australia and New Zealand) and Pleasure State, as well as licensed brands Heidi Klum Intimates and Swimwear and Stella McCartney Lingerie and Swimwear.
In October 2014 Bendon announced supermodel and television host Heidi Klum as the Creative Director and face of Bendon’s flagship Intimates collection, succeeding Elle Macpherson after 25 years with the brand. Bendon products are distributed through over 4,000 doors across 43 countries as well as through a growing network of 60 company-owned Bendon retail and outlet stores in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. Bendon’s global supply chain is one of its strongest assets, controlling sourcing, manufacturing and production at over 30 partner facilities across Asia. Bendon has more than 700 staff at offices and stores in Auckland, Sydney, New York, London and Hong Kong and is poised for continued meaningful growth as it opens additional retail stores and expands its current portfolio of products. http://www.bendongroup.com/
Additional Information and Where to Find It
Naked and Holdco intend to file relevant materials with the SEC, including a registration statement on Form F-4 to be filed by Holdco that will include a proxy statement of Naked that also constitutes a prospectus of Holdco and a definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when they become available) will be sent to Naked. The proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of Naked as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed business combination. Such documents are not currently available. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE BUSINESS COMBINATION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT MATERIALS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT NAKED, BENDON AND HOLDCO AND THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials containing important information about Naked, Bendon and Holdco once such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Naked or Holdco when and if available, can be obtained free of charge on Naked’s website under the Investor Relations section at http://www.nakedbrands.com or by directing a written request to Naked Brand Group Inc., 10th Floor – 95 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, Attention: Investor Relations; and/or on Bendon’s website at www.bendongroup.com or by directing a written request to Bendon Limited, 8 Airpark Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland 2022, New Zealand or by emailing lucy.martyn@bendon.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
This is not a solicitation of a proxy from any investor or security holder. Naked and its directors and executive officers, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of Naked’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names and interests in the proposed transaction of Naked’s directors and officers in Naked’s filings with the SEC. Additional information regarding the directors and executive officers of Naked is also included in Naked’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2017. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to Naked’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed transaction when available.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication shall neither constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements either contained in or incorporated by reference into this communication, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections and statements relating to Naked’s or Bendon’s business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “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. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in or incorporated by reference into this communication regarding strategy, future operations, future transactions, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements: express or implied regarding future financial performance, the effects of Naked’s and Bendon’s business models, the effects of the of the proposed business combination, the transactions contemplated thereby or any other actions to be taken in connection therewith; Naked’s continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market until closing of the proposed business combination; Holdco’s anticipated listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market or the NYSE in connection with the closing of the proposed business combination; expectations regarding the capitalization, resources and ownership structure of Holdco; the adequacy of Holdco’s capital to support its future operations; Naked’s and Bendon’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; the nature, strategy and focus of the combined company; Bendon’s acquisition of the FOH licenses and potential benefits of the Frederick’s of Hollywood global online licenses; the timing of the filing of the proxy statement/prospectus and completion of the proposed business combination; the executive and board structure of Holdco; and expectations regarding voting by Naked’s stockholders. Naked, Bendon and/or Holdco may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with stockholder approval of and the ability to consummate the proposed business combination through the process being conducted by Naked, Holdco and Bendon, the ability of Naked, Holdco and Bendon to consummate the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the risk that one or more of the conditions to closing contained in the Merger Agreement may not be satisfied, including, without limitation, the effectiveness of the registration statement to be filed with the SEC or the listing of Holdco’s ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market or the NYSE, the lack of a public market for ordinary shares of Holdco and the possibility that a market for such shares may not develop, the ability to project future cash utilization and reserves needed for contingent future liabilities and business operations, the availability of sufficient resources of the combined company to meet its business objectives and operational requirements, the ability to realize the expected synergies or savings from the proposed business combination in the amounts or in the timeframe anticipated, the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made, the ability to integrate Naked’s and Bendon’s businesses in a timely and cost-efficient manner, the inherent uncertainty associated with financial projections, and the potential impact of the announcement or closing of the proposed business combination on customer, supplier, employee and other relationships. Naked disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.
Investors:
ICR
Jean Fontana/Megan Crudele, 646-277-1200
jean.fontana@icrinc.com
or
Media:
ICR
Alecia Pulman/Brittany Fraser, 203-682-8200
NakedBrandsPR@icrinc.com
$CAPR Results of FDA Meeting on CAP-1002 in DMD
Delineation of Proposed Clinical Development Plan
LOS ANGELES, July 27, 2017 — Capricor Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAPR), a biotechnology company developing biological therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and other rare diseases, today announced that it has received official minutes of the meeting held recently between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Capricor to discuss the development of intravenous CAP-1002 (allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
The minutes indicate:
- the FDA’s willingness to accept Capricor’s proposal to use the Performance of the Upper Limb (PUL), an outcomes instrument that was specifically designed to assess upper limb function in ambulant and non-ambulant patients with DMD, as the basis for the primary efficacy endpoint for clinical studies intended to provide substantial evidence of effectiveness of CAP-1002 in support of a Biologics License Application (BLA); and,
- the sufficiency of the existing nonclinical safety and efficacy database to support submission of an Investigational New Drug application (IND) to clinically evaluate repeat intravenous administration of CAP-1002.
Capricor has reported positive six-month results from the ongoing randomized Phase I/II HOPE-Duchenne clinical trial of CAP-1002) in 25 boys and young men with DMD, in which patients treated with CAP-1002 demonstrated statistically-significant improvement compared to usual care control in certain measures of upper limb function as assessed by the PUL, as well as in certain cardiac functional measures. CAP-1002 was generally safe and well-tolerated over the initial six-month follow-up period.
“The FDA’s response to our proposed clinical development plan supports our near-term objective of submitting an IND for intravenous CAP-1002 as well as provides us with clarity on a path to potential product registration,” said Linda Marbán, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Capricor. “We look forward to commencing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial of intravenous, repeat-dose CAP-1002 in boys and young men with DMD in the second half of 2017, subject to regulatory approval.”
“The cells in CAP-1002 release exosomes that are immunomodulatory and exert anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic effects. By ameliorating the myocyte damage induced by dystrophin mutations, our product has been demonstrated to preserve and improve the structure and function of dystrophic skeletal muscle. Its differentiated mechanism of action supports its potential to be a standalone therapy as well as an adjunct to dystrophin-modulating agents,” added Dr. Marbán.
About CAP-1002
CAP-1002 consists of allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells, or CDCs, a type of progenitor cell that has been shown to exert potent immuno-modulatory activity. CDCs have been the subject of over 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications and have been administered to approximately 140 human subjects across several clinical trials.
About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
DMD is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It is caused by an abnormality in the dystrophin complex, a structural element that plays a critical role in muscle fiber integrity, which leads to chronic muscle damage. Patients with DMD typically die in their twenties, most commonly due to heart disease. The incidence of DMD is estimated to be one in every 3,600 live male births, and DMD is believed to afflict approximately 15,000 to 20,000 boys and young men in the U.S.
About Capricor Therapeutics
Capricor Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAPR) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class biological therapies. Capricor’s lead candidate, CAP-1002, is a cell-based candidate currently in clinical development for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Capricor is also exploring the potential of CAP-2003, a cell-free, exosome-based candidate, to treat a variety of disorders. For more information, visit www.capricor.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release regarding the efficacy, safety, and intended utilization of Capricor’s product candidates; the initiation, conduct, size, timing and results of discovery efforts and clinical trials; the pace of enrollment of clinical trials; plans regarding regulatory filings, future research and clinical trials; the timing of regulatory approvals; plans regarding current and future collaborative activities and the ownership of commercial rights; scope, duration, validity and enforceability of intellectual property rights; future royalty streams, expectations with respect to the expected use of proceeds from the recently completed offerings and the anticipated effects of the offerings, and any other statements about Capricor’s management team’s future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “could,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. More information about these and other risks that may impact Capricor’s business is set forth in Capricor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2017, in its Registration Statement on Form S-3, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2015, together with prospectus supplements thereto, and in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2017. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Capricor as of the date hereof, and Capricor assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
CAP-1002 is an Investigational New Drug and is not approved for any indications. Capricor’s exosomes technology, including CAP-2003, has not yet been approved for clinical investigation.
For more information, please contact:
AJ Bergmann, Vice President of Finance
+1-310-358-3200
abergmann@capricor.com
$SHOR to be Acquired by $MITL
Consolidation accelerates Mitel’s move to high-growth UCaaS market
- Accelerates Mitel’s path to growth
- Delivers attractive shareholder value with $60 million in expected synergies
- Moves Mitel into a #2 position in UCaaS market
- Expected to be accretive in the first year
OTTAWA and SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mitel (Nasdaq:MITL) (TSX:MNW) and ShoreTel (Nasdaq:SHOR) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Mitel will acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of ShoreTel common stock in an all-cash transaction at a price of $7.50 per share, or a total equity value of approximately $530 million and a total enterprise value of approximately $430 million. The purchase price represents a 28% premium to ShoreTel’s closing share price on July 26, 2017.
Stronger together as a global market leader in the rapidly growing UCaaS market
Continuing to deliver its move-to-the-cloud strategy, with this transaction Mitel is accelerating on a growth path by investing further and faster into the UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) market as digital transformation accelerates customer demand for cloud-based solutions globally. The combined company will be the #2 player in the UCaaS market, creating a supplier with the scale and technical capabilities to enable customers with new cloud-based solutions and applications.
The combined company will be headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and will operate as Mitel. Rich McBee, Mitel’s Chief Executive Officer, will lead the combined organization. Steve Spooner, Mitel’s Chief Financial Officer, will also continue in that role.
“This is a very natural combination that enables us to continue to consolidate the industry and take advantage of cost synergy opportunities while adding new technologies and significant cloud growth to our business,” said Mitel CEO, Rich McBee. “Together, Mitel and ShoreTel will be able to take customers to the cloud faster with full-featured, cloud-based communications and applications.”
Uniquely qualified to take customers and partners to the cloud
Together, the combined company will have approximately 3,200 channel partners and an industry-leading portfolio of communications and collaboration solutions. Mitel and ShoreTel are committed to providing continued support and an attractive path forward for all customers and partners – cloud and premise. On closing of the proposed transaction, the combined company will have a global workforce of approximately 4,200 employees.
“With the announcement today, this concludes our comprehensive review of strategic alternatives by delivering a significant cash premium for our shareholders,” said Don Joos, CEO of ShoreTel. “Customers are clearly moving to the cloud at a rapid pace. The combination of Mitel and ShoreTel creates a new UCaaS market leader with a differentiated strategy and solution, and a clear migration path so that no customer is left behind or will have to abandon what they already have to cloud-enable their organization.”
Once the transaction is complete, Mitel will be uniquely positioned to offer all customers the advantages of cloud-based communications. For enterprise customers, ShoreTel’s solutions will strengthen Mitel’s ability to cloud-enable customers with existing premise or mixed estate deployments, creating the technical foundation needed for delivery of next-generation cloud applications.
Size, scale and financial foundation to drive growth
Financial highlights of the transaction include:
- Combined sales of $1.3 billion*
- Increases Mitel’s total recurring revenue to 39% of total revenue*
- More than doubles Mitel’s UCaaS revenue to $263 million*
- Significant synergy opportunity targeted at $60M in annual run rate spend expected to be achieved over two years
- Expected to be accretive to non-GAAP EPS in the first year
*based on trailing twelve months combined to March 31, 2017
Transaction Details
The transaction will be completed through a cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of ShoreTel common stock, followed by a merger, which will not require approval of ShoreTel’s stockholders, in which remaining shares of ShoreTel common stock will be converted into the right to receive the same $7.50 cash per share price paid in the tender offer. ShoreTel’s Board of Directors has recommended that ShoreTel stockholders tender their shares in the offer. In connection with the execution of the merger agreement, ShoreTel’s directors and executive officers, have entered into tender support agreements with Mitel pursuant to which they have agreed to tender their shares to Mitel’s offer.
Mitel intends to finance the consideration for the acquisition and associated transaction expenses using a combination of cash on hand from the combined business, drawings on its existing revolving credit facility and proceeds from a new fully underwritten $300 million term loan maturing in 2023. The existing term loan and revolving credit facility will remain in place, with the Company having already obtained the requisite majority consent to certain amendments which accommodate the acquisition and the incremental financing. BMO Capital Markets is leading the new term loan facility with Citizens Bank, N.A., HSBC Bank Canada and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce serving as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners. Citizens Bank, N.A., lead on the existing amended facilities, will act as administrative agent for these and the new term loan. EA Markets LLC provided Mitel with independent advisory and transaction services in conjunction with the arrangement and structuring of the new financing.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2017, subject to ShoreTel stockholders having tendered shares representing more than 50% of the outstanding shares of ShoreTel common stock, certain regulatory approvals having been obtained and other customary conditions to the tender offer having been satisfied.
Jefferies LLC is serving as financial advisor to Mitel, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal advisor to Mitel and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is serving as legal advisor to Mitel in connection with the financing. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor to ShoreTel and Fenwick & West LLP is serving as legal advisor to ShoreTel.
Conference Call Information
Mitel is hosting an investor conference call and live webcast today, Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. ET (5:30 a.m. PT) to discuss this announcement, as well as its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017. To access the conference call, dial 888-734-0328. Callers outside the U.S. and Canada should dial 678-894-3054. The live webcast will be accessible on Mitel’s investor relations website at www.mitel.com. It will be archived and is expected to be available on this site for replay on or about Friday, July 28, 2017 after 12:00 p.m. ET. We have also provided a slide deck to supplement comments made specific to this transaction as well as to help illustrate our financial results. It has been posted on www.mitel.com. Our Form 10-Q is expected to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on July 27, 2017 and will include our complete financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.
Important Information for Investors
The tender offer for the outstanding shares of ShoreTel common stock referenced in this press release has not yet commenced. This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of ShoreTel common stock, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Mitel and its acquisition subsidiary will file with the SEC upon commencement of the tender offer. At the time the offer is commenced, Mitel and its acquisition subsidiary will file tender offer materials on Schedule TO, and ShoreTel will thereafter 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 offer documents) and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement will contain important information. Holders of shares of ShoreTel common stock are urged to read these documents when they become available because they will contain important information that holders of ShoreTel common stock should consider before making any decision regarding tendering their shares. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, will be made available to all holders of shares of ShoreTel common stock 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. Copies of these documents will also be made available free of charge on Mitel’s website at investor.Mitel.com or by contacting Mitel’s Investor Relations Department at 469-574-8134. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by ShoreTel will be available free of charge on ShoreTel’s website at ir.ShoreTel.com or by contacting ShoreTel’s Investor Relations Department at (408) 962-2573. In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, Mitel and ShoreTel file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports or other information filed by Mitel or ShoreTel 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. Mitel’s and ShoreTel’s filings with the SEC are also available to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In an effort to provide investors with additional information regarding Mitel’s results as determined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Mitel also discusses, in its press releases and presentation materials, non-GAAP information which Mitel’s management believes provides useful information to investors, including Adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP EPS (earnings per share) or non-GAAP net income per common share and Constant Currency. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have any standardized meaning and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We use these non-GAAP financial measures to assist management and investors in understanding our past financial performance and prospects for the future, including changes in our operating results, trends and marketplace performance, exclusive of unusual events and other factors which do not directly affect what we consider to be our core operating performance. Non-GAAP measures are among the primary indicators management uses as a basis for our planning and forecasting of future periods. Investors are cautioned that non-GAAP financial measures should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Mitel provides a reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP financial information in our quarterly results announcements and in the supplemental slides used in conjunction with Mitel’s quarterly calls. This information is available on our website at www.mitel.com under the “Investor Relations” section http://investor.mitel.com/events.cfm.
Forward Looking Statements
Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements (or forward-looking information) within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws. These include statements using the words believe, target, outlook, may, will, should, could, estimate, continue, expect, intend, plan, predict, potential, project and anticipate, and similar statements which do not describe the present or provide information about the past. There is no guarantee that the expected events or expected results will actually occur. Such statements reflect the current views of management of Mitel and ShoreTel and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, operational and other factors. Any changes in these assumptions or other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. All forward-looking statements attributable to Mitel or ShoreTel, or persons acting on either of their behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth in this paragraph. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. In addition, material risks that could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements include: the inherent uncertainty associated with financial or other projections; the integration of Mitel and ShoreTel and the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits from the proposed acquisition of ShoreTel (the “transaction”); the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals for the transaction, the timing of obtaining such approvals and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the expected benefits of the transaction; the risk that the conditions to the transaction are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all and the failure of the transaction to close for any other reason; the anticipated size of the markets and continued demand for Mitel and ShoreTel products and services; the impact of competitive products and pricing and disruption to Mitel’s and ShoreTel’s respective businesses that could result from the announcement of the transaction; access to available financing on a timely basis and on reasonable terms, including amending Mitel’s existing credit facilities to fund the cash portion of the consideration in connection with the transaction; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits from the divestment of Mitel’s mobile division (“Mobile Division”); risks associated with the non-cash consideration received by Mitel in connection with the divestment of the Mobile Division; the impact to Mitel’s business that could result from the announcement of the divestment of the Mobile Division; Mitel’s ability to achieve or sustain profitability in the future; fluctuations in quarterly and annual revenues and operating results; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; current and ongoing global economic instability, political unrest and related sanctions; intense competition; reliance on channel partners for a significant component of sales; dependence upon a small number of outside contract manufacturers to manufacture products; and, Mitel’s ability to successfully implement and achieve its business strategies, including its growth of the company through acquisitions and the integration of recently acquired businesses and realization of synergies, including the proposed acquisition of ShoreTel. Additional risks are described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Mitel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on March 1, 2017, in Mitel’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 to be filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities, and in ShoreTel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on September 12, 2016. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, neither Mitel nor ShoreTel has any intention or obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements.
About Mitel
A global market leader in enterprise communications powering more than two billion business connections, Mitel (Nasdaq:MITL) (TSX:MNW) helps businesses and service providers connect, collaborate and provide innovative services to their customers. Our innovation and communications experts serve more than 60 million business users in more than 100 countries. For more information, go to www.mitel.com and follow us on Twitter @Mitel.
Mitel is the registered trademark of Mitel Networks Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
MITL-F
About ShoreTel
ShoreTel (NASDAQ:SHOR) provides businesses worldwide with communication solutions that make interactions simple. From business phone systems, unified communications and contact center solutions to a fully hosted voice and SMS development platform, ShoreTel delivers unmatched flexibility and ease for companies looking to increase productivity and drive innovation. ShoreTel offers solutions in the cloud, onsite or a hybrid of both, giving customers the freedom to choose the best fit for their business needs now and in the future. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., ShoreTel has offices and partners worldwide. For more information, visit shoretel.com.
Mitel Contact Information: Media Camille Beasley 469-212-0433 camille.beasley@mitel.com Investors Michael McCarthy 469-574-8134 michael.mccarthy@mitel.com Industry Analysts Denise Hogberg 469-212-0434 denise.hogberg@mitel.com ShoreTel Contact Information: Investors: Barry Hutton (408) 962-2573 bhutton@shoretel.com Media Katie Kregel (512) 551-7065 kkregel@shoretel.com
$CGNT Acquires Genesis Medical
MINNEAPOLIS, July 26, 2017 — Cogentix Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: CGNT), a global medical device company focused on providing the Urology, Uro/Gyn and Gynecology markets with innovative and proprietary products, today announced that it has acquired privately held Genesis Medical based in London, United Kingdom. The transaction is expected to generate incremental revenue to Cogentix during the second half of 2017 of approximately $0.8 million and over $2.0 million of incremental revenue in 2018. Genesis sells and markets a variety of products to urologists within the United Kingdom and has been the exclusive U.K. distributor of Cogentix’s PrimeSight™ endoscopy systems since 2013.
“The purchase of Genesis Medical is our second business development transaction this month and follows our announcement last week of an Endo-Urology product line launch in the U.S.,” said Darin Hammers, President & CEO of Cogentix. “Genesis has been our highly productive PrimeSight partner in the U.K. for the past four years, and they have exceptionally strong customer relationships in the British urology market. We believe that during the second half of this year our urology products revenue growth rate will exceed the first half’s 11 percent and Genesis will contribute to this acceleration.”
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Cogentix has purchased the tangible assets of Genesis and will pay up to £515,000 for the ongoing business, dependent on Genesis achieving certain revenue milestones through March of 2019. During 2016 Genesis Medical generated more than $3 million in total revenue and was profitable.
About Cogentix Medical
Cogentix Medical, Inc., headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with additional operations in New York, Massachusetts, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, is a global medical device company. We design, develop, manufacture and market products for flexible endoscopy with our unique PrimeSight™ product lines featuring a streamlined visualization system and proprietary sterile disposable microbial barrier providing users with efficient and cost effective endoscope turnover while enhancing patient safety. We also commercialize the Urgent® PC Neuromodulation System, an FDA-cleared device that delivers percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for the office-based treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). OAB is a chronic condition that affects approximately 42 million U.S. adults. The symptoms include urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontinence. We also offer Macroplastique®, an injectable urethral bulking agent for the treatment of adult female stress urinary incontinence primarily due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency. For more information on Cogentix Medical and our products, please visit us at www.cogentixmedical.com. ‘CGNT-G’
For Further Information:
Cogentix Medical, Inc.
Brett Reynolds, SVP and CFO
952-426-6152
EVC Group
Brian Moore/Doug Sherk
310-579-6199/415-652-9100
$FCEL Award of Three Long Island Fuel Cell Projects Totaling 39.8 Megawatts
- Awarded under the PSEG FIT IV program to enhance energy resiliency by supplying 39.8 megawatts of ultra-clean power to three different substations on Long Island, New York
- Efficiently supplying power for approximately 40,000 homes with predictable on-island generation that allows the utility to avoid transmission investments and provide energy and reliability capacity within defined regions
DANBURY, Conn., July 26, 2017 — FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a global leader in delivering clean, innovative and affordable fuel cell solutions for the supply, recovery and storage of energy, today announced the award of 39.8 megawatts fuel cell projects by PSEG Long Island under the Fuel Cell Resources Feed-in Tariff. This 40 megawatt FIT IV program is structured to enhance energy resiliency with clean local power generation for Long Island, New York. Under this PSEG program, Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) will purchase the power from the fuel cell projects under 20 year power purchase agreements. FuelCell Energy will install, operate and maintain the fuel cell power plants.
“This utility-issued program is well structured to address power generation and resiliency needs on Long Island by locating clean, quiet and affordable power near existing electrical substations that need additional electricity,” said Chip Bottone, President and Chief Executive Officer of FuelCell Energy, Inc. “Fuel cells are one of the most space-efficient clean energy technologies qualified under the New York State Clean Energy Standard, and these projects demonstrate the many benefits of integrating clean and predictable fuel cells into New York’s energy mix.”
Each fuel cell project will supply a different LIPA electrical substation on Long Island, including:
- An 18.5 megawatt project located near the Brookhaven Rail Terminal in Yaphank consisting of five SureSource 4000TM power plants.
- A 13.9 megawatt combined heat and power project in the town of Brookhaven consisting of three SureSource 4000TM power plants and one SureSource 3000TM power plant plus an absorption chilling system that will provide thermal energy to a neighboring commercial business.
- A 7.4 megawatt project in the Yaphank consisting of two SureSource 4000TM power plants.
“These projects will provide local revenue generation, economic development, and clean energy resources that are consistent with the goals of New York State’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) to build a clean, more resilient, and affordable energy system,” continued Mr. Bottone.
The local municipality of Brookhaven will benefit from incremental revenue as three vacant commercial parcels of land are converted to revenue producing sites.
Next steps in project development include working with the utility on the interconnection agreements, power purchase agreements, and finalizing site engineering.
The SureSource 4000 is the largest power plant in FuelCell Energy’s product portfolio, generating 3.7 megawatts of ultra-clean power with leading electrical efficiency of approximately 60 percent. This enhanced-efficiency fuel cell system is designed for applications focused on clean and affordable power driven by the economics of high system electrical efficiency rather than thermal efficiency.
Fuel cells use chemistry to convert a fuel source into electricity and heat in a highly efficient process that emits virtually no pollutants as the fuel is not burned. The combination of near-zero pollutants, modest land-use needs, and quiet operating nature of these stationary fuel cell power plants facilitates installation in urban locations where the power is used. Customers benefit with operating cost reductions delivered in a manner that supports sustainability goals and enhances power reliability. With high availability and capacity factors, fuel cell power plants make meaningful contributions to Clean Energy Standards targets.
Cautionary Language
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, in general and without limitation, statements with respect to FuelCell’s expectations regarding energy cost savings, overall system efficiency, expectation regarding the amount of power generation and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of FuelCell and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and FuelCell undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although FuelCell believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of FuelCell in general, see the risk disclosures in FuelCell’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About FuelCell Energy
FuelCell Energy (NASDAQ:FCEL) delivers efficient, affordable and clean solutions for the supply, recovery and storage of energy. We design, manufacture, undertake project development, install, operate and maintain megawatt-scale fuel cell systems, serving utilities, industrial and large municipal power users with solutions that include both utility-scale and on-site power generation, carbon capture, local hydrogen production for transportation and industry, and long duration energy storage. With SureSource™ installations on three continents and millions of megawatt hours of ultra-clean power produced, FuelCell Energy is a global leader with environmentally responsible power solutions. Visit us online at www.fuelcellenergy.com and follow us on Twitter.
SureSource, SureSource 1500, SureSource 3000, SureSource 4000, SureSource Recovery, SureSource Capture, SureSource Hydrogen, SureSource Storage, SureSource Service, SureSource Capital, FuelCell Energy, and FuelCell Energy logo are all trademarks of FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Source: FuelCell Energy
Contact: FuelCell Energy, Inc. Kurt Goddard, Vice President Investor Relations 203-830-7494 ir@fce.com
$SIGM Engagement of Financial Advisor to Help Enhance Stockholder Value
FREMONT, Calif., July 26, 2017 — Sigma Designs® (NASDAQ:SIGM), a leading provider of Smart TV platforms and IoT devices, today announced that its Board of Directors has engaged Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as a financial advisor to assist in its exploration of strategic alternatives that may enhance stockholder value. As previously disclosed, Sigma has been carefully reviewing all of its product lines to determine which offer the best synergistic fit with its long-term growth plans. This review may result in Sigma continuing to implement value-enhancing initiatives as a standalone company, such as the continued implementation of its previously announced restructuring plans, a sale of the company or certain product lines, or other possible transactions.
No decision has been made to enter into any transaction at this time, and there is no assurance that the Board’s exploration of strategic alternatives will result in any transaction being entered into or consummated. In addition, there is no set timetable for the exploration of strategic alternatives.
Sigma Designs does not intend to disclose developments or provide updates on the progress or status of this process unless it approves a specific transaction requiring disclosure or otherwise completes its review.
About Sigma Designs
Sigma Designs, Inc. (NASDAQ:SIGM) is a world leader in enabling smart home convergence. The company designs and builds the essential semiconductor technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s leading Connected Smart TV platforms and Internet of Things (IoT) for smart home devices. For more information about Sigma Designs, please visit www.sigmadesigns.com.
Sigma Designs and the Sigma Designs logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sigma Designs, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are believed to be trademarks of their respective owners
Safe Harbor Statement
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 including statements about the exploration of strategic alternatives and the implementation of previously announced restructuring plans. Actual results may vary materially due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, the ability of Sigma to identify and execute strategic alternatives, the risk that its review of strategic alternatives may have unintended consequences, such as the distraction of management, the loss of one or more customers and a negative impact on the retention of employees, as well as other risks that are detailed from time to time in Sigma’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see Sigma’s recent quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available online at www.sec.gov and by request from Sigma. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Sigma undertakes no obligation to publicly release or otherwise disclose the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements that may be made as a result of events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Investor Relations Contacts: Jim Fanucchi Darrow Associates, Inc. (408) 404-5400 IR@sigmadesigns.com Elias Nader, CFO, SVP & Corporate Secretary Sigma Designs, Inc. IR@sigmadesigns.com
$NETE PayOnline Adds iDEAL Support, Netherlands Most Popular Payment System
PayOnline enters Netherlands’ high-growth e-commerce market
MIAMI, FL–(Jul 26, 2017) – Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) (“Net Element” or the “Company”), a global financial technology and value-added solutions group that supports electronic payments acceptance in an omni-channel environment spanning across point-of-sale (POS), e-commerce and mobile devices, today announces that its PayOnline subsidiary has expanded its payment acceptance to include iDEAL (https://www.ideal.nl/en/), a popular e-commerce payment system and market share leader in the Netherlands.
According to a recent e-commerce report by Thuiswinkel.org and the Ecommerce Foundation, the iDEAL payment system is the most a widely used method of online payments in the Netherlands, accounting for 54% of all Dutch online payments and over 220 million transactions, as of 2015. Furthermore, Dutch online spending in 2016 grew over 23% to exceed 20 billion euros, and approximately 95% of the country’s age 15+ population are shopping online. Entering this attractive market allows PayOnline to reach a wide audience and has the potential for increasing revenues.
With payment acceptance through iDEAL now available to PayOnline merchants registered in the European Union, PayOnline also plans to connect to similar European payment systems, such as SOFORT, which unites Internet shops, cloud providers for e-commerce, and banks in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Spain, France, Great Britain, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. These arrangements facilitated by PayOnline allow for greater consumer flexibility, adding expanded banking options with safe and secure payment transactions online.
About iDEAL
iDEAL is a method of payment that allows customers to make online payments directly through their bank. The banks participating in the iDEAL payment network are ABN AMRO, ASN Bank, bunq, Friesland Bank, ING Bank, Knab, Rabobank, RegioBank, SNS Bank, Triodos Bank and Van Lanschot. Since its inception in 2005 in Netherlands, iDEAL has processed more than 1 billion online payments. This payment method is supported in 100,000+ online stores and online services. The iDEAL brand has been among the Top-10 for some years among some of the most recognizable and indispensable companies in the Netherlands, and more than 60% of buyers prefer it to all other payment methods. Further information is available at www.ideal.nl/en/.
About Net Element
Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) operates a payments-as-a-service transactional and value-added services platform for small to medium enterprise (“SME”) in the US and selected emerging markets. In the US it aims to grow transactional revenue by innovating SME productivity services such as its cloud based, restaurant and retail point-of-sale solution Aptito. Internationally, Net Element’s strategy is to leverage its omni-channel platform to deliver flexible offerings to emerging markets with diverse banking, regulatory and demographic conditions such as UAE, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan where initiatives have been recently launched. Net Element was named in 2016 by South Florida Business Journal as one of the fastest growing technology companies. Further information is available at www.netelement.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains 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. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, whether the relationship with iDEAL will result in increased revenues or will be beneficial to the Company, whether PayOnline will be successful in connecting similar European payment systems such as SOFORT, whether Net Element can secure any additional financing and if such additional financing will be adequate to meet the Company’s objectives. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Net Element and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) Net Element’s ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (ii) Net Element’s ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with users of its payment processing services; (iii) Net Element’s ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (iv) Net Element’s ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (v) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (vi) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (vii) adverse effects of increased competition on Net Element’s business; (viii) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Net Element’s business; (ix) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Net Element’s business; (x) Net Element’s ability to protect its intellectual property; (xi) local, industry and general business and economic conditions; (xii) adverse effects of potentially deteriorating U.S.-Russia relations, including, without limitation, over a conflict related to Ukraine, including a risk of further U.S. government sanctions or other legal restrictions on U.S. businesses doing business in Russia. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K and the subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Net Element with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Net Element anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Net Element assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law.
Contact:
Net Element, Inc.
media@netelement.com
+1 (786) 923-0502
$IRBT Acquires Its Largest European Distributor, Robopolis SAS
Acquisition further expands iRobot’s direct presence into countries including Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands and Portugal
BEDFORD, Mass., July 25, 2017 — iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), a leader in consumer robots, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Robopolis SAS (Robopolis), based in Lyon, France. The acquisition is expected to close in October 2017.
Following iRobot’s recent acquisition of its distributor in Japan, the Robopolis acquisition will enable iRobot to capitalize on market momentum driving accelerated adoption of robots for the home. It will further enhance the company’s distribution network, ensure global brand consistency and better serve the needs of European consumers while driving continued growth in Western Europe through a consistent approach to all market activities including sales, marketing, branding, channel relationships and customer service.
Robopolis, an exclusive distributor of iRobot products since 2006 and the company’s largest distributor in EMEA, sells across seven key markets in Western Europe, including Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, and Portugal. EMEA is a key strategic region for iRobot representing approximately 25% of its 2016 total revenue. Robopolis represented nearly half of iRobot’s EMEA revenues in 2016.
“At this stage in the Western European market evolution, and the growth opportunity it presents, we feel a more direct go-to-market strategy is necessary to continue driving adoption of robots for the home,” said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. “The Robopolis team has been instrumental in establishing iRobot as the leading consumer robotics brand in Western Europe. We look forward to them formally joining iRobot and working together to ensure continued growth.”
Robopolis will be combined with iRobot’s EMEA operations headquartered in London, UK. The existing Robopolis management team will join iRobot. Jean-Jacques Blanc, currently iRobot’s vice president and general manager, Overseas, will lead the combined operations reporting to iRobot’s chief operating officer Christian Cerda.
iRobot will acquire the business for $141 million, or approximately 0.9 times the trailing Robopolis twelve-month revenue ended June 2017, subject to customary purchase price adjustments set forth in the definitive purchase agreement. iRobot will pay cash for the acquisition. The acquisition is expected to contribute incremental revenue of approximately $25 – $35 million in 2017. iRobot expects the acquisition to be between ($0.45) – ($0.30) dilutive in 2017. Beginning in 2018, the acquisition is expected to generate incremental revenue and higher earnings per share.
iRobot will host a live webcast and conference call, open to all interested investors, to review this transaction, second-quarter 2017 financial results and the outlook for 2017 financial performance on Wednesday, July 26.
Pertinent details include: | |
Date: | Wednesday, July 26 |
Time: | 8:30 a.m. ET |
Call-In Number: | 213-358-0894 |
Passcode: | 15405594 |
A live, audio broadcast of the conference call also will be available at:
http://investor.irobot.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=193096&p=irol-eventDetails&EventId=5242676. An archived version of the broadcast will be available on the same website shortly after the conclusion of the live event. A replay of the telephone conference call will be available through August 2, and can be accessed by dialing 404-537-3406, passcode 15405594.
About iRobot Corp.
iRobot, the leading global consumer robot company, designs and builds robots that empower people to do more both inside and outside of the home. iRobot created the home robot cleaning category with the introduction of its Roomba® Vacuuming Robot in 2002. Today, iRobot is a global enterprise that has sold more than 15 million robots worldwide. iRobot’s product line, including the Roomba and the Braava™ family of mopping robots, feature proprietary technologies and advanced concepts in cleaning, mapping and navigation. iRobot’s engineers are building an ecosystem of robots and data to enable the smart home. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.
For iRobot Investors
Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to iRobot Corporation’s expectations concerning the closing date of iRobot’s acquisition of the Robopolis distribution business, the growth and success of iRobot’s business in certain western European markets, the anticipated purchase price of iRobot’s acquisition of the Robopolis distribution business, the expected impact of such acquisition on iRobot’s financial results and operations, iRobot’s plans for the leadership of the acquired business, and the ability of iRobot to successful integrate the Robopolis distribution business following the acquisition. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. iRobot 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. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by iRobot, see the disclosure contained in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
$ETRM First Veterans Choice Program vBloc® Implant for Obesity
ST. PAUL, Minn., July 25, 2017 — EnteroMedics Inc. (NASDAQ:ETRM), a developer of minimally invasive medical devices to treat obesity, metabolic diseases and other gastrointestinal disorders, today announced that the Methodist Dallas Medical Center successfully completed its first implant of the Company’s vBloc® Neurometabolic Therapy through the Veterans Choice Program. The surgery was performed on July 24, 2017 by Sachin Kukreja, M.D., a bariatric surgeon in Dallas, Texas.
The federal Veterans Choice Program allows veterans to have the vBloc procedure within a facility in their local community instead of at a Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) hospital, significantly increasing the accessibility to vBloc for veterans. According to the VA, in the first quarter of FY2017, they observed a more than 30 percent increase in authorizations through the program as compared to the same period in FY2016. The company’s previously announced agreement with Academy Medical covers the cost of vBloc for qualified veterans in accordance with their VA health benefits.
“There are over one million veterans battling obesity today, and it is a privilege for EnteroMedics to be able to facilitate their access to our life-changing solutions,” said Dan Gladney, EnteroMedics’ President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board. “This first VA Choice implant represents another successful step for EnteroMedics towards our goal of establishing vBloc Therapy as a standard of care for patients seeking anatomy-friendly options for weight loss.”
vBloc Therapy works to control sensations of hunger using a pacemaker-like device that is implanted under the skin during a safe, minimally invasive procedure. The vBloc System gives the patient a sensation of fullness, empowering them to eat less, control their appetite, and lose weight. Studies have shown that vBloc Therapy produces meaningful weight loss while also reducing comorbidity factors related to obesity.
“It is an honor to help our veterans and their families who have served this country,” said Dr. Kukreja. “With a minimally-invasive, non-anatomy-altering solution to help fight obesity, vBloc Therapy offers patients a healthier alternative to other surgical weight loss solutions.”
vBloc Therapy is approved for use in people aged 18 years and older who are obese, with a BMI of 40 to 45 kg/m2, or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 with a related health condition such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or obstructive sleep apnea who have had a poor response to trying to lose weight under supervision in the last 5 years.
Information about the vBloc® System and vBloc® Neurometabolic Therapy
You should not have an implanted vBloc System if you have cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure in the veins of the liver, enlarged veins in your esophagus or a significant hiatal hernia of the stomach; if you need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); if you have a permanently implanted, electrical medical device; or if you need a diathermy procedure using heat. The most common related adverse events that were experienced during clinical study of the vBloc System included pain, heartburn, nausea, difficulty swallowing, belching, wound redness or irritation, and constipation.
Talk with your doctor about the full risks and benefits of vBloc Neurometabolic Therapy and the vBloc System. For additional prescribing information, please visit www.enteromedics.com.
If you are interested in learning more about vBloc Therapy, please visit www.vbloc.com or call 1-800-MY-VBLOC.
About EnteroMedics Inc.
EnteroMedics is a medical device company focused on the development and commercialization of technology to treat obesity and metabolic diseases. vBloc® Neurometabolic Therapy, delivered by an FDA-approved pacemaker-like device called the vBloc® System, is designed to help patients feel full and eat less by intermittently blocking hunger signals on the vagus nerve. EnteroMedics recently acquired the Gastric Vest System™ through its acquisition of BarioSurg, Inc. The Gastric Vest is an investigational, minimally invasive, laparoscopically implanted medical device being studied for weight loss in morbidly obese patients. The device wraps around the stomach, emulating the effect of conventional weight-loss surgery, and enables gastric volume reduction without permanently changing patient anatomy.
Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “may,” “intend,” “will,” “continue,” “future,” other words of similar meaning and the use of future dates. Forward-looking statements in this release include our goal of establishing vBloc Therapy as a standard of care for patients seeking anatomy-friendly options for weight loss. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of our management and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others: our limited history of operations; our losses since inception and for the foreseeable future; our limited commercial sales experience with our vBloc® System for the treatment of obesity in the United States or in any foreign market other than Australia and the European Community; the competitive industry in which we operate; our ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq continued listing requirements; our ability to commercialize our vBloc® System; our dependence on third parties to initiate and perform our clinical trials; the need to obtain regulatory approval for any modifications to our vBloc® System; physician adoption of our vBloc® System and vBloc® Neurometabolic Therapy; our ability to obtain third party coding, coverage or payment levels; ongoing regulatory compliance; our dependence on third party manufacturers and suppliers; the successful development of our sales and marketing capabilities; our ability to raise additional capital when needed; international commercialization and operation; our ability to attract and retain management and other personnel and to manage our growth effectively; potential product liability claims; the cost and management time of operating a public company; potential healthcare fraud and abuse claims; healthcare legislative reform; and our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our technology and products. These and additional risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly those factors identified as “risk factors” in the annual report on Form 10-K filed March 8, 2017 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed May 15, 2017. We are providing this information as of the date of this press release and do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
$QBAK Awarded Multiple Orders Totaling $0.6 Million
Qualstar Corporation (NASDAQ: QBAK) announced today that N2Power, a subsidiary of Qualstar and, an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of compact and highly-efficient power supplies, was recently awarded new orders totaling $0.6 million from an existing prestigious gaming customer. The orders are expected to ship over the next five months. N2Power provides standard, semi-custom and custom power solutions for OEM’s in various markets worldwide.
“Our customers recognize the high quality and exceptional service they receive when partnering with N2Power. We have long term highly successful relationships with many customers supporting their diverse business needs,” said Randy Johnson, N2Power’s Director of Sales.
“N2Power has a long track record of providing superior power solutions. We pride ourselves on delivering standard and custom power solutions to meet our customers’ specifications, giving added value at competitive pricing,” said Steven N. Bronson, Qualstar’s Chief Executive Officer.
For additional information regarding N2Power power supplies, call Shelley Urbina at 805-583-7744 x122. Check our website www.n2power.com for authorized distribution partners.
About Qualstar Corporation
Qualstar, founded in 1984, is a diversified electronics manufacturer specializing in data storage and power supplies. Qualstar is a leading provider of high efficiency and high density power supplies marketed under the N2Power™ brand, and of data storage systems marketed under the Qualstar™ brand. Our N2Power power supply products provide compact and efficient power conversion for a wide variety of industries and applications including, but not limited to telecom, networking, broadcast, industrial, lighting, gaming and test equipment. Our Qualstar data storage products are used to provide highly scalable and reliable solutions to store and retrieve very large quantities of electronic data. Qualstar’s products are known throughout the world for high quality and Simply Reliable™ designs that provide years of trouble-free service. More information is available at www.qualstar.com or www.n2power.com or by phone at 805-583-7744. Connect with Qualstar on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Statements used in this press release that relate to future plans, events, financial results, prospects or performance are forward-looking statements as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of Qualstar’s management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For further information on these risks and uncertainties, please refer to the risk factors discussed in Qualstar’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission including, but not limited to, Qualstar’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of such Form 10-K, and any subsequently filed reports. All of Qualstar’s filings are available without charge through the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) or from Qualstar’s website (www.qualstar.com).The information contained in this press release is as of the date of this press release. Notwithstanding changes that may occur with respect to matters relating to any forward looking statements, Qualstar does not expect to, and disclaims any obligation to, publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Qualstar, however, reserves the right to update such statements or any portion thereof at any time for any reason.
Product Information:
N2Power, a Subsidiary of Qualstar Corporation
Randy Johnson, 805-583-7744 x 203
Director of Sales
Randy.johnson@n2power.com
or
Investor Relations:
Steven N. Bronson, 805-617-4419
Chief Executive Officer
IR@Qualstar.com
$ALPN Completes Merger with $NVLS
– Commences Trading on NASDAQ Global Market on July 25, 2017 under Ticker Symbol “ALPN” –
– Utilizes Novel Protein-Based Immunotherapy Discovery Platform Focused on Developing Therapeutics for the Potential Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer –
– Approximately $90 Million in Cash and Cash Equivalents on Balance Sheet Following Transaction Close –
Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALPN), a leading company focused on the development of proprietary, protein-based immunotherapies to modulate the immune system, today announced the closing of its previously disclosed merger with Nivalis Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NVLS), effective July 24, 2017. The combined company changed its name to Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. immediately following the merger and is expected to commence trading on The NASDAQ Global Market today, July 25, 2017, under the ticker symbol “ALPN”.
“The completion of this merger represents a significant milestone for Alpine Immune Sciences and its shareholders, and most importantly for physicians and their patients seeking a fundamentally new approach to modulate the immune system to fight disease. Closing the merger, in combination with the associated financing, provides us with the resources to move forward as a focused, well-funded public company,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mitchell H. Gold. “With our experienced team in place, and a potentially transformative development pipeline of first in class molecules, we believe that Alpine has both the experience and the resources to develop novel therapeutic approaches that address inflammation, cancer, and other diseases.”
Upon the completion of the merger and financing, Alpine will have approximately $90 million in cash and cash equivalents. This includes proceeds from a financing that closed immediately prior to the merger in which Alpine received gross proceeds of approximately $17 million in new investment from current Alpine investors, OrbiMed Advisors, Frazier Healthcare Partners, and Alpine BioVentures. “The continued support from our existing investors in this financing is a strong endorsement of our program’s transformative potential and the scientists at Alpine, to address some of the most challenging unmet medical needs,” said Dr. Gold.
Alpine is focused on the development of innovative immunotherapies. Alpine’s proprietary variant immunoglobulin domain™ (“vIgD”) platform uses a process known as directed evolution to create therapeutics capable of modulating multiple human immune system proteins in the immune synapse through a single molecule. In Alpine’s pre-clinical studies, the vIgD platform has identified novel proteins with the ability to either enhance or diminish an immune response. These proteins could be potentially applicable therapeutically to both oncology (cancer) and inflammatory diseases. Alpine has also developed its transmembrane immunomodulatory protein™ (“TIP”™) technology, based on the vIgD platform, to potentially enhance engineered cellular therapies. Alpine intends to apply for clearance for its first molecule, a dual ICOS/CD28 antagonist, to begin clinical trials in the second half of 2018.
Following the completion of the merger, Alpine shareholders, option holders and warrant holders own, or have rights to acquire, approximately 74 percent of the combined company, and former Nivalis shareholders, option holders and warrant holders own, or have rights to acquire, approximately 26 percent of the combined company.
About Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc.
Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. is focused on developing novel protein‐based immunotherapies using its proprietary Variant Ig Domain vIgD platform technology. The vIgD platform is designed to interact with multiple targets, including many present in the immune synapse. Alpine’s vIgDs are developed using a process known as directed evolution, which can potentially produce proteins capable of either enhancing or diminishing an immune response and thereby may potentially apply therapeutically to both oncology and inflammatory diseases. Alpine has also developed its TIP technology, based on the vIgD platform, to potentially enhance engineered cellular therapies. In October 2015, Alpine signed a worldwide research and license agreement with Kite Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:KITE) for up to $535 million in up front and potential milestone payments plus royalties on resulting sales. The agreement allows Kite access to certain targets developed using Alpine’s TIP platform. For more information visit www.alpineimmunesciences.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended) concerning Nivalis Alpine, the merger and financing transaction, Alpine’s platform technology, potential therapies, clinical and regulatory objectives and milestone and royalty payment potential and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of Alpine, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “look forward,” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the ability of Alpine to protect its intellectual property rights; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the merger; potential adverse changes resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger; that Alpine’s discovery-stage and pre-clinical programs do not advance into the clinic or result in approved products on a timely or cost effective basis or at all; and legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments. Alpine’s pipeline programs, including ALPN-101, are in pre-clinical development, and the process by which a pre-clinical therapeutic candidate could potentially lead to an approved therapeutic is long and subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Risks facing Alpine and its programs are set forth in Alpine’s filings with the SEC. Except as required by applicable law, Alpine undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc.
Investors:
Courtney Dugan, 212-257-6723
cdugan@purecommunications.com
or
Media:
Jennifer Paganelli, 347-658-8290
jpaganelli@w2ogroup.com
$IGC Stands Out in Medical Cannabis w/ Robust Alzheimer’s Approach
July 25, 2017
NetworkNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Changes in public opinion regarding cannabis have greatly fueled the fire blazing under the red-hot state-legalized marijuana market. A recent Gallup poll shows that 60 percent of Americans now support the legalization of marijuana1, while another report shows that marijuana sales jumped an incredible 30 percent in North America in 2016 to reach $6.7 billion2. While many investors are looking to find profitable plays in this burgeoning market, continuing federal restrictions make medical marijuana one of the safest investment routes. Standout companies that present prime opportunities in this space include India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE MKT: IGC) (IGC Profile), Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARA), Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZYNE), Cannabis Science Inc. (OTC: CBIS) and Vitality Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB: VBIO).
India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE MKT: IGC) is currently readying four cannabinoid products for medical trials, including a potential blockbuster treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Although there are about a dozen publicly traded cannabis pharmaceutical stocks currently on the market, IGC is the only one to have patent filings for a potential cannabis-based Alzheimer’s breakthrough. Compared to its peers, IGC’s market cap of just over $10.8 million begs the question of whether the value of this innovator is under pegged. A look at the broader market and the company’s developments provide further insight.
Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia among older adults is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that progressively destroys memory and cognitive skills. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and will cost the nation an estimated $259 billion in 2017, according to information from the Alzheimer’s Association3. The breakthrough potential of IGC’s IGC-AD1 (Hyalolex), which targets the reduction of beta-amyloid buildup in Alzheimer’s patients and lessen some of Alzheimer’s worst symptoms, could be astronomical.
The accumulation of amyloid plaque on neurons in the brain is believed to be the major cause of Alzheimer’s disease. IGC recently acquired exclusive rights (http://nnw.fm/3QaWV) to its novel tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-based treatment for Alzheimer’s from the University of South Florida, where research using an animal model showed the reversal of amyloid plaque buildup. The lead investigator at the university used cannabis extract on transgenic mice and discovered that the cannabis extract actually reversed beta-amyloid accumulation. What this indicates is a potential means of restoring memory function in Alzheimer’s patients—a game-changing development indeed! IGC expects to begin human trials this year.
Under the definitive license agreement with the University of South Florida, IGC is the exclusive licensee of the patent filing “THC as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Alzheimer’s Disease,” which claims the discovery of a new pathway in which low doses of THC bind to beta-amyloid plaques and prevent them from aggregating on neurons—the very process that is linked to causing cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients. This new pathway offers exciting potential in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, and, if the patent is granted and proven, IGC will own the rights to it. Acquisition of the patent additionally helps IGC protect its proprietary formulation of IGC-AD1. The lead investigator at the University of South Florida now helping IGC was featured on CNN by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the “Weed 3, The Marijuana Revolution,” available for viewing at www.igcinc.us
In addition to IGC-AD1, the company’s other cannabis-based products currently moving toward trials include Natrinol for the treatment of cachexia in AIDS and cancer patients; Serosapse, which addresses various Parkinson’s disease endpoints; and Caesafin, which employs combination therapy to alleviate seizures in dogs and cats. Other companies we have seen with this kind of cannabis based runaway potential, have market capitalizations between $25 million to $500 million as compared to IGC’s $10 million market cap.
When it comes to market value, the heavyweight of this group is clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARA), which has a market cap of $506.1 million. Focused on the development and commercialization of new chemical entities that are designed to alleviate pain and pruritus through the selective targeting of peripheral kappa opioid receptors, the company is developing a novel, proprietary class of product candidates that target the peripheral nervous system and have shown initial efficacy in patients with moderate to severe pain without creating many of the unwanted side effects that are typically associated with current pain therapeutics. The company’s CR701 candidate is a cannabinoid receptor agonist designed to reduce pain.
Perhaps most similar to IGC in terms of product candidates and an early-stage pipeline is Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZYNE), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company engaged in developing innovative transdermal synthetic cannabinoid treatment for patients who have high unmet medical needs. As of July 18, Zynerba’s market cap stood at $251.7 million – a far cry above IGC’s market valuation. Zynerba’s development pipeline includes two lead product candidates that are being evaluated in five therapeutic indications. ZYN002 is the first and only synthetic CBD and has been formulated as a patent-protected permeation enhanced gel for transdermal delivery through the skin and into the body’s circulatory system. It is currently in phase 2 clinical development in patients with refractory epilepsy, osteoarthritis of the knee and Fragile X syndrome. The company’s ZYN001 is a pro-drug of THC that facilitates transdermal delivery through the skin and into the circulatory system by means of a patch. A phase 1 clinical program for ZYN001 commenced in the first half of 2017.
Another small-cap player – with a market cap of $120.2 million – is Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTC: CBIS), a company focused on developing cannabinoid-based medicines to provide innovative treatment options for unmet medical needs, with an immediate focus on treating cancer. The company is working with leading experts to develop, produce and commercialize novel therapeutic approaches to treat a variety of critical ailments, from cancer and infections to age-related illnesses and neurobehavioral disorders. The company’s current development programs include CS-TATI-1, which will be targeted at both newly diagnosed and treatment-experienced patients with drug-resistant HIV strains and those that are intolerant to current therapies; CS-S/BCC-1 for skin cancer; and CS-NEURO-1 for various neurobehavioral disorders, including ADHD and anxiety.
Vitality Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB: VBIO), another medical marijuana company, is focused on applying the power of cannabinoids to treat serious neurological and inflammatory disorders and currently has a market cap of $40.2 million. VBIO is developing proprietary cannabinoid prodrug pharmaceuticals that are FDA- and DEA-compliant. The company believes oral cannabinoid pharmaceuticals can help the full therapeutic potential of cannabinoid medicines to be realized. Oral prodrugs allow for a regulatory strategy that has a lower risk and is similar to specialty pharmaceutical development. VBIO is leveraging existing clinical studies that demonstrate the efficacy of cannabinoids in treating inflammatory bowel disease, Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS), multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain and other disease indications. The company has developed a new class of cannabinoid prodrugs called cannabosides that can be targeted and limited to the body’s gastrointestinal tract to prevent drug psychoactivity and unanticipated side effects.
The spectrum of market value for these cannabis-based pharmaceutical players’ swings across the board, and India Globalization Capital has several aspects that may warrant a higher valuation. While each of the above-named companies present an opportunity to invest in the rapidly advancing medical cannabis space, investors looking for an entry point through an undervalued company may want to take a closer look at India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE: IGC).
Editorial Sources:
(1) Gallup http://nnw.fm/CPS7h
(2) Arcview http://nnw.fm/zE44Q
(3) Alzheimer’s Association http://nnw.fm/LpC8P
For more information on India Globalization Capital, please visit: India Globalization Capital (IGC) or http://www.igcinc.us
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$CIIX ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. Featured in New Interview with SmallCapVoice.com
AUSTIN, Texas, July 25, 2017 — SmallCapVoice.com, Inc. and ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB:CIIX) (“CIIX” or the “Company”), the premier financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors in both the U.S. and China, and a well-known cannabidiol (CBD) health brand engaged in the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of consumer products containing CBD, today announce that the Company’s director of investor relations, Alan Klitenic, is featured in an audio interview at SmallCapVoice.com.
The interview outlining CIIX’s current news and efforts can be heard at http://smallcapvoice.com/blog/7-21-17-smallcapvoice-interview-with-chineseinvestors-com-inc-ciix.
Alan Klitenic, director of investor relations for ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB:CIIX) the premier financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors in both the U.S. and China, and a well-known cannabidiol (CBD) health brand engaged in the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of consumer products containing CBD called in to SmallCapVoice.com, Inc. to discuss the recent news for the company. Klitenic covered a myriad of topics including the incorporation of CBD Biotechnology Inc., the significance of the company now accepting Bitcoin payments, the drivers behind the recent impressive financial results and much more.
“We anticipate more milestone announcements from our Financial Information and Public Relations divisions in terms of new revenues hit and showing higher profits. Our goals for our Hemp Oil divisions are to make them profitable and on a revenue scale basis have them grow substantially. In the next 3 years we would like to see year over year growth of 100% to 500% for all divisions combined,” states Klitenic.
About SmallCapVoice.com
SmallCapVoice.com is a recognized corporate investor relations firm, with clients nationwide, known for its ability to help emerging growth companies build a following among retail and institutional investors. SmallCapVoice.com utilizes its stock newsletter to feature its daily stock picks, audio interviews, as well as its clients’ financial news releases. SmallCapVoice.com also offers individual investors all the tools they need to make informed decisions about the stocks in which they are interested. Tools like stock charts, stock alerts, and Company Information Sheets can assist with investing in stocks that are traded on the OTC BB and Pink Sheets. To learn more about SmallCapVoice.com and its services, please visit http://smallcapvoice.com/blog/the-small-cap-daily-small-cap-newsletter/
About ChineseInvestors.com
Founded in 1999, ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. endeavors to be an innovative company providing (a) real-time market commentary, analysis and educational related services in Chinese language character sets (traditional and simplified); (b) support services to various partners; (c) consultative services to smaller private companies considering becoming a public company; (d) advertising and public relation related support services; and (e) other services we may identify having the potential to create value or partnership opportunity with our existing services.
For more information visit www.ChineseInvestors.com
Contact: Alan Klitenic pr@chinesefn.com +1(214)636-2548 For SmallCapVoice.com Stuart T. Smith 512-267-2430 info@smallcapvoice.com
$RETA Bardoxolone Methyl Demonstrates Improved Kidney Function in Alport Syndrome
SCREENING OF PATIENTS IN PHASE 3 PORTION OF CARDINAL UNDERWAY
PLANNING TO INITIATE ADDITIONAL RARE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PROGRAMS
CONFERENCE CALL WITH MANAGEMENT SCHEDULED TODAY AT 8:30AM ET
IRVING, Texas, July 24, 2017 — Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:RETA) (“Reata” or “the Company”) today reported initial data from the ongoing open-label Phase 2 portion of CARDINAL, a Phase 2/3 trial evaluating bardoxolone methyl (“bardoxolone”) in patients with chronic kidney disease (“CKD”) caused by Alport syndrome. Based upon these data, the Company has initiated screening in the Phase 3 portion of the trial and is planning to launch additional Phase 2 studies in rare renal diseases during the first half of 2018.
The Phase 2 portion of the trial enrolled 30 patients, and all patients remain on study. The available data demonstrate that bardoxolone significantly improved kidney function in Alport syndrome patients as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (“eGFR”). From a mean baseline eGFR of 54.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, available data showed a mean improvement of 6.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 at Week 4 (n=19; p<0.0005), increasing to 12.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 at Week 12 (n=8; p<0.00005). Over 80% of patients demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in eGFR of at least 3.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 by Week 8, and the 95% confidence interval at Week 12 was 7.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 17.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. The observed treatment effect surpasses the threshold of 3.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 that was the minimum effect size necessary to proceed to the Phase 3 portion of the trial. No serious adverse events have been reported in the trial, and reported adverse events have generally been mild to moderate in intensity. The independent data monitoring committee reviewed all available safety data and voted to recommend opening the Phase 3 portion of the trial.
“The ongoing Phase 2 portion of CARDINAL demonstrated clear improvements in renal function that are large in magnitude, occur in a high percentage of patients, and are highly statistically significant,” said Colin Meyer, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Reata. “These results exceeded our expectations and bring us one step closer to the prospect of bardoxolone becoming the first effective treatment for this severe and life-threatening disease. We are eager to study bardoxolone in additional, rare renal diseases driven by inflammatory processes that bardoxolone addresses.”
“The Alport Syndrome Foundation has worked for 10 years to encourage the development of therapies that will delay or prevent the need for dialysis and transplantation in patients with Alport syndrome, and we are encouraged to see this trial move forward and hope this will bring us closer to achieving our vision, to conquer Alport syndrome,” said Gina Parziale, Executive Director of the Alport Syndrome Foundation. “As there are no FDA-approved therapies to treat Alport syndrome, we are grateful to Reata for addressing this need and for engaging us in the process to ensure the patient perspective is incorporated.”
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION | |
Time: | 8:30AM ET |
Audience Dial-in (toll-free): | (844) 348-3946 |
Audience Dial-in (international): | (213) 358-0892 |
Passcode: | 59143438 |
Webcast Link: | https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/6frccxcz |
About the CARDINAL Clinical Study Design
CARDINAL is an international, multi-center Phase 2/3 study enrolling patients from 12 to 60 years old with a confirmed genetic or histological diagnosis of Alport syndrome. Patients must have baseline eGFR values between 30 to 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and must be receiving stable renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade unless contraindicated. The Phase 2 portion of CARDINAL is open-label and enrolled 30 patients. The primary endpoint of the Phase 2 portion of the study is the eGFR change from baseline at 12 weeks. Final data from the Phase 2 CARDINAL trial will be available in 2H17.
The Phase 3 portion of CARDINAL is designed to support regulatory approval of bardoxolone for the treatment of Alport syndrome. It will be double-blind, placebo-controlled, and will randomize approximately 150 patients on a 1:1 basis to once-daily, oral bardoxolone or placebo. The eGFR change will be measured after 48 weeks while the patient is on treatment (“on-treatment eGFR”) and again after 52 weeks after the patient has stopped taking the study drug for a four-week withdrawal period (“retained eGFR”). Based on guidance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”), the year one retained eGFR benefit data may support accelerated approval under subpart H. After withdrawal, patients will be restarted on study drug with their original treatment assignments and will continue on study for a second year. The second year on-treatment eGFR change will be measured after 100 weeks and the retained eGFR benefit will be measured after withdrawal of drug for four weeks at week 104. Based upon guidance from the FDA, the year two retained eGFR benefit data may support full approval.
The Phase 3 primary efficacy endpoint is the on-treatment eGFR change from baseline in bardoxolone-treated patients relative to placebo at Week 48. The on-treatment eGFR change is designed to measure the full, treatment-related eGFR benefit of bardoxolone in Alport syndrome patients. The Phase 3 portion of the trial has 80% statistical power to detect a placebo-corrected, on-treatment eGFR improvement of 3.1 mL/min/1.73 m2. The key secondary endpoint of the Phase 3 portion of the trial is the change from baseline in retained eGFR benefit after one year of treatment. The retained eGFR analysis is designed to demonstrate that bardoxolone has disease-modifying activity in Alport syndrome patients. The Phase 3 portion of the trial is statistically powered to detect a placebo-corrected, retained eGFR benefit of 2.2 mL/min/1.73 m2. As a result of the observed eGFR effect, standard deviation, and intra-patient eGFR correlations in the Phase 2 study, the sample size of the Phase 3 study has been adjusted from 180 patients to 150 patients. The Company expects data from the Week 48 and Week 52 analyses during 2H19.
About Alport Syndrome
Alport syndrome is a rare, genetic disease that causes CKD. Alport Syndrome is caused by mutations in the genes encoding type IV collagen, which is a major structural component of the glomerular basement membrane (“GBM”) in the kidney. The abnormal expression of type IV collagen causes loss of GBM integrity, abnormal leakage of proteins through the GBM, and excessive reabsorption of protein in the proximal tubules of the kidney. Like other forms of CKD, excessive reabsorption of protein in the tubules induces oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and renal interstitial inflammation and fibrosis.
Alport syndrome affects approximately 12,000 people in the United States and approximately 40,000 people globally. Almost all patients with Alport syndrome develop end-stage renal disease, and approximately 50% of male patients require dialysis or kidney transplant by the age of 25. There are currently no approved therapies to treat Alport syndrome.
Update on other Company Programs
The Company is currently executing a number of Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials with its lead molecules, bardoxolone and omaveloxolone. In addition, a new molecule, RTA 901, is being tested in a first-in-human Phase 1 trial. The chart below summarizes the status of all of the Company’s programs.
Indication | Product Candidate | Next Milestone | Anticipated Timing | |
Lead Programs | Alport syndrome | Bard | P3 initiation | 2H17 |
Friedreich’s ataxia | Omav | Phase 2, Part 2 initiation | 2H17 | |
CTD-PAH | Bard | P3 data | 2H18 | |
Mitochondrial myopathies | Omav | Phase 2, Part 1 data | 2H17 | |
Earlier Stage Programs | Rare Renal Diseases | Bard | P2 initiation | 1H18 |
Pulmonary Hypertension (ILD) | Bard | P2 data | 2H17 | |
Melanoma | Omav | P1b data | 2H17 | |
Orphan Neurological Indications | RTA 901 | P1 data | 2H17 |
About Bardoxolone Methyl
Bardoxolone is an experimental, oral, once-daily activator of Nrf2, a transcription factor that induces molecular pathways that promote the resolution of inflammation by restoring mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling. The FDA has granted orphan designation to bardoxolone for the treatment of Alport syndrome. Bardoxolone is also currently being studied in CATALYST, a Phase 3 study for the treatment of connective tissue disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.
About Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Reata is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops novel therapeutics for patients with serious or life-threatening diseases by targeting molecular pathways involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism and inflammation. Reata’s two most advanced clinical candidates, bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone, target the important transcription factor Nrf2 that promotes the resolution of inflammation by restoring mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes certain disclosures which contain “forward-looking statements,” including, without limitation, statements regarding the success, cost and timing of our product development activities and clinical trials, our plans to research, develop and commercialize our product candidates, and our ability to obtain and retain regulatory approval of our product candidates. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “believes,” “will,” “may,” “aims,” “plans” and “expects.” Forward-looking statements are based on Reata’s current expectations and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) the timing, costs, conduct, and outcome of our clinical trials and future preclinical studies and clinical trials, including the timing of the initiation and availability of data from such trials; (ii) the timing and likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals for our product candidates; (iii) the potential market size and the size of the patient populations for our product candidates, if approved for commercial use, and the market opportunities for our product candidates; and (iv) other factors set forth in Reata’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the caption “Risk Factors.” The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and, other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Contacts Corporate: Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (972) 865-2219 info@reatapharma.com http://news.reatapharma.com Investor: Vinny Jindal Vice President, Strategy (855) 55-REATA ir@reatapharma.com Media: Matt Middleman, M.D. LifeSci Public Relations (646) 627-8384 matt.middleman@lifescipublicrelations.com
$CNCE Termination of HSR Act Waiting Period for $VRTX CTP-656 Asset Purchases
Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNCE) today announced that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has terminated the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR Act) for the pending sale of CTP-656 and other assets related to the treatment of cystic fibrosis by Concert to Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRTX). CTP-656 is an investigational cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator that has the potential to be used as part of future once-daily combination regimens of CFTR modulators that treat the underlying cause of CF.
The expiration of the HSR Act waiting period represents the final regulatory closing condition required to complete the asset purchase. On May 24, 2017, Concert shareholders approved the authorization of the CTP-656 asset purchase agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the coming days.
As announced on March 6, 2017, pursuant to the asset purchase agreement and upon closing, Vertex will pay Concert $160 million in cash for all worldwide development and commercialization rights to CTP-656 and Concert’s other cystic fibrosis assets. If CTP-656 is approved as part of a combination regimen to treat CF, Concert could receive up to an additional $90 million in milestones based on regulatory approval in the U.S. and agreement for reimbursement in the first of the United Kingdom, Germany or France.
About Concert
Concert Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on applying its DCE Platform® (deuterated chemical entity platform) to create novel medicines designed to address unmet patient needs. The Company’s approach starts with approved drugs in which deuterium substitution has the potential to enhance clinical safety, tolerability or efficacy. Concert has a broad pipeline of innovative medicines targeting pulmonary diseases, including cystic fibrosis, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and central nervous systems (CNS) disorders. For more information please visit www.concertpharma.com.
Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements
Any statements in this press release about our future expectations, plans and prospects, including statements about the asset purchase agreement, potential payments to be received pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, and other statements containing the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties inherent in the initiation of future clinical trials, availability and timing of data from ongoing and future clinical trials and the results of such trials, whether preliminary results from a clinical trial will be predictive of the final results of that trial or whether results of early clinical trials will be indicative of the results of later clinical trials, expectations for regulatory approvals, availability of funding sufficient for our foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other filings that we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. We specifically disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements included in this press release.
Concert Pharmaceuticals Inc., the CoNCERT Pharmaceuticals Inc. logo and DCE Platform are registered trademarks of Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Investors)
Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Justine E. Koenigsberg, 781-674-5284
ir@concertpharma.com
or
(Media)
The Yates Network
Kathryn Morris, 845-635-9828
kathryn@theyatesnetwork.com
$NDRM to be Acquired by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma
REHOVOT, Israel, July 24, 2017 — NeuroDerm Ltd. (Nasdaq:NDRM), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company developing drug-device combinations for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement under which Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (TSE Code:4508) (“MTPC”), a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, will acquire NeuroDerm for US$39 per share in cash.
The transaction has received unanimous approval by NeuroDerm’s Board of Directors and implies an equity value of approximately US$1.1 billion. The offer of US$39 per share in cash represents a premium of 79 percent over the unaffected price on June 9, 2017 of NeuroDerm’s ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market and a 17 percent premium over the closing stock price on July 21, 2017. A special meeting of shareholders to approve the transaction is expected to be held this fall. Assuming typical regulatory and shareholder approval timeframes, NeuroDerm currently anticipates the transaction will close in the fourth quarter of 2017.
“We believe that this transaction will yield important benefits for NeuroDerm’s shareholders and the Parkinson’s disease patients that urgently need new therapies,” said Oded S. Lieberman, PhD, CEO of NeuroDerm. “MTPC has demonstrated development and commercialization expertise in the field of neurology and we are confident that the combination of their resources and the robust data supporting ND0612, our Phase III Parkinson’s disease product candidate, will help make this important new therapy available as broadly and rapidly as possible. The transaction also provides our shareholders with a significant return on their investment in NeuroDerm, reflecting the value that we have created with our pipeline and technologies.”
The proposed transaction is subject to approval by the shareholders of NeuroDerm, approvals, expiration or termination of the waiting periods under applicable antitrust laws, and fulfillment of certain other customary conditions to closing.
The transaction will be completed by way of a merger under the Israeli Companies Law. Voting and Support Agreements in support of the transaction have been signed by shareholders of NeuroDerm who are also directors, holding shares representing in the aggregate approximately 34 percent of NeuroDerm’s outstanding ordinary shares entitled to vote to approve the transaction.
Centerview Partners, LLC is acting as financial advisor to NeuroDerm, and White & Case LLP and Meitar Liquornik Geva Leshem Tal are acting as legal counsel.
About NeuroDerm
NeuroDerm is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing central nervous system (CNS) product candidates that are designed to overcome major deficiencies of current treatments and achieve enhanced clinical efficacy through continuous, controlled administration. NeuroDerm’s main focus is in Parkinson’s disease, where it has three clinical stage product candidates in development which offer a solution for almost every Parkinson’s disease patient, from moderate to the very severe stage of the disease. The primary product candidates are a line of levodopa and carbidopa (LD/CD) products administered through small belt pumps that deliver a continuous, controlled dose of LD/CD. The LD/CD product candidates, ND0612L and ND0612H, are aimed at the treatment of moderate and advanced Parkinson’s disease patients, respectively, and are delivered subcutaneously. NeuroDerm is also designing a patch pump for future use. In addition, NeuroDerm is developing ND0701, a novel subcutaneously delivered apomorphine formulation for patients who suffer from moderate to severe Parkinson’s disease and who do not respond well to LD/CD. NeuroDerm is headquartered in the Weizmann Science Park in Rehovot, Israel.
About Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, which was founded in 1678, has its headquarters in Doshomachi, Osaka, which is the birthplace of Japan’s pharmaceutical industry. With business centered on ethical pharmaceuticals, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma is a well-established company and has the longest history of any listed company in Japan. In accordance with the corporate philosophy of “contributing to the healthier lives of people around the world through the creation of pharmaceuticals,” the Company formulated the key concept of Open Up the Future under the Medium-Term Management Plan 16-20. Through the discovery of drugs that address unmet medical needs, centered on its priority disease areas — autoimmune diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases, central nervous system diseases, and vaccines — Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma will strive to contribute to the health of patients around the world.
http://www.mt-pharma.co.jp/
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements may include projections regarding NeuroDerm’s future performance and may be identified by words like “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “future,” “will,” “seek” and similar terms or phrases. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause NeuroDerm’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, you should consider the risks provided under “Risk Factors” in NeuroDerm’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date hereof. Factors or events that could cause actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the company to predict all of them. NeuroDerm undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Important Information:
In connection with the proposed transaction, NeuroDerm will prepare a proxy statement to be delivered to its shareholders, and intends to furnish such proxy statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission under cover of Form 6-K by mid-August. Before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the transaction, investors and security holders of NeuroDerm are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available because they will contain important information about the transaction. The proxy statement and other documents may be obtained for free by directing such request to Lazar Partners Ltd., telephone: +212-867-1768 or at www.neuroderm.com.
Investor Contact:
David Carey
Lazar Partners Ltd.
dcarey@lazarpartners.com
+212-867-1768
$GNCA Reports Positive Top-Line 12-Month Phase 2b Data for GEN-003 in Genital Herpes
– Statistically significant result on expected Phase 3 primary endpoint with Phase 3 dose –
– Positive results on multiple secondary clinical endpoints –
– Potentially the first new treatment in more than 20 years for the millions infected with genital herpes –
– Conference call today at 8 a.m. ET –
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 24, 2017 — Genocea Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNCA), a biopharmaceutical company developing novel vaccines and immunotherapies targeting T cell antigens, announced today positive 12-month top-line data from the Phase 2b clinical trial for GEN-003, its immunotherapy candidate for patients with genital herpes.
In this 131-subject Phase 2b clinical trial, GEN-003 reduced the median genital lesion rate (or percent days with genital lesions) versus placebo by 49 percent (p=0.01) over the 12 months’ post dosing at the 60 µg per antigen / 50 µg of adjuvant dose. Importantly, these results were achieved at the Phase 3 dose and expected Phase 3 primary endpoint. Other clinical endpoints for this dose improved or were consistent with previously reported positive data. No changes were observed to the previously established safety profile of GEN-003.
Chip Clark, President and CEO of Genocea, commented: “We believe these data further solidify the strong clinical profile for GEN-003, which could provide durable, convenient efficacy to a large and, we believe, highly dissatisfied patient population and serve as a cornerstone treatment of this burdensome disease.”
“These data and the continued progress of GEN-003 show the potential of this immunotherapy to change the treatment paradigm for patients with genital herpes infections,” said Jonathan Temte, M.D., Ph.D., M.S., former chair of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). “The benefits of using a periodic immunization to achieve fewer and shorter genital herpes outbreaks without the compliance challenges of a daily pill burden would represent an extremely important alternative for patients with genital herpes. I believe the potential individual and societal benefits of a treatment such as GEN-003 to address the uncontrolled growth in genital herpes infections resonates with the goals of bodies such as the ACIP.”
Conference Call
Genocea management will host a conference call and webcast today at 8 a.m. ET to review these data. The conference call may be accessed by dialing (844) 826-0619 for domestic participants and (315) 625-6883 for international callers (reference conference ID 60267894). A live webcast of the conference call will be available online from the investor relations section of the Company’s website at http://ir.genocea.com. A webcast replay of the conference call will be available on the Genocea website beginning approximately two hours after the event, and will be archived for 30 days.
About the GEN-003 Phase 2b Clinical Trial
The Phase 2b trial (GEN-003-003) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating potential Phase 3 endpoints with a formulation of GEN-003 manufactured with commercially-scalable processes and expected to be used in future Phase 3 trials. The trial enrolled 131 subjects from 9 institutions in the United States. Subjects were randomized to one of three dose groups – placebo, 60 µg per antigen / 50 µg of adjuvant and 60 µg per antigen / 75 µg of adjuvant – and received three injections at 21-day intervals. Subjects were followed for 12 months after the last dose was administered.
In September 2016, Genocea reported that the trial achieved its primary endpoint, with GEN-003 demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in the rate of viral shedding in the 60 µg per antigen / 50 µg of adjuvant dose group compared to both baseline and placebo. In January 2017, the company reported that the 60 µg per antigen / 50 µg of adjuvant dose of GEN-003 significantly reduced the median genital lesion rate during the six months following dosing compared to placebo. Safety in the trial is continuously reviewed by an independent Drug Monitoring Committee. Throughout the trial, there have been no drug-related serious adverse events or grade 4 reactogenicity and discontinuations due to adverse events have been low and similarly distributed across active dose groups and placebo. A 12-month extension of this study (GEN-003-005) is currently underway to examine the safety, efficacy and durability of a single maintenance dose administered at 12 months after initial dosing.
Summary of Reported 12 Month Data
Endpoint | 60/50 (n=43) |
60/75 (n=44) |
Placebo (n=44) |
|||
Number of subjects contributing clinical data | 43 | 44 | 44 | |||
Median genital lesion rate (percent of days with lesions over 12 months) | 2.3 | % | 2.8 | % | 4.5 | % |
Percent reduction versus placebo | -49 | % | -37 | % | NA | |
p-value versus placebo(1) | 0.01 | NS | NA | |||
Median number of recurrences over 12 months | 1.5 | 2.0 | 4.0 | |||
Percent reduction versus placebo | -63 | % | -50 | % | NA | |
p-value versus placebo(1) | 0.01 | NS | NA | |||
Median duration of recurrences (days) | 2.7 | 4.0 | 3.6 | |||
Percent reduction versus placebo | -25 | % | 11 | % | NA | |
p-value versus placebo(1) | 0.02 | NS | NA | |||
Kaplan-Meier estimate of percent recurrence free after first dose | 20 | % | 16 | % | 7 | % |
p-value versus placebo(2) | 0.04 | NS | NA | |||
Kaplan-Meier estimate of percent recurrence free after last dose | 20 | % | 17 | % | 8 | % |
p-value versus placebo(2) | NS | 0.05 | NA | |||
Number of subjects contributing shedding data | 30 | 32 | 31 | |||
Viral shedding rate reduction from baseline | -42 | % | -39 | % | -52 | % |
p-value versus baseline(3) | 0.02 | NS | 0.03 | |||
p-value versus placebo(3) | NS | NS | NA |
Statistical tests pre-specified in Phase 2b trial protocol as follows:
(1) Wilcoxon Rank Sum test
(2) Log rank test
(3) Poisson mixed effect model with empirical variance
NS = p>0.05
About GEN-003
Inducing a T cell response against genital herpes is critical to treating the clinical symptoms of disease and controlling transmission of the infection. GEN-003 is a first-in-class investigational T cell-directed immunotherapy designed to elicit both a T cell and B cell (antibody) immune response. The immunotherapy was designed using Genocea’s ATLAS™ platform, which profiles the comprehensive spectrum of actual T cell responses mounted by humans in response to disease and identifies antigen targets that drive effective T cell responses. GEN-003 includes the antigens ICP4 and gD2 along with Matrix-M™ adjuvant (licensed from Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVAX)). For more information about GEN-003, please visit the GEN-003 section of the Genocea website.
About Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes affects more than 400 million people worldwide and causes recurrent, painful genital lesions. It can be transmitted to sexual partners, even when the disease is asymptomatic. Current genital herpes therapies only partially control clinical symptoms and viral shedding, a process which drives disease transmission. Incomplete control of genital lesions and transmission risk, expense and the perceived inconvenience of taking a daily medication are hurdles for long-term disease management. Immunity through T cells is believed to be particularly critical to the control and possible prevention of genital herpes infections.
About Genocea Biosciences, Inc.
Genocea is harnessing the power of T cell immunity to develop life-changing vaccines and immunotherapies. While traditional immunotherapy discovery methods have largely used predictive methods to propose T cell targets, or antigens, Genocea has successfully developed ATLAS™, its proprietary technology platform, to identify clinically relevant antigens of T cells based on actual human immune responses. Genocea used ATLAS to identify the antigens in its lead clinical candidate, GEN-003, an investigational immunotherapy to treat genital herpes, and is currently using ATLAS in immuno-oncology applications to develop neoantigen cancer vaccines (with an IND filing expected by the end of 2017), general cancer vaccines and a vaccine targeting cancers caused by Epstein-Barr Virus. For more information, please visit www.genocea.com.
About Matrix-M
Matrix-M™ is a next-generation, patented saponin-based adjuvant comprised of purified saponin fractions mixed with synthetic cholesterol and a phospholipid to form stable particles than can be readily formulated with a variety of vaccine antigens. Saponin-based adjuvants act in part by stimulating the entry of antigen-presenting cells into the injection site and enhancing antigen presentation in the local lymph nodes. Thus, Matrix-M™ induces both a cell-mediated and antibody mediated immune response. Matrix-M is manufactured by Novavax, Inc (NASDAQ:NVAX), in Uppsala Sweden.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements herein relating to future business performance, conditions or strategies and other financial and business matters, including expectations regarding clinical developments, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Genocea cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that change over time. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or historical experience include risks and uncertainties, including Genocea’s ability to progress any product candidates in preclinical or clinical trials; the ability of ATLAS to identify promising oncology vaccine and immunotherapy product candidates; the scope, rate and progress of its preclinical studies and clinical trials and other research and development activities; anticipated clinical trial results; anticipated timing for initiation of new clinical trials; current results may not be predictive of future results; even if the data from preclinical studies or clinical trials is positive, regulatory authorities may require additional studies for approval and the product may not prove to be safe and efficacious; Genocea’s ability to enter into future collaborations with industry partners and the government and the terms, timing and success of any such collaboration; risks associated with the manufacture and supply of clinical and commercial product; the cost of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights; Genocea’s ability to obtain rights to technology; competition for clinical resources and patient enrollment from drug candidates in development by other companies with greater resources and visibility; the rate of cash utilized by Genocea in its business and the period for which existing cash will be able to fund such operation; Genocea’s ability to obtain adequate financing in the future to continue its clinical programs through product licensing, co-promotional arrangements, public or private equity or debt financing or otherwise; general business conditions; competition; business abilities and judgment of personnel; the availability of qualified personnel and other factors set forth under “Risk Factors” in Genocea’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Further information on the factors and risks that could affect Genocea’s business, financial conditions, and results of operations is contained in Genocea’s filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Genocea assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.
For media: Jennifer LaVin 207-360-0473 jennifer.lavin@genocea.com For investors: Jonathan Poole 617-876-8191 jonathan.poole@genocea.com
$WBMD To Be Acquired By KKR’s Internet Brands
WebMD Stockholders to Receive $66.50 Per Share in Cash Transaction Valued at Approximately $2.8 Billion
NEW YORK, July 24, 2017 — WebMD Health Corp. (NASDAQ: WBMD), the leading source of health information, and Internet Brands, a KKR portfolio company, today announced that Internet Brands has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WebMD in a transaction valued at approximately $2.8 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of Internet Brands will commence a tender offer in the next 10 business days to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of WebMD common stock for $66.50 per share to be paid in cash upon completion of the transaction. This valuation represents a premium of approximately 30 percent to WebMD’s share price on February 15, 2017, the day before WebMD announced that it was commencing a process to explore and evaluate potential strategic alternatives, as well as a premium of approximately 20 percent over WebMD’s closing share price on July 21, 2017. The financing for the transaction is fully committed. The WebMD Board of Directors approved the merger agreement. The acquisition is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
“After a thorough review of strategic alternatives, we are pleased to announce this transaction, which provides our stockholders with immediate and significant cash value and a substantial premium,” said Martin J. Wygod, Chairman of WebMD. “Throughout this process, our Board has conducted diligent analysis and thoughtful deliberations. WebMD and its financial advisors had a process that involved outreach to more than 100 strategic and financial parties, and we are confident that this transaction maximizes value for our stockholders.”
“We believe that this transaction will provide additional flexibility and resources to deliver increased value to consumers, healthcare professionals, employers, and health plan participants,” said Steven L. Zatz, M.D., CEO of WebMD. “On behalf of everyone at WebMD, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to our employees for their hard work and dedication. I am confident this will be an exciting new chapter for WebMD.”
“WebMD and Medscape are the market leaders in online health with unparalleled reach to consumers and healthcare professionals,” said Bob Brisco, CEO of Internet Brands. “Since its founding, WebMD has established itself as a trusted resource for health information. We look forward to delivering that resource to even more users, by leveraging our combined resources and presence in online healthcare to catalyze WebMD’s future growth.”
“KKR and Internet Brands are pleased to be investing behind the experienced WebMD management team and trusted WebMD platforms. The combined portfolio of leading vertical internet assets will be a powerful one,” said Herald Chen, Chairman of Internet Brands, KKR Member and Head of the Technology industry team. “We look forward to supporting and accelerating the growth and global expansion of the businesses.”
Internet Brands’ Health vertical serves millions of consumers and more than 50,000 health care practices utilizing a multi-brand, multi-product approach. The company is the leading SaaS / Web Hosting player in the Health space, serving a wide variety of practice areas, including Dental, Chiropractic, Veterinary, Vision Care, and Mental / Physical Therapy. Its Health SaaS businesses provide web presence, online marketing, and practice management solutions to practices across the United States. These businesses include Demandforce, Officite, Sesame Communications, and Baystone Media. The company’s consumer-focused health brands provide content and online communities for consumers in search of health-related information. These include DentalPlans.com, eHealthForum.com, HealthBoards.com, FitDay.com and VeinDirectory.org.
Equity financing for the transaction is being provided primarily by KKR’s private equity funds.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to WebMD and Shearman & Sterling LLP is serving as legal advisor. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal advisor to Internet Brands.
About WebMD
WebMD Health Corp. (NASDAQ: WBMD) is the leading provider of health information services, serving consumers, physicians, healthcare professionals, employers, and health plans through its public and private online portals, mobile platforms and health-focused publications.
The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD.com, Medscape.com, MedicineNet.com, eMedicineHealth.com, RxList.com, OnHealth.com, Medscape Education (Medscape.org) and other WebMD owned sites and apps.
About Internet Brands
Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., Internet Brands® is a fully integrated online media and software services organization focused on four high-value vertical categories: Automotive, Health, Legal and Home / Travel. The company’s award-winning consumer websites lead their categories and serve more than 100 million monthly visitors, while a full range of web presence offerings has established deep, long-term relationships with SMB and enterprise clients. Internet Brands’ powerful, proprietary operating platform provides the flexibility and scalability to fuel the company’s continued growth. Internet Brands is a portfolio company of KKR and Temasek. For more information, please visit www.internetbrands.com.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world‐class people, and driving growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners’ capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR & Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction between KKR and WebMD, the expected timetable for completing the transaction, strategic and other potential benefits of the transaction, and other statements about KKR or WebMD managements’ future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects, are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in KKR’s and WebMD’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on KKR’s and WebMD’s current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to be different from those described in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties regarding: changes in financial markets; changes in economic, political or regulatory conditions or other trends affecting the healthcare, Internet and information technology industries; and changes in facts and circumstances and other uncertainties concerning the proposed transaction. Further information about these matters can be found in KKR’s and WebMD’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. KKR and WebMD caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, KKR and WebMD do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of their forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
Important additional information will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither a recommendation, an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Diagnosis Merger Sub, Inc. (“Offeror”) will file with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) upon commencement of the tender offer. At the time the tender offer is commenced, the Offeror will file tender offer materials on Schedule TO, and WebMD thereafter 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, AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. HOLDERS OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF WEBMD ARE URGED TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE VARIOUS TERMS OF, AND CONDITIONS TO THE TENDER OFFER, THAT HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK OF WEBMD SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SHARES. 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 common stock of WebMD at no expense to them. The tender offer materials, the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement and other related documents (when available) will be made available for free at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to the Information Agent for the tender offer who will be named by the Offeror in the tender offer materials.
$CIIX Subsidiary Files Record of its First Hemp-Infused Skin Care Line With China FDA
SAN GABRIEL, California, July 24, 2017 —
ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) (“CIIX” or the “Company”), the premier financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors, today announces that its wholly-owned foreign enterprise, CBD Biotechnology Co. Ltd., has officially filed a record of its first line of non-industrial hemp-infused skin care products with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). The new ‘CBD Magic Hemp Series’ skin care line is expected to launch between late August and early September 2017, positioning CBD Biotechnology as a first-mover in an untapped segment of China’s skin care industry.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabis compound. Although ancient Chinese recognized the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant, CBD extract appears to be largely unrecognized in China today for its benefits, including but not limited to, its potential benefits to the largest visible human organ, the skin. The effects of increased air pollution on the human body are a growing concern for many in China. With regard to our skin, toxins in air pollution promote the production of free radicals, causing premature aging including coarse wrinkles and dark spots. However, some dermatologists believe that the anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in CBD can potentially have anti-aging effects on the skin.
Recognizing the untapped market potential, CBD Biotechnology is developing and manufacturing what it believes to be the first line of non-industrial hemp-infused skin care products in China in hopes of educating the Chinese population on the potential benefits of CBD for skin care.
“I am very pleased to announce the upcoming launch of CBD Biotechnology’s non-industrial hemp-infused skin care line,” says Summer Yun, CEO of CBD Biotechnology Co., Ltd. “As one of the first skin care products containing CBD extract marketed in China, CBD Magic Hemp Series expects to capture 100% of China’s market share in this novel skin care products category. Although a catalogue published by the CFDA, indicates that cannabis sativa leaf extract can legally be added to skin care products, it appears that Chinese skin care manufacturers have not yet entered this market, enabling CBD Biotechnology’s skin care products to proudly take the lead with its innovative product line.”
The ‘CBD Magic Hemp Series’ will include:
– The CBD Peptide Collagen Solution – intended to moisturize and firm the skin, while smoothing fine lines, and preventing premature aging;
– The CBD Perfecting Shield Primer – intended to even skin tone, while covering fine lines and minimizing the look of pores; and
– The CBD Brightening and Refreshing Moisturizer – intended to balance the skin’s moisture, while forming a protective, moisturizing layer.
“Consumption of skin care products per capita in China has increased from 169 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (“CNY”) to 352CNY during the last five years,” says Yun. “China has the world’s second largest consumer market for skin care products, with its current market size already exceeding 300 billion CNY. The CARG (compound annual growth rate) of the skin care products market in China is 9.1%, more than double the global average of 4.1%. CBD Biotechnology will benefit from this large consumer market in China becoming one of the first companies in China to infuse its skin care products CBD extracted from non-industrial hemp.”
About ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB: CIIX)
Founded in 1999, ChineseInvestors.com endeavors to be an innovative company providing: (a) real-time market commentary, analysis, and educational related services in Chinese language character sets (traditional and simplified); (b) advertising and public relation related support services; and (c) retail, online sales and direct sales of non-industrial hemp-based products and other health-related products.
For more information visit ChineseInvestors.com
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Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains 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. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company’s SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.
Contact:
ChineseInvestors.com, Inc.
227 W. Valley Blvd, #208 A
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Investor Relations:
Alan Klitenic
+1-214-636-2548
Corporate Communications:
NetworkNewsWire (NNW)
New York, New York
http://www.NetworkNewsWire.com
+1-212-418-1217 Office
Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com
$PATI Announces Release Date for Its 2017 Third Quarter Earnings
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 21, 2017 — Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc. (NASDAQ:PATI) anticipates issuing its 2017 third quarter earnings results Wednesday morning, July 26, 2017. The Company will also host a conference call on Wednesday afternoon, July 26, 2017 at 2:00 PM (EDT). Analysts, shareholders and other interested parties may access the teleconference live by calling 1-800-311-9404 domestic or international at 1-334-323-7224 then enter pass code 6549. Computer audio live streaming is available via the Internet through the Company’s website at www.patriottrans.com at the Investor Relations tab or at one of the following links (whichever is most compatible with your device or player) http://stream.conferenceamerica.com/pth072617 or http://stream.conferenceamerica.com/pth072617.m3u. An audio replay will be available for sixty (60) days following the conference call by dialing toll free 1-877-919-4059 domestic or international 1-334-323-0140 then enter pass code 41229572. An audio archive can be accessed via the internet at http://archive.conferenceamerica.com/archivestream/pth072617.mp3.
Investors are cautioned that any statements in this press release which relate to the future are, by their nature, subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements. These include general economic conditions; competitive factors; political, economic, regulatory and climatic conditions; driver availability and cost; the impact of future regulations regarding the transportation industry; freight demand for petroleum product and levels of construction activity in the Company’s markets; fuel costs; risk insurance markets; pricing; energy costs and technological changes. Additional information regarding these and other risk factors and uncertainties may be found in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc. is engaged in the transportation business. The Company’s transportation business is conducted through Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. which is a Southeastern transportation company engaged in the hauling of liquid and dry bulk commodities.
Contact: John D. Milton, Jr. Chief Financial Officer 904/858-9100
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