(STXS) Receives FDA Clearance of Vdrive(R) With V-CAS(TM) System

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 5, 2015  — Stereotaxis, Inc. (Nasdaq:STXS) announced today that it has received 510(k) clearance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Vdrive® with V-CAS™ Catheter Advancement System in the U.S., representing the Company’s third Vdrive system product to be cleared for market entry. The Company also announced that it has received regulatory approval of its Odyssey® product line by the Japan Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, the country’s equivalent to the U.S. FDA.

Stereotaxis’ Vdrive with V-Loop™ Variable Loop Catheter Manipulator received U.S. clearance in September 2014 and its Vdrive with V-Sono™ Intracardiac Echocardiography Catheter Manipulator has been available since 2013.

“The Vdrive system and disposable suite provides flexibility in robotic catheter and sheath control, adaptable to a physician’s individual workflow and product preferences,” said William C. Mills, Stereotaxis Chief Executive Officer. “As additional Vdrive system accessories gain market approval in the U.S., we move closer to our vision of a fully remote electrophysiology procedure environment.”

The Vdrive with V-CAS system, which was first released in Europe in 2011, allows physicians to remotely control the advancement, retraction and rotation of a compatible fixed curve transseptal sheath, in conjunction with a magnetic ablation catheter. Utilized in the majority of ablation procedures, the fixed curve transseptal sheath provides stability and support to the ablation catheter during therapy delivery.

Bruno Schwagten, M.D., Ph.D. at ZNA Middelheim Hospital in Belgium, who has performed Stereotaxis magnetic navigation procedures since 2008 and started using the Vdrive with V-CAS system in 2012, said, “The addition of robotic sheath control to a magnetic procedure has simplified the therapy process and enhanced patient safety, allowing me to efficiently access even the most challenging areas of the heart chambers.”

In Japan, approval of the Stereotaxis Odyssey Vision™ system for use in conjunction with the Niobe® ES remote magnetic navigation system comes three months after the Company’s first commercial order in that country. The Odyssey Vision system, together with the Odyssey Cinema™ solutions, provides a consolidated user interface of all lab information during a Niobe procedure, as well as real-time or recorded viewing of procedures across networks and institutions. The Company expects to submit its Vdrive system for regulatory review in Japan during the first quarter of 2015.

About Stereotaxis

Stereotaxis is a healthcare technology and innovation leader in the development of robotic cardiology instrument navigation systems designed to enhance the treatment of arrhythmias and coronary disease, as well as information management solutions for the interventional lab. Over 100 issued patents support the Stereotaxis platform, which helps physicians around the world provide unsurpassed patient care with robotic precision and safety, improved lab efficiency and productivity, and enhanced integration of procedural information. Stereotaxis’ core Epoch™ Solution includes the Niobe® ES remote magnetic navigation system, the Odyssey® portfolio of lab optimization, networking and patient information management systems and the Vdrive™ robotic navigation system and consumables.

The core components of Stereotaxis systems have received regulatory clearance in the U.S., European Union, Canada, China, Japan and elsewhere. The V-Sono™ ICE catheter manipulator, V-Loop™ variable loop catheter manipulator and V-CAS™ catheter advancement system have received U.S. clearance. For more information, please visit www.stereotaxis.com.

This press release includes statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements, usually containing the words “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to raise additional capital on a timely basis and on terms that are acceptable, its ability to continue to manage expenses and cash burn rate at sustainable levels, its ability to continue to work with lenders to extend, repay or refinance indebtedness on acceptable terms, continued acceptance of the Company’s products in the marketplace, the effect of global economic conditions on the ability and willingness of customers to purchase its systems and the timing of such purchases, competitive factors, changes resulting from the recently enacted healthcare reform in the U.S., including changes in government reimbursement procedures, dependence upon third-party vendors, timing of regulatory approvals, and other risks discussed in the Company’s periodic and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release. There can be no assurance that the Company will recognize revenue related to its purchase orders and other commitments in any particular period or at all because some of these purchase orders and other commitments are subject to contingencies that are outside of the Company’s control. In addition, these orders and commitments may be revised, modified, delayed or canceled, either by their express terms, as a result of negotiations, or by overall project changes or delays.

CONTACT: Investor Contact:
         Martin Stammer
         Chief Financial Officer
         314-678-6155

         Investor Contact:
         Todd Kehrli / Jim Byers
         MKR Group, Inc.
         323-468-2300
         stxs@mkr-group.com

(CNAT) Emricasan Top-line Results ACLF and Organ Impairment Clinical Trials

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 5, 2015  — Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:CNAT), a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines to treat liver disease, today announced that it will report top-line results from three clinical trials in subjects with varying degrees of organ impairment – the company’s Phase 2 trial in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), Phase 1 trial in patients with mild, moderate and severe hepatic impairment, and Phase 1 trial in patients with severe renal impairment – after the market close on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Conatus will host a conference call and webcast with an associated presentation at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, January 8, 2015, to discuss the trial results.

To access the conference call, please dial 877-312-5857 (domestic) or 970-315-0455 (international) at least five minutes prior to the start time and refer to conference ID 58431482. A live and archived audio webcast of the call will also be available in the Investor Center of the company’s website at http://ir.conatuspharma.com/events.cfm.

About Conatus Pharmaceuticals

Conatus is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines to treat liver disease. Conatus is developing its lead compound, emricasan, for the treatment of patients with chronic liver disease and acute exacerbations of chronic liver disease. Emricasan is a first-in-class, orally active pan-caspase protease inhibitor designed to reduce the activity of enzymes that mediate inflammation and cell death, or apoptosis. Conatus believes that by reducing the activity of these enzymes, emricasan has the potential to interrupt the disease progression across the spectrum of liver disease. For additional information, please visit www.conatuspharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding emricasan’s potential to interrupt the disease progression across the spectrum of liver disease. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those risks described in the company’s prior press releases and in the periodic reports it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The events and circumstances reflected in the company’s forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, the company does not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

CONTACT: Alan Engbring
         (858) 376-2637
         aengbring@conatuspharma.com

(NERV) Positive Data on Analog of MIN-301 In Parkinson’s

Results provide further support for research involving use of neuregulin-1 compounds in treatment of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders

WALTHAM, Mass., Jan. 5, 2015  — Minerva Neurosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:NERV) today announced that results from a Primomed (use of PRIMate MOdels to support translational MEDicine) non-human primate study showed that treatment with an analog of MIN-301, the company’s investigational neuregulin-1 compound, resulted in improvements in a range of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease in primates. MIN-301 is a recombinant form of the neuregulin-1β1 extracellular domain. The analog used in the Primomed study differs from MIN-301 by a single amino acid.

“We believe that MIN-301 and its analog are functionally identical and that this data provides further support for advancing MIN-301 into clinical trials for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in humans,” stated Dr. Rémy Luthringer, Ph.D., president and CEO of Minerva. “We believe MIN-301 and other peptides from our neuregulin platform may represent the next generation of therapies with neuroprotective activities in Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.”

In the pre-clinical study, Parkinson’s disease symptoms were induced in marmosets by a standard protocol using subcutaneous injections of MPTP neurotoxin. Daily treatment with either the analog or saline vehicle was initiated one week prior to Parkinson’s induction with MPTP and continued for eight weeks. In both treatment groups, disease-modifying efficacy was measured as it related to changes in clinical signs, motor symptoms and motor function. Clinical signs were scored on a semi-quantitative scale of clinical Parkinsonian symptoms. Motor symptoms were assessed using the abnormal involuntary movements scale (AIMS), which includes assessments of extremity and trunk movements, facial expressions, and movements of the lips, peri-oral area, tongue and jaw. Motor function was evaluated using the Bungalow test, which records the number of compartment changes as a measure of locomotor activity.

Subjects treated with a daily subcutaneous injection of the MIN-301 analog showed greater improvements in Parkinsonian clinical score, AIMS and locomotor activity (Bungalow test) compared to vehicle. The strongest improvements in the analog-treated population were obtained during periods of slower disease progression. Previous research in rodent models of Parkinson’s disease has shown that MIN-301 has the potential to restore motor function. Results from the Primomed study involving an analog of MIN-301 were consistent with these previous results.

Neuregulins play key roles in myelination, neuronal integrity and cognition-related signaling. Neuregulin-1 has been shown to have neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons. A number of studies have also demonstrated the association of neuregulin-1 with brain pathologies including schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These features, combined with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, make neuregulin-1 and its variants attractive for therapeutic purposes in Parkinson’s.

In previous research both MIN-301 and its analog have been found to have the same level of activity in vitro in phosphorylation of ErBB3 receptors. Research involving multiple pre-clinical models mimicking Parkinson’s symptoms has been carried out with MIN-301. The non-human primate MPTP model used in the Primomed study is the only animal model of early Parkinson’s that replicates the progressive development of symptoms alongside progressive neurodegeneration.

About the Primomed Project

Primomed, sponsored by the European Union, is a research project involving the use of PRIMate MOdels to support translational MEDicine and advance disease modifying therapies to address a range of unmet medical needs in the treatment of chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorders. The project works to provide clinically relevant proof of concept regarding efficacy for drug candidates and to characterize the immune responses in biological samples generated by research activities, when appropriate. Further details are available at: http://primomed.fp7sme.eu/

About Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a widespread and progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in disabling motor impairment. Parkinson’s is the most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, and currently has no cure. The average age at which symptoms begin to develop is 55–60 years. While a range of medications and surgical interventions is available to treat some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, no therapy has been shown to either prevent or cure the disease. Parkinson’s disease is associated with a range of medical and societal costs, including frequent medical interventions and hospitalizations, loss of productivity, inability to work, and diminished quality of life for patients and care partners.

About Minerva Neurosciences

Minerva Neurosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of a portfolio of product candidates to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Minerva is developing first-in-class proprietary compounds, including MIN-301, which is in preclinical development for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, and additional candidates targeting major depressive disorder, insomnia and other CNS disorders. Minerva’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market where it trades under the symbol “NERV.” For more information, please visit : www.minervaneurosciences.com/.

Forward-Looking Safe-Harbor Statement:

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, reflect management’s expectations as of the date of this press release, and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements herein with respect to whether the results of the study of the analog of MIN-301 are applicable to MIN-301; the timing and results of future clinical milestones; the timing of future clinical trials and results of clinical trials regarding MIN-301; clinical and therapeutic potential of MIN-301; our ability to successfully develop and commercialize MIN-301; and management’s ability to successfully achieve its goals. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors including, without limitation, whether the analog of MIN-301 is a good predictor of clinical efficacy of MIN-301; whether MIN-301 or any of our other therapeutic products will advance further in the clinical trials process and whether and when, if at all, they will receive final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies and for which indications; whether MIN-301 and our other therapeutic products will be successfully marketed if approved; whether any of our other therapeutic product discovery and development efforts will be successful; our ability to achieve the results contemplated by our co-development agreements; management’s ability to successfully achieve its goals; our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations on terms acceptable to us; and general economic conditions. These and other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2014. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on our website at www.minervaneurosciences.com. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

CONTACT: Media contact:
         Bill Berry
         Berry & Company Public Relations
         212-253-8881
         bberry@berrypr.com

         Investor contact:
         Renee Leck
         Stern Investor Relations
         212-362-1200
         renee@sternir.com

(BTN) Samuel C. Freitag Elected Chairman of the Board of Ballantyne Strong

William F. Welsh, II to step down as Chairman and remain as a Director

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTN), a diversified provider of digital technology services, products and solutions, today announced that its board of directors has elected Samuel C. Freitag to serve as chairman of the board, effective January 1, 2015. Mr. Freitag succeeds William F. Welsh, II, who has chosen to step down as chairman while remaining as a member of the board of directors. Mr. Welsh, age 73, has served as chairman of the board of Ballantyne Strong since 2000.

“Since joining the board of Ballantyne Strong in 2011, Sam has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and the skill set required to be an effective chairman of the board,” said Mr. Welsh. “We determined that it’s a good time to transition to new leadership at the board level and we have great confidence in Sam to help guide the continued transition of Ballantyne to a more diversified business model and oversee the growth of our digital media business. It will be my privilege to continue serving as a member of the board and working with the other directors to guide the execution of our strategic plan for enhancing shareholder value.”

“We would like to thank Bill Welsh for his many years of distinguished service as Ballantyne’s chairman and we are very pleased that he will continue to be a valuable member of the board,” said Mr. Freitag. “I am excited to assume the role of chairman at such an important time in Ballantyne’s history. We have made a great deal of progress in positioning the company for long-term success by entering new markets with strong opportunities for future growth. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and the management team to execute on our vision for Ballantyne and creating value for shareholders in the future.”

Samuel C. Freitag, age 58, has been an independent private investor since January 2004. From July 2002 to December 2003, he was President of McCarthy Capital Corporation, a private equity fund manager with approximately $300 million in capital. From 1986 until 1997, he held various positions with George K. Baum Merchant Bank, LLC, including serving as Senior Managing Director and Director, Investment Banking. Mr. Freitag has served as a director of Ballantyne since June 2011 and has been a member of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees.

About Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (www.strong-world.com)

Ballantyne Strong designs, integrates, and installs technology solutions for a broad range of applications; develops and delivers out-of-home messaging, advertising and communications; manufactures projection screens and lighting products; and provides managed services including monitoring of networked equipment. The Company focuses on serving the retail, financial, government and cinema markets.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information in this press release, it includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; customer demand for the Company’s products; the development of new technology for alternate means of motion picture presentation; domestic and international economic conditions; the management of growth; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from management’s expectations.

(RGLD) Announces Fiscal 2015 Second Quarter Earnings Call

Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGLD)(TSX: RGL) today announced that its second quarter fiscal 2015 results will be released before the market opens for trading on Thursday, January 29, 2015, followed by a conference call that day at noon Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Mountain Time). The call will be webcast and archived on the Company’s website for a limited time.

Fiscal 2015 Second Quarter Earnings Call Information:

About Royal Gold

Royal Gold is a precious metals royalty and stream company engaged in the acquisition and management of precious metal royalties, streams and similar production based interests. The Company owns interests on 198 properties on six continents, including interests on 37 producing mines and 24 development stage projects. Royal Gold is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “RGLD,” and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “RGL.” The Company’s website is located at www.royalgold.com.

Royal Gold
Karli Anderson, 303-575-6517
Vice President Investor Relations

(WLB) Completes Oxford Transactions and Acquires Buckingham Coal Company

Transactions pave the way for Westmoreland to unlock value through MLP drop-down strategy and complement stable cash flow-generating business model

Westmoreland Coal Company (NasdaqGM: WLB, “Westmoreland”), Oxford Resource Partners, LP (NYSE: OXF, the “MLP”) and Oxford Resources GP, LLC, the general partner of Oxford (the “GP”), today announced the completion of Westmoreland’s acquisition of the GP and Westmoreland’s contribution of certain royalty-bearing coal reserves to the MLP in return for MLP common units (the “Contribution”), as well as Westmoreland’s acquisition of Buckingham Coal Company, LLC.

The completion of the GP acquisition and the Contribution provide Westmoreland with a platform to implement a value-creating drop-down strategy, pursuant to which it intends to periodically contribute certain U.S. and Canadian coal assets to the MLP in exchange for a combination of cash and additional limited partner interests. Westmoreland expects these transactions to unlock value that is inherent in Westmoreland’s stable cash flow-generating business model, to the benefit of both its stakeholders and the MLP’s unitholders. The MLP will continue to operate as a stand-alone, publicly traded master limited partnership, with Westmoreland owning 77% of the fully diluted limited partner interests.

“We are pleased that these strategic transactions have come to a successful close and excited for Westmoreland to enter the MLP space,” stated Keith E. Alessi, Westmoreland’s Chief Executive Officer. “We believe our strategy with respect to the MLP will help ensure our continued long-term growth.”

“Oxford is very pleased that it has been able to join with Westmoreland,” said Oxford’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Charles C. Ungurean. “This is the culmination of our efforts to bring increased value to our unitholders. We believe that this represents a great opportunity for our company, unitholders, employees and customers, as well as providing a MLP vehicle for Westmoreland and its shareholders. This represents a win for all stakeholders.”

Westmoreland paid a total of $30.0 million in cash to acquire the GP, and received 4,512,500 common units of the MLP (on a post-split basis following the previously disclosed 12-to-1 reverse split of the MLP’s common and general partner units) as consideration for the Contribution. The closing of these transactions followed the successful restructuring of both Westmoreland’s and the MLP’s debt arrangements, as well as the approval by the MLP’s public unitholders of the Contribution and the MLP’s equity restructuring through certain previously announced amendments to its partnership agreement.

In connection with the closing, the MLP’s name was changed to Westmoreland Resource Partners, LP (“Westmoreland LP”) and the name of the GP was changed to Westmoreland Resources GP, LLC. The common units of Westmoreland LP will trade on the NYSE under the symbol “WMLP”.

On January 1, 2015, Westmoreland also completed its acquisition of Buckingham Coal Company, LLC, an Ohio-based coal supplier, for a total cash purchase price of $34.0 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. Separately, an affiliate of Westmoreland entered into a five-year coal supply agreement with AEP Generation Resources Inc. (“AEP”), which includes an obligation to purchase a minimum of 5.5 million tons of coal.

“Westmoreland is happy to implement a long-term supply relationship with AEP,” said Mr. Alessi. “We were able to realize significant cost savings through this acquisition and we expect our supply agreement will provide additional value to our shareholders,” he added.

About Westmoreland Coal Company

Westmoreland Coal Company is the oldest independent coal company in the United States. Westmoreland’s coal operations include sub-bituminous and lignite coal mining in the Western United States and Canada, a char production facility, and a 50% interest in an activated carbon plant. Its power operations include ownership of the two-unit ROVA coal-fired power plant in North Carolina. For more information, visit www.westmoreland.com.

About Oxford Resource Partners, LP

Oxford Resource Partners, LP is a low-cost producer of high-value steam coal in Northern Appalachia. Oxford markets its coal primarily to large electric utilities with coal-fired, base-load scrubbed power plants under long-term coal sales contracts. For more information, visit www.oxfordresources.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar references to future periods. These statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause actual results to differ materially from results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks include factors such as the uncertainty of negotiations to result in agreements or completed transactions, the uncertain nature of the expected benefits from the actual or expected transactions, the uncertain nature of the announced transactions, the ability to complete such transactions, risks associated with the integration of acquired assets, risks associated with the coal industry or the economy generally, and other such matters discussed in the “Risk Factors” sections of both Westmoreland’s and Oxford’s 2013 annual reports on Form 10-K and their subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of the date of this release. Although either or both of Westmoreland and Oxford may from time to time voluntarily update their prior forward-looking statements, they disclaim any commitment to do so except as required by securities laws.

(OCUL) to Present at Oppenheimer 25th Annual Healthcare Conference

Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. (NASDAQ:OCUL), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for diseases and conditions of the eye, today announced that Amar Sawhney, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, will present a corporate overview at the Oppenheimer 25th Annual Healthcare Conference on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 3:20 p.m. Eastern Time at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in New York City.

The audio-only presentation will be accessible live on Ocular Therapeutix’s website at investors.ocutx.com under Investor Events and will be available for 90 days following the presentation. A copy of the investor presentation will also be made available upon written request.

About Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.

Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for diseases and conditions of the eye using its proprietary hydrogel platform technology. Ocular Therapeutix’s lead product candidates are in Phase 3 clinical development for post-surgical ocular inflammation and pain, and Phase 2 clinical development for glaucoma and allergic conjunctivitis. The Company is also evaluating sustained-release injectable anti-VEGF drug depots for back-of-the-eye diseases. Ocular Therapeutix’s first product, ReSure® Sealant, is FDA-approved to seal corneal incisions following cataract surgery.

(PEIX) Enters Into Merger Agreement With Aventine

Merger Connects Destination and Origin Market Strategies, Providing Synergies in
Ethanol Production and Marketing –

– Annual Combined Production Capacity of 515 Million Gallons –

– Combined Annual Ethanol Marketing Volume of Over 800 Million Gallons –

– Transaction Expected to Close in Q2 2015 –

– Conference Call to Discuss Transaction on Wednesday, January 7^th at 1:30 p.m. PT –

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 31, 2014  — Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (Nasdaq:PEIX), the leading producer and marketer of low-carbon renewable fuels in the Western United States, and Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings, Inc. (“Aventine”), a Midwest-based producer of ethanol and related co-products, announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Pacific Ethanol will acquire all of Aventine’s outstanding shares in a stock-for-stock merger transaction.

“With this transaction, Pacific Ethanol strengthens its unique production and marketing advantages by diversifying into two additional discrete markets and connecting its Western markets with Aventine’s Midwest and Eastern markets for low-carbon renewable fuels,” said Neil Koehler, CEO of Pacific Ethanol. “The merger offers a rare opportunity to combine the experience, market presence and diversification that Aventine brings with our industry leadership in Western US markets. It will complement our existing business as we balance assets across new regional markets, expand our footprint for the production and marketing of low-carbon renewable fuels, diversify our technology and increase our mix of co-products.”

“This transaction will more than double our annual ethanol production capacity, and it will establish Pacific Ethanol as the fifth largest producer and marketer of ethanol in the United States. Once closed, we expect the transaction to be immediately accretive to earnings with expected operational synergies and the expansion of our ethanol and co-product marketing business. We are impressed with the both the quality of Aventine’s assets and the seasoned employees operating the business, and we look forward to integrating our teams,” concluded Koehler.

“In late 2012, the new Aventine management team defined a very aggressive turnaround strategy,” stated Mark Beemer, CEO of Aventine. “Our mission has been accomplished with our plants achieving five new production records; over $30 million invested in the Pekin facilities, including coal-to-natural gas conversion; and additional capital investments in our Nebraska facilities. In 2014, Aventine achieved record earnings and successfully restarted its 155 million gallons of ethanol production in Nebraska. We look forward to making a successful transition of the business to Pacific Ethanol and bringing the combined strength of the two companies to the market.”

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Pacific Ethanol expects to issue approximately 17.75 million shares of its common stock upon closing in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of Aventine’s common stock. Upon completion, existing Pacific Ethanol shareholders will own approximately 58% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the combined entity, and Aventine will nominate two representatives to be named later to Pacific Ethanol’s board of directors, increasing the total board count to nine.

Aventine will be operated as Pacific Ethanol’s wholly-owned subsidiary. Aventine currently has $135 million in term loan debt.

Aventine’s ethanol production assets include its 100 million gallon per year wet mill and 60 million gallon per year dry mill located in Pekin, Illinois, and its 110 million gallon per year and 45 million gallon per year dry mills in Aurora, Nebraska. Combined with Pacific Ethanol’s current ethanol production capacity of 200 million gallons per year, the combined company will have a total ethanol production capacity of 515 million gallons per year, and together with Pacific Ethanol’s marketing business will sell over 800 million gallons of ethanol annually.

The closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur during the second quarter of 2015, is subject to customary and other closing conditions and regulatory approvals, as well as the approval of Pacific Ethanol’s and Aventine’s shareholders.

For Pacific Ethanol, Troutman Sanders LLP served as legal advisors and Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC provided a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of Pacific Ethanol. For Aventine, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP served as legal advisors and RPA Advisors, LLC served as financial advisors.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and live webcast on Wednesday, January 7^th at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time to discuss the merger. To participate, interested parties should dial 1-877-847-6066 in the United States or 1-970-315-0267 from international locations, conference ID 60307901. A webcast of the conference call will be available at http://www.pacificethanol.net/investors with an accompanying slide presentation that may be accessed on that page and through the webcast link.

A playback of the call will be available until January 14^th by dialing 1-855-859-2056 within the United States or 1-404-537-3406 from international locations, passcode 60307901.

About Pacific Ethanol, Inc.

Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (PEIX) is the leading producer and marketer of low-carbon renewable fuels in the Western United States. Pacific Ethanol also sells co-products, including wet distillers grain (“WDG”), a nutritional animal feed. Serving integrated oil companies and gasoline marketers who blend ethanol into gasoline, Pacific Ethanol provides transportation, storage and delivery of ethanol through third-party service providers in the Western United States, primarily in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. Pacific Ethanol has a 96% ownership interest in PE Op Co., the owner of four ethanol production facilities. Pacific Ethanol operates and manages the four ethanol production facilities, which have a combined annual production capacity of 200 million gallons. These operating facilities are located in Boardman, Oregon, Burley, Idaho, Stockton, California and Madera, California. The facilities are near their respective fuel and feed customers, offering significant timing, transportation cost and logistical advantages. Pacific Ethanol’s subsidiary, Kinergy Marketing LLC, markets ethanol from Pacific Ethanol’s managed plants and from other third-party production facilities, and another subsidiary, Pacific Ag. Products, LLC, markets WDG. For more information please visit www.pacificethanol.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this communication that refer to Pacific Ethanol’s estimated or anticipated future results, including estimated synergies, or other non-historical expressions of fact are forward-looking statements that reflect Pacific Ethanol’s current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this communication. Forward looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the acquisition of Aventine, including future financial and operating results, Pacific Ethanol’s or Aventine’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and the expected timing of completion of the transaction. It is important to note that Pacific Ethanol’s goals and expectations are not predictions of actual performance. Actual results may differ materially from Pacific Ethanol’s current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Pacific Ethanol’s business, Aventine’s business and risks associated with acquisition transactions. These factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainty associated with financial projections; restructuring in connection with, and successful closing of, the Aventine acquisition; subsequent integration of the Aventine acquisition and the ability to recognize the anticipated synergies and benefits of the Aventine acquisition; the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals for the transaction (including the approval of antitrust authorities necessary to complete the acquisition), the timing of obtaining such approvals and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction; the ability to obtain the requisite Pacific Ethanol and Aventine stockholder approvals; the risk that a condition to closing of the Aventine acquisition may not be satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the failure of the proposed transaction to close for any other reason; risks relating to the value of the Pacific Ethanol shares to be issued in the transaction; the anticipated size of the markets and continued demand for Pacific Ethanol’s and Aventine’s products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the ethanol production and marketing industries; the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of pending or future litigation or government investigations; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; costs and efforts to defend or enforce intellectual property rights; successful compliance with governmental regulations applicable to Pacific Ethanol’s and Aventine’s facilities, products and/or businesses; changes in the laws and regulations; changes in tax laws or interpretations that could increase Pacific Ethanol’s consolidated tax liabilities; the loss of key senior management or staff; and such other risks and uncertainties detailed in Pacific Ethanol’s periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Pacific Ethanol’s “Risk Factors” section contained in Pacific Ethanol’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2014 and from time to time in Pacific Ethanol’s other investor communications. Except as expressly required by law, Pacific Ethanol disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements.

Important Information for Investors and Stockholders

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In connection with the proposed merger between Pacific Ethanol and Aventine, Pacific Ethanol will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement of Pacific Ethanol and Aventine that also constitutes a prospectus of Pacific Ethanol. The definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus will be delivered to Pacific Ethanol’s and Aventine’s stockholders. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF PACIFIC ETHANOL AND AVENTINE ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Pacific Ethanol through the website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Pacific Ethanol will be available free of charge on Pacific Ethanol’s internet website at www.pacificethanol.net or by contacting Pacific Ethanol’s investor relations agency, LHA, at (415) 433-3777.

Participants in the Merger Solicitation

Pacific Ethanol, Aventine, their respective directors and certain of their executive officers and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, be deemed participants in the solicitation of the Pacific Ethanol and Aventine stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information about the directors and executive officers of Pacific Ethanol is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2014 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2014. Information about the executive officers of Aventine is set forth in www.aventinerei.com. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus filed with the above-referenced registration statement on Form S-4 and other relevant materials to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission when they become available.

CONTACT: Company IR Contact:
         Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
         916-403-2755
         866-508-4969
         Investorrelations@pacificethanol.com

         IR Agency Contact:
         Becky Herrick
         LHA
         415-433-3777

         Media Contact:
         Paul Koehler
         Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
         916-403-2790
         paulk@pacificethanol.com

(LINE) 2015 Oil and Gas Capital Budget; Reduces Annual Distribution to $1.25 Per Unit

Reduces Oil and Gas Capital by Over 50%

Announces Strategic Alliance with GSO Capital Partners

Declares Monthly Distribution and Dividend of $0.1042 per Unit or Share

HOUSTON, Jan. 2, 2015  — LINN Energy, LLC (Nasdaq:LINE) (“LINN” or the “Company”) and LinnCo, LLC (Nasdaq:LNCO) (“LinnCo”) announced today that LINN’s Board of Directors has approved a 2015 budget which includes a 53% reduction in oil and natural gas capital expenditures to $730 million, from approximately $1.55 billion in 2014, and a reduction of the LINN distribution and LinnCo dividend to $1.25 per unit or share, from the previous level of $2.90 per unit or share, on an annualized basis. LINN expects to fund its total 2015 oil and natural gas capital program, along with the distribution, from internally generated cash flow.

“After careful consideration, LINN’s senior management proposed and the Board of Directors approved a 2015 budget that contemplates a significantly lower current crude oil price than in 2014. In order to solidify the Company’s financial position and regain a useful cost of capital, we have reduced the oil and natural gas capital budget and distribution while balancing cash flow and spending,” said Mark E. Ellis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Alliance with GSO Capital Partners

In addition, LINN announced that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent with private capital investor GSO Capital Partners LP (“GSO”), the credit platform of The Blackstone Group L.P. (NYSE:BX) (“Blackstone”), to fund oil and natural gas development (the “DrillCo Agreement”). Subject to final documentation, funds managed by GSO and its affiliates have agreed to commit up to $500 million with 5-year availability to fund drilling programs on locations provided by LINN. Subject to adjustments depending on asset characteristics and return expectations, GSO will fund 100% of the costs associated with new wells drilled under the DrillCo Agreement and is expected to receive an 85% working interest in these wells until it achieves a 15% internal rate of return on annual groupings of wells, while LINN is expected to receive a 15% carried working interest during this period. Upon reaching the internal rate of return target, GSO’s interest will be reduced to 5%, while LINN’s will increase to 95%.

“We are extremely pleased to announce a new strategic initiative today designed to allow LINN to be an active developer of assets with growth capital funded from a new financial partnership with GSO,” said Mr. Ellis. “This agreement creates a dynamic alliance, combining world-class expertise from a highly respected investor with LINN’s ability to acquire and develop oil and natural gas assets.”

Dwight Scott, Senior Managing Director of GSO Capital, commented, “We are excited to partner with LINN as it continues to grow its business. LINN is a leading operator with an exceptional undeveloped asset base, which is expected to generate significant value for the partnership.”

Strategic advantages for LINN:

• Allows LINN to develop assets without increasing capital intensity;
• Potential to add a steady and growing cash flow stream with no capital requirement;
• Increases LINN’s long term ability to fund all oil and natural gas development capital and the distribution from internally generated cash flow;
• Mitigates drilling risk;
• Potentially broadens acquisition universe; and
• Upon meeting the return hurdle, provides incremental low decline production growth for LINN.

2015 Oil and Natural Gas Capital Budget

LINN has approved a budget for 2015 which includes a 53% reduction in oil and natural gas capital expenditures to $730 million, from approximately $1.55 billion in 2014. The Company expects to fund its 2015 oil and natural gas capital program, along with the distribution, from internally generated cash flow. Key 2015 budget assumptions include:

• Average annual production of 1,110 – 1,235 MMcfe/d
  • 54% natural gas;
  • 32% oil;
  • 14% NGL;
• Overall decline rate of ~15%;
• Unhedged NYMEX oil price of $60 per Bbl;
• Unhedged NYMEX natural gas price of $3.50 per Mcf;
• NGL realization of 39% of NYMEX oil price, or approximately $23.40 per Bbl;
• Annualized distribution of $1.25 per unit;
• Does not consider potential upside associated with capital cost improvement as a result of low commodity prices;
• No assumed positive impact from acquisitions or the DrillCo Agreement; and
• Expected coverage ratio of 1.18x. LINN defines coverage ratio as net cash provided by operating activities after discretionary adjustments considered by the Board of Directors, divided by total distributions to unitholders.

“After transforming the Company’s asset base in 2014 toward a significantly lower overall decline rate, we were able to materially reduce capital in a lower commodity price environment but still expect projected cash flow to increase quarter over quarter during the course of 2015. Our budget projects a 1.18x coverage ratio at the new annualized distribution rate of $1.25 per unit with $730 million of oil and natural gas capital,” said Mr. Ellis.

The Company’s decrease in oil and natural gas capital is approximately half in response to lower commodity prices and half as a result of the divestiture of its higher decline Granite Wash assets and the majority of its Midland Basin assets in the Permian Basin, as well as reduced investment in other areas across its portfolio. Capital will be focused on lower-risk development and optimization projects including steam flood enhancement and expansions in California, natural gas drilling in the Jonah Field, Hugoton Basin and Piceance Basin, non-operated drilling in the Williston Basin, as well as Cotton Valley and Bossier development in East Texas and North Louisiana. A significant portion of LINN’s 2015 capital budget is dedicated to efficient and lower-risk optimization, workover and recompletion opportunities on existing oil and natural gas wells. Discretionary reductions for a portion of oil and natural gas development costs are estimated to be approximately $640 million, or 88%, of LINN’s 2015 oil and natural gas capital budget.

Hedging Update

The Company is hedged approximately 100 percent on expected natural gas production in 2015, 2016 and 2017, net of expected natural gas consumption related to its heavy oil operations in California. For expected oil production, LINN is hedged approximately 70 percent in 2015 and approximately 65 percent in 2016. The Company has hedged natural gas differentials in certain producing regions but has not hedged any of its exposure to oil differentials. The Company does not directly hedge NGL volumes. As of year-end 2014, LINN’s hedge book had an estimated mark-to-market value of approximately $2 billion.

Liquidity Update

LINN has current liquidity of approximately $2.2 billion. In December 2014, LINN and its wholly owned subsidiary Berry Petroleum Company, LLC (“Berry”) received unanimous approval from a combined total of 45 lenders to increase LINN’s borrowing base to $4.5 billion and reaffirm Berry’s borrowing base at $1.4 billion. The maximum credit amount under LINN’s credit facility is $4.0 billion and the commitment amount under Berry’s credit facility is $1.2 billion. The maturity date for the LINN and Berry credit facilities, along with LINN’s outstanding $500 million term loan, is April 2019.

Outlook for 2015

LINN believes its decreased 2015 capital budget, reduced distribution and conservative projected coverage ratio, along with its significant hedge portfolio, approximately $2.2 billion of liquidity and proposed strategic alliance with GSO position the Company to regain its cost of capital advantage in the marketplace. “Despite today’s challenging commodity price environment, we believe we are prepared to continue growing throughout 2015 and will look to take advantage of acquisition opportunities in the current market,” said Mr. Ellis. “In addition, we are also in the process of potentially forming an additional alliance with private capital sources similar to the DrillCo Agreement with GSO but focused on acquisition funding. This potential new partnership would give us access to acquisition funding in down markets and diversify LINN away from traditional debt and equity capital markets.”

Today’s announcement should position LINN to deliver an attractive yield given the current unit price and also position the Company for growth. The variables listed below demonstrate the potential coverage ratio upside and downside protection from the budgeted level of 1.18x given various scenarios:

• Oil prices between $50 – $95 produce coverage ratios between 0.95x – 1.98x
• NGL prices between $20 – $40 produce coverage ratios between 1.11x – 1.55x
• A 5% increase in production volumes produces a coverage ratio of 1.43x
• A 5% decrease in LOE and transportation expenses produces a coverage ratio of 1.31x
• A 5% decrease in capital costs produces a coverage ratio of 1.27x

Conference Call and Webcast

Management will host a conference call on Monday, January 5, 2015, at 10 a.m. Central (11 a.m. Eastern) to discuss today’s announcements and its outlook for 2015. Prepared remarks by Mark E. Ellis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kolja Rockov, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will be followed by a question and answer session. Supplemental slides have been posted to LINN’s website at www.linnenergy.com.

Investors and analysts are invited to participate in the call by dialing (855) 319-4076, or (631) 887-3945 for international calls, using Conference ID: 60430279. Interested parties may also listen over the Internet at www.linnenergy.com.

A replay of the call will be available on the Company’s website or by phone until 4:00 p.m. Central (5 p.m. Eastern), January 19, 2015. The number for the replay is (855) 859-2056, or (404) 537-3406 for international calls, using Conference ID: 60430279.

Monthly Distribution and Dividend

LINN declared a monthly cash distribution of $0.1042 per unit, or $1.25 per unit on an annualized basis, for all of its outstanding units. The distribution will be payable January 15, 2015, to unitholders of record as of the close of business on January 12, 2015.

LinnCo declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.1042 per common share, or $1.25 per share on an annualized basis, for all of its outstanding common shares. The dividend will be payable January 16, 2015, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 12, 2015.

Financial Advisor

Jefferies LLC acted as financial advisor to LINN for the DrillCo Agreement.

ABOUT LINN ENERGY

LINN Energy’s mission is to acquire, develop and maximize cash flow from a growing portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas assets. LINN Energy is a top-15 U.S. independent oil and natural gas development company, with approximately 7.8 Tcfe of proved reserves (pro forma for announced 2014 trades, acquisitions and divestitures) in producing U.S. basins as of December 31, 2013. More information about LINN Energy is available at www.linnenergy.com.

ABOUT LINNCO

LinnCo was created to enhance LINN Energy’s ability to raise additional equity capital to execute on its acquisition and growth strategy. LinnCo is a Delaware limited liability company that has elected to be taxed as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, and accordingly its shareholders will receive a Form 1099 in respect of any dividends paid by LinnCo. More information about LinnCo is available at www.linnco.com.

ABOUT BLACKSTONE AND GSO

Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firms with approximately $284 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2014. It seeks to create positive economic impact and long-term value for investors, the companies it invests in, the companies it advises and the broader global economy. Blackstone does this through the commitment of extraordinary people and flexible capital. Blackstone’s alternative asset management businesses include the management of private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge fund solutions, credit-focused funds and closed-end funds. GSO, a division of Blackstone, is a leading credit-focused alternative asset manager, with approximately $70 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2014. GSO has a global footprint with approximately 250 professionals among its offices in New York, Dublin, London and Houston. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow on Twitter @Blackstone.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes “forward-looking statements.” All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to forward-looking statements about acquisitions, divestitures and trades, potential strategic alliances, timing and payment of distributions, and the expectations of plans, strategies, objectives and anticipated financial and operating results of the company, including the company’s drilling program, production, hedging activities, capital expenditure levels and other guidance included in this press release. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the company based on management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include risks relating to the company’s financial performance and results, availability of sufficient cash flow to pay distributions and execute its business plan, prices and demand for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, the ability to replace reserves and efficiently develop current reserves and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as described in the company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See “Risk Factors” in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other public filings and press releases.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and the company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: LINN ENERGY, LLC

         Investors & Media:

         Clay Jeansonne, Vice President - Investor Relations
         (281) 840-4193

         Zach Dailey, Director - Investor Relations
         (713) 904-6547

         Sarah Nordin, Public Relations & Media
         (713) 904-6605

(PWRD) “Going Private” Proposal at $20.00 per ADS

BEIJING, Jan. 2, 2015  — Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD) (“Perfect World” or the “Company”), a leading online game developer and operator based in China, today announced that its board of directors (the “Board”) has received a preliminary non-binding proposal letter dated December 31, 2014 from its founder and chairman of the Board, Mr. Michael Yufeng Chi, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Perfect World not currently owned by him in a going private transaction for $20.00 per American Depositary Share (“ADS”) or $4.00 per ordinary share in cash. A copy of the proposal letter is attached hereto as Annex A.

Perfect World’s Board has formed a special committee of independent directors (the “Independent Committee”) consisting of three independent directors, Mr. Daniel Dong Yang, Dr. Bing Xiang and Mr. Han Zhang, to consider this proposal. The Independent Committee intends to retain a financial advisor and legal counsel to assist it in its work. The Board cautions the Company’s shareholders and others considering trading in its securities that the Board just received the preliminary non-binding proposal from Mr. Chi and no decisions have been made by the Independent Committee with respect to Perfect World’s response to the proposal. There can be no assurance that any definitive offer will be made, that any agreement will be executed or that this or any other transaction will be approved or consummated.

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

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

Safe Harbor Statements

Certain statements contained in this announcement may be viewed as “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual performance, financial condition or results of operations of the Company to be materially different from any future performance, financial condition or results of operations implied by such forward-looking statements. The accuracy of these statements may be impacted by a number of business risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. The Company undertakes no ongoing obligation, other than that imposed by law, to update these statements.

For further information, please contact

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

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

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

Annex A

Proposal Letter

December 31, 2014

The Board of Directors
Perfect World Co., Ltd.
Perfect World Plaza, Tower 306
86 Beiyuan Road, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100101, People’s Republic of China

Dear Sirs:

I, Michael Yufeng Chi, am pleased to submit this preliminary non-binding proposal to acquire all the outstanding ordinary shares of Perfect World Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) that are not already directly or indirectly beneficially owned by me in a going private transaction (the “Transaction”).

I believe that my proposal provides a very attractive opportunity to the Company’s shareholders. The proposal represents a premium of 25.7% to the Company’s closing price on December 30, 2014.

1. Buyer. I intend to form a transaction vehicle (“Buyer”) for the purpose of pursuing the Transaction.
2. Purchase Price. The consideration payable for each American Depositary Share (“ADSs,” each ADS representing five Class B ordinary shares of the Company) of the Company will be $20 in cash, or $4 in cash per ordinary share (in each case other than those ADSs or ordinary shares directly or indirectly held by myself that may be rolled over in the Transaction).
3. Funding. I intend to finance the Transaction with a combination of debt and equity capital. I expect commitments for the debt financing, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to be in place when the Definitive Agreements (as defined below) are executed.
4. Due Diligence. I have engaged Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP as international legal counsel. I believe that we will be in a position to complete customary legal, financial and accounting due diligence for the Transaction in a timely manner and in parallel with discussions on the definitive agreements.
5. Definitive Agreements. I am prepared to promptly negotiate and finalize definitive agreements (the “Definitive Agreements”) providing for the Transaction and related transactions. These documents will provide for representations, warranties, covenants and conditions which are typical, customary and appropriate for transactions of this type.
6. Process. I believe that the Transaction will provide superior value to the Company’s shareholders. I recognize that the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) will evaluate the Transaction independently before it can make its determination to endorse it. Given the involvement of myself in the Transaction, I appreciate that the independent members of the Board will proceed to consider the proposed Transaction and that I will recuse myself from participating in any Board deliberations and decisions related to the Transaction.
7. In considering my offer, you should be aware that I am interested only in acquiring the outstanding shares of the Company that I do not already own, and that I do not intend to sell my stake in the Company to a third party.
8. Confidentiality. I will, as required by law, promptly file an amendment to Schedule 13D to disclose this letter. However, I am sure you will agree that it is in all of our interests to ensure that we proceed in a strictly confidential manner, unless otherwise required by law, until we have executed Definitive Agreements or terminated our discussions.
9. No Binding Commitment. This letter constitutes only a preliminary indication of my interest, and does not constitute any binding commitment with respect to the Transaction. A binding commitment will result only from the execution of Definitive Agreements, and then will be on terms and conditions provided in such documentation.

In closing, I would like to express my commitment to working together to bring this Transaction to a successful and timely conclusion. Should you have any questions regarding this proposal, please do not hesitate to contact me. Look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

/s/ Michael Yufeng Chi
Michael Yufeng Chi

(OGXI) to Regain Rights to Custirsen from Teva

BOTHELL Wash. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 30, 2014  — OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: OGXI) today announced that it has executed an initial agreement with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA) to regain rights to custirsen, an investigational compound currently being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical development as a treatment for prostate and lung cancers. This transfer of rights would occur in connection with the termination of the collaboration agreement between OncoGenex and Teva executed in 2009.

The initial agreement reached by OncoGenex and Teva provides that, following execution of the final agreement to terminate the collaboration between the parties, OncoGenex will receive a $27 million payment from Teva, subject to certain adjustments. In addition, OncoGenex will take over responsibility for all custirsen related expenses, including those related to the ENSPIRIT trial, as well as manufacturing and regulatory activities for custirsen programs, which are currently being managed by Teva. OncoGenex expects that the $27 million payment from Teva will allow for the completion and final results from the AFFINITY trial, as well as continuation of the ENSPIRIT trial through the second interim futility analysis expected in the first half of 2015.

“Teva’s strategic focus has shifted away from oncology research and development. However, OncoGenex remains committed to the continued investigation of custirsen, particularly in patients who have advancing disease despite previous treatments,” said Scott Cormack, President and CEO of OncoGenex. “This agreement provides OncoGenex with greater control of custirsen’s development, including the modification of the ENSPIRIT statistical analysis plan to involve a more rigorous second interim futility analysis to be completed in the second quarter of 2015 that, if passed, would enable the trial to continue with a smaller enrollment requirement, increased confidence in success and shorter time to regulatory submission.”

The Company expects that the $27 million payment from Teva and the Company’s current resources should enable the completion of the AFFINITY trial through data readout in late 2015/early 2016, allow for the continuation of the ENSPIRIT trial through the second interim futility analysis that is expected in the first half of 2015 and the achievement of key apatorsen clinical milestones, such as the completion of patient enrollment in the Borealis-2™ trial and final data from the Spruce™ and Rainier™ clinical trials.

The Company anticipates a final agreement will be executed in January 2015. Additional terms of the initial agreement with Teva can be found in the Company’s Form 8-K filed today and available at http://ir.oncogenex.com.

About Custirsen

Custirsen is an experimental drug that is designed to block the production of the protein clusterin, which may play a fundamental role in cancer cell survival and treatment resistance. Clusterin is upregulated in tumor cells in response to treatment interventions such as chemotherapy, hormone ablation and radiation therapy and has been found to be overexpressed in a number of cancers, including prostate, lung, breast and bladder. Increased clusterin production has been linked to faster rates of cancer progression, treatment resistance and shorter survival duration. By inhibiting clusterin, custirsen is designed to alter tumor dynamics, slowing tumor growth and resistance to partner treatments, so that the benefits of therapy, including survival, may be extended.

As part of Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials, custirsen was administered to 294 patients with various types of cancer. The majority of adverse events were mild. The most common serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with custirsen were febrile neutropenia, fever, pleural effusion, and dyspnea, with each SAE event observed in approximately 2 to 4 percent of patients. In the Phase 3 SYNERGY trial, custirsen was administered to approximately 500 men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).  Adverse events observed were similar to custirsen’s known adverse event profile. The most common SAEs observed in 2 percent of patients treated with custirsen, beyond those observed in the control arm, included febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, and fever. Although the SYNERGY study did not meet its primary endpoint of significantly improved overall survival (OS) in combination with first-line docetaxel, exploratory analyses showed improved OS for some men who received custirsen and who had poor prognostic scores across several risk factors, including performance status ≤ 80.

Two important custirsen milestones were reached during the second half of 2014. The AFFINITY trial successfully completed enrollment of 635 men with metastatic CRPC and the ENSPIRIT trial completed its first interim futility analysis, which included rigorous criteria in order to continue the trial. Based on this analysis, the independent data monitoring committee determined that continued enrollment in the ENSPIRIT trial was warranted.

About OncoGenex

OncoGenex is a biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of new therapies that address treatment resistance in cancer patients. OncoGenex has a diverse oncology pipeline, with each product candidate having a distinct mechanism of action and representing a unique opportunity for cancer drug development. Custirsen is currently in Phase 3 clinical development as a treatment in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer and in patients with advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. Apatorsen is in Phase 2 clinical development and OGX-225 is currently in pre-clinical development. More information is available at www.OncoGenex.com and at the company’s Twitter account https://twitter.com/OncoGenex_IR.

OncoGenex’ 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, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the expected execution of a final  agreement with Teva with respect to the termination of the collaboration agreement, the expected transfer of rights to custirsen and receipt of the expected upfront termination payment contemplated by the initial agreement, our ability to control development plans and achieve long term benefit for stockholders, our anticipated product development activities, such as expected clinical trial completion and design and statements regarding potential results from interim analysis and regarding the potential benefits and potential development of our product candidates. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among others, the risk that a final  agreement is not completed on the expected terms, if at all, the risk that our financial resources are not sufficient to fund our planned operations during the expected term, the risk that  our product candidates will not demonstrate the hypothesized or expected benefits, the risk of delays in our expected clinical trials, the risk that new developments in the rapidly evolving cancer therapy landscape require changes in our clinical trial plans or limit the potential benefits of our product and the other factors described in our risk factors set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof, other than as may be required by applicable law.

Borealis-2™, Spruce™ and Rainier™ are registered trademarks of OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

(TRUE) December site traffic jumps 50 percent as car-buying process evolves

Mobile users now account for nearly half of all unique visitors to TrueCar.com

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 30, 2014 — TrueCar, Inc., the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform, saw a year-over-year spike in unique visitor volume in December as more consumers accessed the site via mobile devices.  In fact, mobile users led the way with over 90 percent growth.

Unique visitors to TrueCar.com totaled 3.7 million in December versus 2.4 million a year ago. This increase coincides with reinvigorated consumer confidence that helped push TrueCar.com’s unique visitor count to a one-day record high of nearly 200,000 on Dec. 27.

“The future of car buying is mobile,” said Scott Painter, TrueCar CEO and founder.  “At TrueCar we are seeing a radical adoption of this technology among modern buyers.”

The jump in visitors to TrueCar’s site via smartphone, tablet and desktop computers comes as December auto sales, aided by holiday and year-end promotions, are on pace to hit nearly 1.5 million units, the best in a decade. TrueCar expects automakers to close out 2014 with a combined 16.5 million units, a sales level not seen since 2007.

Downloads of TrueCar’s smartphone app surpassed 1.3 million downloads at the end of November. The mobile app’s Price Check feature, introduced earlier this year for iOS devices, was made available for Android phones in November, enabling users to get real time pricing while on TrueCar Certified Dealer lots simply by scanning VIN stickers.

Looking ahead to 2015, TrueCar is focused on further enhancing the mobile experience for customers and improving the sales process for TrueCar Certified Dealers.

“There’s a tipping point when consumers understand they can use their mobile devices to buy a car, and TrueCar hit that in December,” said Neeraj Gunsagar, the company’s chief revenue officer.  “When it comes to big ticket purchases, people in general have felt more secure in front of their desktop. Today mobile is undergoing a similar evolution, but at a much faster pace.”

About TrueCar
TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE) is the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform. TrueCar enables a negotiation-free car buying experience by giving buyers transparent insight into what others actually paid (price confidence), upfront pricing information (price discovery), and access to a network of trusted TrueCar Certified Dealers who provide guaranteed savings certificates and seamlessly complete the car purchase. The reality is that buying a car is painful and buyers fear they are going to overpay or be surprised with hidden fees. TrueCar’s transparent upfront pricing information makes the car buying process simple so there are no surprises and buyers never overpay. TrueCar’s mission is to make car buying simple, fair and fun. Its national network of more than 9,000 TrueCar Certified Dealers, including both new car franchise dealers and non-franchise dealers, is committed to providing negotiation-free savings off MSRP and upfront pricing information for all car-buyers, including members of some of the country’s largest membership and service organizations such as AARP, American Express, AAA, and USAA. Note: Not all program features are available in all states. Go to www.truecar.com for program details. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., with offices in Santa Barbara, Calif., San Francisco, Calif., and Austin, Texas.

(WILC) to Acquire Interest in Mendelson Infrastructures and Industries

YAVNE, Israel, December 30, 2014  —

G. Willi-Food International Ltd. (NASDAQ: WILC) (the “Company” or “Willi-Food“), a global company that specializes in the development, marketing and international distribution of kosher foods, announced today that it is negotiating with Netz Group Ltd. (“Netz“) (TASE: NETZ) with respect to a proposed acquisition by the Company of Netz’s holdings in Mendelson Infrastructures & Industries Ltd. (TASE: MNIN), a company which trades and markets products in the field of water and sewage distribution, and products for fire protection, automation, and sanitation for many industrial sectors.

There is no certainty whether these negotiations will result in a binding agreement, or whether the conditions precedent set forth in any such binding agreement will be satisfied.

About G. Willi-Food International Ltd.

G. Willi-Food International Ltd. (http://www.willi-food.com) is an Israeli-based company specializing in high-quality, great-tasting kosher food products. Willi-Food is engaged directly and through its subsidiaries in the design, import, marketing and distribution of over 600 food products worldwide. As one of Israel’s leading food importers, Willi-Food markets and sells its food products to over 1,500 customers in Israel and around the world including large retail and private supermarket chains, wholesalers and institutional consumers. The Company’s operating divisions include Willi-Food in Israel and Gold Frost, a wholly owned subsidiary who designs, develops and distributes branded kosher, dairy-food products.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to future events or our future performance, such as statements regarding trends, demand for our products and expected sales, operating results, and earnings. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. These risks and other factors include but are not limited to: monetary risks including changes in marketable securities or changes in currency exchange rates- especially the NIS/U.S. Dollar exchange rate, payment default by any of our major clients, the loss of one of more of our key personnel, changes in laws and regulations, including those relating to the food distribution industry, and inability to meet and maintain regulatory qualifications and approvals for our products, termination of arrangements with our suppliers, in particular Arla Foods, loss of one or more of our principal clients, increase or decrease in global purchase prices of food products, increasing levels of competition in Israel and other markets in which we do business, changes in economic conditions in Israel, including in particular economic conditions in the Company’s core markets, our inability to accurately predict consumption of our products and changes in consumer preferences, our inability to protect our intellectual property rights, our inability to successfully integrate our recent acquisitions, insurance coverage not sufficient enough to cover losses of product liability claims and risks associated with product liability claims. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties summarized under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2014. These factors are updated from time to time through the filing of reports and registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

Company Contact:
G. Willi Food International Ltd.
Itai Loewenstein, CFO
+972-8-932-1000
itai@willi-food.co.il

(HNH) Proposal To Acquire JPS Industries For $10.00 Per Share In Cash

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 30, 2014  — Handy & Harman Ltd. (NASDAQ: HNH) (“HNH” or the “Company”), a diversified global industrial company, today announced that it has sent a letter to JPS Industries, Inc. (“JPS”) (Pink Sheets: JPST) stating its willingness to enter into a definitive merger agreement with JPS to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of JPS not already owned by HNH or HNH’s parent, Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“SPH”), for $10.00 per share in cash.  HNH’s all-cash proposal, which is not subject to any due diligence and not expected to be subject to any financing contingency, represents a premium of approximately 44.5% over JPS’ closing price of $6.92 on December 29, 2014.  SPH currently owns approximately 39% of JPS’ outstanding shares.

In a letter addressed to the two members of a Special Committee of JPS’ Board of Directors, Alan B. Howe and Robert J. Capozzi, and to JPS CEO Mikel Williams, HNH stated that while its strong preference would have been for a private, consensual process, HNH had little choice but to make its proposal public given the lack of any meaningful progress since first submitting an offer to acquire JPS in early June.  HNH further noted in the letter that JPS has not traded at or above the proposed $10.00 per share price since July of 1998 and that JPS shareholders have otherwise enjoyed very little opportunity for liquidity in recent years.  Accordingly, HNH stated that JPS’ unaffiliated shareholders should not be denied their right and opportunity to determine for themselves whether they would sell their shares at the proposed $10.00 per share price.

The full text of the letter follows:

December 30, 2014

Alan B. Howe
Robert J. Capozzi
Special Committee of the Board
and
Mikel Williams, Chief Executive Officer
c/o JPS Industries, Inc.
55 Beattie Place
Greenville, SC 29601

Dear Gentlemen:

Handy & Harman Ltd. (“H&H”, “we”, “us” or “our”) has repeatedly expressed to you our desire to enter into a negotiated transaction with JPS Industries, Inc. (“JPS” or “the Company”) that we believe would create meaningful value and immediate liquidity for the Company’s shareholders.  Our parent, Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“SPH”), has been a significant shareholder of JPS for almost 14 years and currently owns approximately 39% of the Company’s outstanding shares.  As you know, on numerous occasions over the past several years, SPH has attempted to work with you and the other members of the Board and senior management in an effort to maximize value for shareholders through a sale of the Company to SPH or the highest bidder.  SPH has made compelling proposals to acquire the Company at a significant premium to the then current market price of the Company’s shares in a transaction that we do not expect to be subject to any financing contingency.  Despite SPH’s exhaustive efforts to convince you of the clear benefits to all constituents of a sale of the Company, the Board refused to negotiate with SPH.

While it was H&H’s strong preference to communicate privately with the Special Committee regarding a value enhancing transaction, no progress has been made since our offer to acquire the Company on June 2, 2014, when we first expressed interest in acquiring the Company.  JPS’ unaffiliated shareholders should not be denied their right and opportunity to determine for themselves whether they would sell their shares.

Accordingly, H&H hereby publicly sets forth its willingness to enter into a definitive merger agreement with JPS to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company not already owned by us or SPH for $10.00 per share in cash (the “Proposal”), on the terms set forth on the attached term sheet.  Notably, our Proposal is not subject to due diligence and is not expected to be subject to any financing contingency.  Based upon discussions with our lenders, we anticipate obtaining all financing commitments prior to execution of a definitive merger agreement.  If the Board of Directors (the “Board”) would waive the shareholder rights plan, we are prepared to commence a tender offer to all shareholders so that they can have an opportunity to choose to have immediate liquidity for their shares.

Our Proposal affords shareholders an attractive and certain means of monetizing their investment, as opposed to the uncertainty offered by the status quo.  Our Proposal represents a premium of approximately 44.5% premium over JPS’ closing price of $6.92 on December 29, 2014, and a 98% premium to the 52 week low price this year of $5.05 on February 6, 2014.  Notably, JPS has not traded at our Proposal price of $10.00 per share since July of 1998, more than 16 years ago, nor have JPS shareholders received any dividends while enduring such a prolonged period of dismal stock performance.  We note that there have only been approximately 108,000 shares that have traded in the last 12 months (some of this has been double counted) and shareholders have had very little opportunity for liquidity.

We are highly confident that Houlihan Lokey, the Company’s investment banker, will be in a position to provide a fairness opinion which allows the pension trustees or independent fiduciary to the plan to support a transaction with us or a higher bidder without any issue.

In order to achieve immediate and maximum value for all shareholders, H&H has for many months now been urging you, the Special Committee, to pursue a sale of JPS to us or the highest bidder.  The Special Committee has refused to do so.  As the largest shareholder of JPS, with approximately 39% of the Company’s outstanding shares held by SPH, we are uniquely positioned to negotiate, finance and consummate such a value-maximizing transaction.  In order to ensure that shareholders receive the highest price available in any transaction, we would be willing to negotiate a definitive agreement that includes a “go shop” period in order to allow the Company’s financial advisor, Houlihan Lokey, to shop for a higher bidder.  We have also repeatedly made it clear that if a subsequent offer emerges from another party to acquire the entire Company at a price greater than what we are willing to pay that we would be supportive of such a transaction.  We have attempted to alleviate any concern that our interests are somehow not aligned with those of all unaffiliated shareholders in pursuing a transaction of JPS.

Unfortunately, our acquisition overtures have been rebuffed and our efforts have been frustrated at every turn by the Special Committee.  While we have been working towards catalyzing a value-maximizing liquidity event for all shareholders, it appears that you have been more intent on protecting your own interests and positions than maximizing value for the benefit of JPS’ unaffiliated shareholders.

The Special Committee’s handling of this process has been too slow, too costly, and appears to be too reliant on input from Lloyd Miller, a 15% shareholder who has recently nominated each of you, as well as CEO Mikel Williams and former JPS CEO Michael Fulbright, who if elected will not be an independent director, for election at the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2015 Annual Meeting”).  That you have agreed to be nominated by Mr. Miller as part of a group that is seeking control of JPS at the 2015 Annual Meeting calls into serious doubt your true intentions with respect to the future of JPS and your ability to negotiate in good faith with potential acquirers.  Not to mention that you have aligned yourselves with Mr. Fulbright, who the current Board, including yourselves, elected to remove and pay a multi-million dollar severance package to after years of underperformance and mismanagement under his leadership.  We are willing to pay a premium to shareholders to acquire JPS.  Your group appears to be seeking complete control of JPS without paying shareholders a dime.  The status quo may be the better alternative for you, but it is clearly not what is best for most of the Company’s unaffiliated shareholders.

SPH has a fundamental disagreement with you and management regarding the manner in which JPS is operated.  SPH has been urging the Company to pursue a lean-focused operational plan based on driving new product creation while reducing corporate overhead costs and allocating capital more efficiently.  On the other hand,  each of you appear intent on continuing to operate the Company as a standalone public company, incurring significant public company costs, bloated overhead costs, redundancy in senior management positions, with an inefficient capital structure and for your continued personal benefit.

On August 18, 2014, we indicated that we were prepared to increase our offer price to a range of $8.00 and $10.00 per share in cash and that the definitive agreement would not be subject to any financing contingency.  In fact, our offers to date have only been subject to limited conditions, including confirmatory due diligence, waiver of any anti-takeover provisions and certain customary conditions for a transaction of the size and type we have proposed.

Instead of commencing good-faith negotiations with us, you hid behind an unreasonable demand that we agree to a $12.50 per share cash bid as a starting point for any negotiations.   We have repeatedly stressed to you that the Special Committee’s demand that we offer not less than $12.50 per share to continue to negotiate is unacceptable.

Nevertheless, on October 31, 2014, we informed the Company that H&H was prepared to confirm its offer to acquire JPS at the high-end of our offer range, $10.00 per share in cash.  In response, you required us to sign a confidentiality and standstill agreement that contained onerous and overreaching provisions that we believe were intended to entrench your positions on the Board in the event that a deal was not ultimately reached.  In light of your uncooperative approach to our acquisition overtures to date, you knew that we could not sign away our rights to protect our interests and ability to seek Board representation.  With a November 22, 2014 nomination deadline looming for the 2015 Annual Meeting, SPH nominated a slate of four director nominees on November 20, 2014 to preserve its rights to (i) elect a slate of directors who are committed to a sale of the Company to H&H or the highest bidder in the event that the Special Committee continues to inexcusably spurn our acquisition proposals, and (ii) seek representation on the Board in the event that a majority of the Board fails to re-nominate Jack Howard and John Quicke.

We are now at an impasse where SPH, on the one hand, is seeking to catalyze a value-maximizing transaction for shareholders, whether through us or a higher third party offer, and where you, on the other hand, have usurped the corporate machinery and are using shareholder capital to protect your positions as Board members and put up roadblocks to prevent shareholders from being allowed to vote on a transaction that will result in them receiving full and fair value for their investment.  It is unacceptable for you to continue to use the Special Committee under the guise of protecting shareholder interests as a vehicle to run up unnecessary fees and expenses in order to protect your own interests while seeking control of the Board together with Mr. Miller.  In fact, we reserve the right to reduce our offer price to the extent the Special Committee continues to waste significant corporate assets on legal fees and other expenses.

We also have serious concerns that the Investment Committee of the Company’s pension fund, which consists of Mikel Williams and another employee, intends to vote the 1.9 million shares of JPS held by the pension fund to further the efforts of Messrs. Miller, Williams, Capozzi, and Howe to take effective control of JPS without paying for it.  We note that Mr. Capozzi has been on the Board since October 1997.  The shares held by the pension fund should not be permitted to be voted at the 2015 Annual Meeting without specific authority from an independent trustee or the beneficiaries, and we reserve our rights to take whatever action we believe is required to ensure that management does not use the pension fund as a vehicle for entrenching themselves and taking control of the Company.

We strongly urge you to reconsider your uncooperative approach, and instead immediately engage seriously with us to explore our Proposal and negotiate a transaction. The problematic status quo, consisting of management’s high corporate overhead cost structure and waste of corporate assets, including the frivolous lawsuit filed against Messrs. Howard and Quicke, is untenable and value destructive.  The shareholders of JPS have waited long enough, they deserve better.

Our intentions are directly aligned with the best interests of all JPS shareholders and our actions have been consistent with what we believe should be the fiduciary duties of all directors – to get the highest cash price for JPS.  We will continue to take any and all actions that we believe are required to ensure that JPS shareholders have the opportunity to realize immediate and value-maximizing liquidity for their investment, ensure that the Board is fairly evaluating our Proposal and any third party acquisition proposals in a manner consistent with the best interests of all shareholders, and to allow the shareholders to vote on their own fate.  As always, we stand ready to meet with you as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

/s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein

Outline of Proposed Terms of Agreement
between Handy & Harman and JPS Industries

This term sheet (“Term Sheet“) summarizes the principal terms of the proposed transaction (the “Proposed Transaction“) between Handy & Harman Ltd. (“HNH“) and JPS Industries, Inc. (the “Company“, and together with HNH, the “Parties“).  This Term Sheet is for discussion purposes only.  There is no obligation on the part of any Party until the Parties sign a definitive agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Parties (the “Agreement“).

About Handy & Harman Ltd.

Handy & Harman Ltd. is a diversified manufacturer of engineered niche industrial products with leading market positions in many of the markets it serves. Through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, HNH focuses on high margin products and innovative technology and serves customers across a wide range of end markets. HNH’s diverse product offerings are marketed throughout the United States and internationally.

HNH’s companies are organized into five businesses: Joining Materials, Tubing, Building Materials, Arlon, and Kasco.

The Company sells its products and services through direct sales forces, distributors, and manufacturer’s representatives. HNH serves a diverse customer base, including the construction, electronics, telecommunications, transportation, utility, medical, semiconductor, aerospace, aviation, military electronics and food industries.

The Company’s business strategy is to enhance the growth and profitability of the HNH business units and to build upon their strengths through internal growth and strategic acquisitions. Management expects HNH to continue to focus on high margin products and innovative technology. Management has evaluated and will continue to evaluate, from time to time, potential strategic and opportunistic acquisition opportunities, as well as the potential sale of certain businesses and assets.

The Company is based in White Plains, N.Y., and its common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol HNH. Website: www.handyharman.com

Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding HNH’s offer to acquire JPS. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of the words “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue” and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company’s most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which factors are incorporated herein by reference, as well as and risks and uncertainties relating to the proposed merger, including the negotiation and completion of a formal transaction agreement and regulatory approval processes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. HNH undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect actual outcomes.

James F. McCabe, Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
212-520-2376
jmccabe@steelpartners.com

(AQXP) Initiates Patient Dosing Phase 2 of AQX-1125 in Atopic Dermatitis

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 30, 2014  — Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Aquinox”) (Nasdaq:AQXP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company discovering and developing targeted therapeutics in disease areas of inflammation and immuno-oncology, announced today that it has initiated dosing in a Phase 2 clinical trial of AQX-1125 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).

The KINSHIP clinical trial is being conducted at clinical research centers in Canada as a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of AQX-1125 in approximately 50 adult patients with mild to moderate AD. The KINSHIP trial’s primary endpoint is change from baseline in Total Lesion Symptom Score (TLSS) after 12 weeks of treatment. The TLSS is a comprehensive assessment of AD symptoms where AQX-1125 may have a beneficial effect. Secondary endpoints include safety, pharmacokinetics and additional parameters for assessing AD.

“We believe AQX-1125’s ease of administration as a once daily, oral, anti-inflammatory medicine, and its ability to reduce immune cell migration to inflamed surfaces, could provide a clinically meaningful benefit to AD patients,” said Dr. Stephen Shrewsbury, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Chief Medical Officer of Aquinox. “The KINSHIP trial has been designed to first evaluate AQX-1125’s safety and efficacy in mild to moderate AD patients. Our eventual interest is AQX-1125’s potential as an effective, oral therapy for moderate to severe AD patients.”

The prevalence of AD ranges from 1%-20% worldwide. An estimated 17.8 million Americans are affected by AD, which is considered underdiagnosed by physicians. Approximately two-thirds of Americans with AD suffer from the moderate to severe form of the disease, where existing therapies are often ineffective or unsuitable for long-term treatment.

About AQX-1125

AQX-1125, Aquinox’s lead drug candidate, is a small molecule activator of SHIP1, which is a regulating component of the PI3K cellular signaling pathway. By increasing SHIP1 activity, AQX-1125 accelerates a natural mechanism that has evolved to maintain homeostasis of the immune system and reduce immune cell activation and migration. AQX-1125 has demonstrated preliminary safety and favorable drug properties in multiple preclinical studies and clinical trials. Aquinox is currently exploring AQX-1125 as a once-daily oral treatment in several Phase 2 trials.

About Aquinox Pharmaceuticals

Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company discovering and developing targeted therapeutics in disease areas of inflammation and immuno-oncology. Aquinox’s lead drug candidate, AQX-1125, is a small molecule activator of SHIP1 suitable for oral, once daily dosing. Aquinox has successfully completed multiple preclinical studies and clinical trials with AQX-1125 and is advancing through Phase 2 development. The company has a broad intellectual property portfolio and pipeline of preclinical drug candidates that activate SHIP1. For more information, please visit www.aqxpharma.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward-looking Statements

Certain of the statements made in this press release are forward looking, such as those, among others, relating to: the success and timing of our Phase 2 clinical trials and potential market opportunities for AQX-1125. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: our ability to enroll patients in our clinical trials at the pace that we project; the size and growth of the potential markets for AQX-1125 or any future product candidates and our ability to serve those markets; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of AQX-1125 or any future product candidates; and our expectations regarding the potential safety, efficacy or clinical utility of AQX-1125 or any future product candidates. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by Aquinox is contained in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Aquinox disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Brendan Payne,
Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Senior Manager, Investor Relations
604-629-9223
bpayne@aqxpharma.com

MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT:

Bianca Nery
MacDougall Biomedical Communications
650-339-7533
aquinox@macbiocom.com

(NDRM) Topline Results of Phase IIa Study of ND0612H and ND0612L in Parkinson’s

REHOVOT, Israel, Dec. 30, 2014  — NeuroDerm Ltd. (Nasdaq:NDRM), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing drugs for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, today announced that continuous, subcutaneous delivery of the company’s proprietary liquid levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) product candidates, ND0612H and ND0612L, led to clinically-significant plasma levodopa levels. These results suggest that the high dose version, ND0612H, intended for severe Parkinson’s disease patients, may provide an effective therapy alternative to current treatments requiring surgery.

“Maintaining consistent levodopa concentrations has been the most significant hurdle in Parkinson’s disease therapy,” said Sheila Oren, MD, NeuroDerm’s Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs. “The results from this study demonstrate that ND0612H can reach high LD plasma levels that, to date, could only be reached and maintained by products that require surgical intervention. ND0612H is designed to be delivered continuously, thus we believe it should offer a simple and effective treatment option that will minimize the need for surgical intervention in advanced Parkinson’s patients.”

Due to the short half-life of oral levodopa, patients are required to take multiple LD/CD doses daily. This results in sharp fluctuations in levodopa levels which are associated with erratic “off” and “on” periods experienced by many patients. Continuous LD administration can overcome this limitation, but steady LD delivery can currently only be achieved after undergoing an invasive surgical procedure whereby a tube is permanently implanted into the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine.

The primary endpoints of the IIa study were to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of six dose regimens of ND0612H and ND0612L, which provide continuous, subcutaneously-delivered liquid LD/CD formulations through a belt-worn pump, in Parkinson’s disease patients. Sixteen (16) advanced PD patients, with motor fluctuations, chronically treated with standard of care oral LD/CD, were enrolled in the study and were treated with ND0612L (n=9) or ND0612H (n=7) for eight hours per day, for three consecutive days, with high and low doses of CD, and with adjunct oral entacapone. The pharmacokinetics of LD/CD were assessed and compared to baseline pharmacokinetics of orally administered, immediate release LD/CD tablets. A top-line, intent-to-treat analysis showed that levodopa plasma levels were proportionate to dose and, with ND0612H, achieved maximum daytime concentrations of 1,333ng/ml and 1,436ng/ml (with different CD concentrations in the formulation), and 1,807ng/ml with adjunct dosing of oral entacapone. ND0612L achieved maximum daytime concentrations of 528ng/ml and 477ng/ml (with different CD concentrations in the formulation), and 596ng/ml with adjunct dosing of oral entacapone. Fluctuations in LD plasma levels were markedly reduced when comparing oral LD/CD dosing to ND0612H and ND0612L. Per-protocol analysis, that omitted three data sets from two patients because of concomitant use of oral LD, yielded similar LD plasma values.

Treatment with ND0612L and ND0612H did not raise safety and tolerability concerns, causing only minimal and transient local reactions at the infusion site and no particular systemic adverse events, which corroborates the results obtained in previous studies. All patients completed the study.

“These results add to the growing body of clinical data confirming our thesis that continuous, subcutaneous delivery of LD/CD leads to more consistent therapy, which we expect to have a dramatic effect on patient outcomes and quality of life, replacing in most cases the need for surgical intervention,” said Oded S. Lieberman, PhD, CEO of NeuroDerm. “Based on these positive PK results, we will proceed with the clinical development of ND0612H and ND0612L in the United States and the European Union in 2015.”

About Levodopa

Oral administration of LD/CD is regarded as the “gold standard” treatment for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa crosses into the brain and converts into dopamine to complement the reduced brain-dopamine levels. Virtually all patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease will require levodopa at some point over the course of their treatment for the disease, and 70% to 80% of patients receive the drug at any given point in time. However, levodopa is limited by its short half-life. Approximately three to four hours after a single dose, almost none of the drug remains in the plasma. In addition, levodopa suffers from low absorption when administered orally, with only about 30% of the levodopa entering the blood stream.

ND0612H, ND0612L

ND0612H and ND0612L are designed to significantly reduce motor complications in Parkinson’s disease patients through continuous, subcutaneous delivery of LD/CD, maintaining steady, therapeutic levodopa plasma concentrations both day and night. ND0612H is intended to provide an alternative to surgical treatments associated with serious side effects that are currently offered to patients with severe Parkinson’s disease.

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative illness characterized by reduced dopamine in the brain, resulting in a debilitating decrease in the patient’s motor and non-motor functions. Its symptoms, such as trembling in the extremities and face, slowness of movement and impaired balance and coordination, worsen over time and gravely impact the patient’s quality of life. As the disease progresses, these symptoms become more severe, resulting in debilitating periods of decreased motor and non-motor functions, also referred to as “off” time. In addition, mainly as a result of excessive/intermittent oral doses of levodopa aimed at treating the “off” time, some patients experience involuntary movements, or dyskinesia. The “off” time and dyskinesia affect the majority of Parkinson’s disease patients and interfere with day-to-day functions, causing patients to become severely disabled. Continuous administration of levodopa has been shown to effectively treat motor fluctuations in Parkinson’s disease patients, however, a convenient route of continuous administration has not been introduced to date.

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. In Parkinson’s disease, the company has four product candidates in different stages of development which offer a solution for almost every Parkinson’s disease patient from the moderate to the very severe stage of the disease. The company has developed a line of LD/CD product candidates administered through small belt pumps that deliver a continuous, controlled dose of LD/CD. The LD/CD line of product candidates includes: ND0612L and ND0612H, delivered subcutaneously, for moderate and for advanced Parkinson’s disease patients, respectively, and ND0680 for a subset of severe Parkinson’s disease patients whose symptoms have advanced to a highly advanced stage, requiring even higher doses of LD/CD. In addition NeuroDerm is developing ND0701, a novel subcutaneously delivered apomorphine formulation for patients who suffer from severe Parkinson’s disease and who do not respond well to LD/CD. NeuroDerm is headquartered in the Weizmann Science Park in Rehovot, Israel.

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 involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements may include projections regarding our 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 our 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 our prospectus, dated November 13, 2014 and 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 our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

CONTACT: NeuroDerm Contact:
         Oded S. Lieberman, PhD, MBA, CEO
         oded@neuroderm.com
         Tel.: +972-8-946 2729
         Cell: +1-617-517 6077

         U.S. Investor Contact:
         David Carey
         Lazar Partners Ltd.
         dcarey@lazarpartners.com
         +212-867-1762

         U.S. Media Contact:
         Hollister Hovey
         Lazar Partners Ltd.
         hhovey@lazarpartners.com
         +212-867-1762

(RPRX) Court Rules Inventors Correctly Named on Androxal(R) Patents

Repros Therapeutics Inc.(R) Confirmed as Sole Owner

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Dec. 29, 2014  — Repros Therapeutics Inc.^® (Nasdaq:RPRX) today announced a federal judge in Texas has issued a definitive ruling finding correct inventorship for two Repros Therapeutics Androxal® patents, thus confirming that Repros Therapeutics is the sole and rightful owner of the patents, U.S. Patent No. 7,759,360 (the “‘360 patent”) and U.S. Patent No. 7,737,185 (the “‘185 patent”).

Calling Dr. Harry Fisch’s claims of co-inventorship “strained to the point of absurdity,” Judge Vanessa Gilmore of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas found that Dr. Fisch “contributed nothing to the actual invention” of the ‘360 patent. She also found “an absence of material facts to support a finding of co-inventorship” of the ‘185 patent.

Dr. Fisch, a New York urologist and fertility specialist, has made numerous statements, including to the news media, that he was a co-inventor and had contributed to the conception of the patents.

Repros filed suit against Dr. Fisch in August 2013 seeking a declaratory judgment of ownership and inventorship of the ‘360 and ‘185 patents regarding the treatment of hypogonadism in men. In the lawsuit, the Company asserted that Repros’ President and CEO, Joseph S. Podolski, was correctly named as the sole inventor of the ‘360 patent, and that he and Repros Vice President of Research and Development, Ronald Wiehle, were correctly named as co-inventors of the ‘185 patent.

In October 2013, Dr. Fisch filed counterclaims against Repros as well as against Mr. Podolski and Dr. Wiehle, seeking correction of inventorship of these patents.

On the basis of equitable estoppel and an absence of material facts to support a finding of co-inventorship in the case of each of the patents, the court granted both of Repros’ motions for summary judgment and denied Dr. Fisch’s motion for summary judgment.

The decision confirms Repros’ rights to the Androxal^® patents.

About Repros Therapeutics Inc. ^®

Repros Therapeutics focuses on the development of small molecule drugs for major unmet medical needs that treat male and female reproductive disorders.

Any statements made by the Company that are not historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “plan,” “seek,” “could,” “can,” “should” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that the Company has made in light of the Company’s experience in the industry, as well as the Company’s perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors the Company believes are appropriate in these circumstances. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to planned clinical studies and the timing and nature of the results thereof, the impact of the studies on the Androxal^® label and the commercial potential of Androxal^® and the timing of the Company’s expected filing of an NDA for Androxal^®. Such statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the ability to have success in the clinical development of the Company’s technologies, the reliability of interim results to predict final study outcomes, the ability to protect the Company’s intellectual property rights and such other risks as are identified in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These documents are available on request from Repros Therapeutics or at www.sec.gov. Repros disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.reprosrx.com.

CONTACT: Investor Relations:
         Thomas Hoffmann
         The Trout Group
         (646) 378-2931
         thoffmann@troutgroup.com

(SRNE) Appoints Robert Rosen and Henry Ji to its Board of Directors

Conkwest, Inc. (the Natural Killer Cell Company of the West), an immuno-oncology company developing Neukoplast™ (NK-92™), a proprietary Natural Killer (NK) cell-line based therapy, announces the appointments of Robert Rosen and Henry Ji, Ph.D. to the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Rosen is President of Heron Therapeutics (NASDAQ:HRTX) and Dr. Ji is co-founder, President and CEO of Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRNE).

“Robert Rosen and Henry Ji bring valuable skills and experience to Conkwest, and we welcome them to our Board of Directors,” said Patrick Soon-Shiong, M.D., Co-Chairman of the Conkwest Board of Directors. “Neukoplast is the only known cell line that can be commercialized as a direct, scalable, off-the-shelf cancer-killing product. We look forward to developing this proprietary asset, including the next-generation CAR-TNK products.”

“We are thrilled to add to our Board of Directors these two industry executives with strong records of commercial success,” said Barry J. Simon, M.D., President and CEO of Conkwest.

“Robert’s commercial oncology experience spans specialty pharma, global biotechnology and Big Pharma. Importantly, he has led campaigns to commercialize billion dollar products in addition to experience with cell-based oncology therapeutics. He brings broad-based expertise in strategic planning, research, portfolio management, business development and partnership management, as well as three decades of connections in the oncology community.”

“Henry has extensive experience with developing oncology therapeutics, as well as with entrepreneurial, fast-moving companies. His background including both clinical research and executive management responsibilities will be invaluable to Conkwest as we advance our business plan. Henry also brings to our Board a deep commitment to success given the business and financial ties between Conkwest and Sorrento Therapeutics.”

Mr. Rosen has worked in the healthcare industry for the past 30 years, including more than 20 years with oncology therapeutics. Since 2012 he has been with Heron Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company developing treatments for cancer and pain, where he currently serves as President. He is a Director of Heron Therapeutics as well as a Director of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Co. (NASDAQ:LJPC), a biopharmaceutical company focused on life-threatening diseases. Prior to Heron Therapeutics he was Senior Vice President of Global Commercial Operations at Dendreon Corporation, an oncology biotechnology company.

Earlier in his career Mr. Rosen was Global Head of Oncology at Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals with responsibility for the Americas, Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific. At Bayer he led the launch of Nexavar® (sorafanib) for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. He also led premarket activities for Stivarga® (regorafenib) for gastrointestinal stromal tumors and colon cancer, and Alpharadin® (radium 2234 dichloride), now known as Xofigo, for prostate cancer.

Prior to Bayer he was Vice President of the Oncology Business Unit at Sanofi-Synthelabo, where he was responsible for developing the U.S. oncology business and the launch of Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) for colon cancer.

Mr. Rosen received a BS in pharmacy from Northeastern University.

Dr. Ji co-founded and has served as a Director of Sorrento Therapeutics since 2006 and as President and CEO since 2012. Previously he served as the company’s Chief Scientific Officer and as Interim CEO.

Earlier in his career Dr. Ji served as a Vice President of CombiMatrix with responsibility for strategic technology alliances, and was Director of Business Development and Vice President of the biotechnology company Stratagene (later acquired by Agilent Technologies). He co-founded Stratagene Genomics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stratagene Corporation, and served as President and CEO.

Dr. Ji received a BS in biochemistry from Fudan University in Shanghai and a Ph.D. in animal physiology from the University of Minnesota.

About Conkwest

Conkwest is an innovative immuno-oncology company that is developing and commercializing a portfolio of highly potent and selective cellular therapies for the treatment of cancers and serious viral infections. Conkwest’s products are based on its proprietary cancer-killing cell line Neukoplast™ (also known as NK-92), the only known cell line that can be commercialized as a direct, scalable, off-the-shelf cancer-killing product. Neukoplast™ recognizes, binds to and directly kills cells expressing stress ligands such as LFA-3, Heparin Sulfate, ICAM-1 and other stress-induced proteins commonly found on cancers and virally infected cells. It has demonstrated broad anti-cancer activity both in vitro and in human clinical trials while sparing patients from the serious adverse reactions often seen with T-CAR based therapies. Cancer patients have been treated in Phase I clinical trials at Rush University, Frankfurt AM Main, Princess Margaret Hospital and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, and preparations for the first U.S. Phase II trial in Merkel cell carcinoma are underway. Conkwest’s universal antibody-targeted CD16-Neukoplast™, a reengineered product that expresses both the high-affinity version of FcgammaR3 (CD16) and ER-IL2 to efficiently target therapeutic monoclonal antibodies such as Rituxan, Herceptin and Erbitux is advancing through the preclinical stage of development. Conkwest also commercializes Neukopanel™, an NK-92 based bioassay panel for the screening and qualification of therapeutic monoclonal antibody products, with revenue-bearing licenses to many large pharma and biotechnology companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of Conkwest’s management. Such statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements contained herein that do not describe historical facts, including but not limited to, statements regarding Mr. Rosen’s expected contributions to Conkwest’s Board of Directors are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

(ATHX) Finishes Enrollment of Phase 2 Study of MultiStem(R) in Ischemic Stroke

Top-Line Data Readout Expected Around the End of the First Quarter, 2015

CLEVELAND, Dec. 29, 2014  — Athersys, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATHX) today announced that it has concluded patient enrollment of its Phase 2 clinical study involving administration of Athersys’ MultiStem^® cell therapy to ischemic stroke patients. The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of MultiStem therapy in subjects suffering moderate to moderate-severe ischemic strokes. Athersys expects initial results from the study to be disclosed around the end of the first quarter of 2015.

“With enrollment now finished, we look forward to the initial 90-day results from this study,” commented Dr. Gil Van Bokkelen, Chief Executive Officer at Athersys. “An ischemic stroke can be a devastating event for a patient, and effective treatments for stroke are limited, resulting in substantial opportunities for new therapies. Based upon MultiStem’s preclinical efficacy profile, its novel mechanisms of action, and a favorable safety profile demonstrated in preclinical and clinical settings, we believe that MultiStem could provide meaningful benefit to these patients. The results from this study are expected to provide significant insight into the potential for MultiStem therapy for the treatment of ischemic stroke.”

Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain. A leading cause of death and disability globally, each year more than 15 million people are estimated to suffer a stroke, including more than two million people in the United States, Japan and European Union, combined. According to the American Heart Association, ischemic strokes comprise more than 85% of all strokes. Current standard of care for ischemic stroke involves the administration of a thrombolytic (clot dissolving) agent within three to four hours after a stroke has occurred, a narrow window that results in only a small percentage of patients receiving such treatment.

In this Phase 2 trial, stroke victims were administered MultiStem cells or placebo intravenously one to two days after the stroke had occurred. If this study shows that MultiStem treatment is both safe and effective following such administration, as was demonstrated in non-clinical studies, the treatment window could be expanded significantly, from hours to days, providing an important new therapeutic option for stroke patients. Based on preclinical studies, Athersys believes that MultiStem treatment has the potential to substantially improve neurological and functional recovery following stroke by attenuating the inflammatory activity that follows the stroke, accelerating the return to immune system homeostasis, supporting protection of at-risk neurons, and by supporting conditions for neuronal recovery and growth, thereby enhancing repair and patient recovery. The MultiStem treatment’s potential multidimensional impact distinguishes the cell therapy from other pharmaceutical therapies focused on a single mechanism of benefit.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial is being conducted by Athersys at sites in the United States and United Kingdom, and has enrolled subjects who received either MultiStem treatment or placebo one to two days following the stroke. The primary endpoints for the study include safety over the first seven days following treatment and global stroke recovery at day 90, which assesses global disability (modified Rankin Score), neurological deficit (NIH stroke scale) and activities of daily living (Barthel Index). Additionally, there are multiple secondary and exploratory endpoints evaluating multiple elements of recovery and dysfunction, including biomarkers associated with the condition and recovery, and safety variables over the study period.

About MultiStem

MultiStem cell therapy is a patented regenerative medicine product that has shown the ability to promote tissue repair and healing in a variety of ways, such as through the production of multiple therapeutic factors produced in response to signals of inflammation and tissue damage. MultiStem has demonstrated therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory and immune disorders, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular disease, as well as other areas. It represents a unique “off-the-shelf” stem cell product that can be manufactured in a scalable manner, may be stored for years in frozen form, and is administered without tissue matching or the need for immune suppression. The product is extensively characterized for safety, consistency and potency.

About Athersys

Athersys is a clinical stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life. The Company is developing its MultiStem^® cell therapy product, a patented, adult-derived “off-the-shelf” stem cell product platform for disease indications in the cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory and immune disease areas. The Company currently has several clinical stage programs involving MultiStem, including for treating inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic stroke, damage caused by myocardial infarction, and for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease. Athersys has also developed a diverse portfolio that includes other technologies and product development opportunities, and has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as world-renowned research institutions in the United States and Europe to further develop its platform and products. More information is available at www.athersys.com.

The Athersys, Inc. logo is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4548

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the expected timetable for development of our product candidates, our growth strategy, and our future financial performance, including our operations, economic performance, financial condition, prospects, and other future events. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by using such words as “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “should,” “suggest,” “will,” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are largely based on our current expectations. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors could affect the accuracy of these statements. Some of the more significant known risks that we face that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by forward-looking statements are the risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of discovering, developing, and commercializing products that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, such as the uncertainty regarding market acceptance of our product candidates and our ability to generate revenues, including MultiStem for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and other disease indications, including lysosomal storage disorders, and the prevention of graft-versus-host disease. These risks may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Other important factors to consider in evaluating our forward-looking statements include: our ability to raise additional capital; final results from our MultiStem clinical trials; the possibility of delays in, adverse results of, and excessive costs of the development process; our ability to successfully initiate and complete clinical trials; changes in external market factors; changes in our industry’s overall performance; changes in our business strategy; our ability to protect our intellectual property portfolio; our possible inability to realize commercially valuable discoveries in our collaborations with pharmaceutical and other biotechnology companies; our ability to meet milestones under our collaboration agreements; our collaborators’ ability to continue to fulfill their obligations under the terms of our collaboration agreements; the success of our efforts to enter into new strategic partnerships and advance our programs; our possible inability to execute our strategy due to changes in our industry or the economy generally; changes in productivity and reliability of suppliers; and the success of our competitors and the emergence of new competitors. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: William (B.J.) Lehmann, J.D.
         President and Chief Operating Officer
         Tel: (216) 431-9900
         bjlehmann@athersys.com

         Investor Relations:
         Lisa M. Wilson
         In-Site Communications
         Tel: (917) 543-9932
         lwilson@insitecony.com

(NEWT) Expects Dividend for First Quarter 2015 of $0.38 per Share

Newtek Business Services Corp. Expects to Pay Annual Cash Dividend of Approximately $1.80 per Share for 2015

NEW YORK, Dec. 29, 2014  — Newtek Business Services Corp., (NASDAQ: NEWT), a business development company (“BDC”), today announced that it currently expects to pay an annual cash dividend⁽¹⁾ of approximately $1.80 per share for 2015, payable quarterly from anticipated taxable earnings, and is based on 10,206,323 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of December 22, 2014. The Company currently expects its dividend payable for the first quarter of 2015 will be $0.38 per share, which is expected to be declared on April 6, 2015 and payable on April 13, 2015 to shareholders of record on March 30, 2015.

In accordance with the Company’s conversion to a BDC on November 12, 2014, Newtek’s board of directors expects to maintain a dividend policy with the objective of making quarterly distributions in an amount that approximates at least 90% of the Company’s taxable income.  The timing and actual amount of such distribution, if any, remains subject to the sole discretion of our board of directors.

The dividend estimation herein is merely intended to give investors guidance and is not to be solely relied upon for investment purposes.  Because the guidance is based on the Company’s current estimate of its 2015 quarterly taxable income and is unaudited at this time, there is no assurance that such results will be achieved or that the forecasted 2015 full year distribution, if made, will consist solely of taxable income.

⁽¹⁾ The dividend will be paid in cash or shares of the Company’s Common Stock through participation in the Company’s dividend reinvestment program at the election of the shareholders.

About Newtek Business Services Corp.

Newtek Business Services Corp., The Small Business Authority^®, is the Authority for the small- and medium-sized business (SMB) market providing a wide range of business services and financial products under the Newtek^® brand. Since 1999, Newtek has provided state-of-the-art, cost-efficient products and services and efficient business strategies to over 100,000 business accounts across all 50 States to help them grow their sales, control their expenses and reduce their risk.

Newtek’s products and services include: The Newtek Advantage^™, Electronic Payment Processing, The Secure Gateway, Managed Technology Solutions (Cloud Computing), eCommerce, Business Lending, Insurance Services, Web Services, Data Backup, Storage and Retrieval, Accounts Receivable Financing and Payroll.

The Small Business Authority^® is a registered trade mark of Newtek Business Services Corp., and neither are a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release including statements regarding Newtek’s beliefs, expectations, intentions or strategies for the future, may be “forward-looking statements.” All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, intensified competition, operating problems and their impact on revenues and profit margins, anticipated future business strategies and financial performance, anticipated future number of customers, business prospects, legislative developments and similar matters. Risk factors, cautionary statements and other conditions, which could cause Newtek’s actual results to differ from management’s current expectations, are contained in Newtek’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available through http://www.sec.gov.

For more information, please visit the following websites:
www.thesba.com

Contacts:

Newtek Business Services Corp.
Barry Sloane
Chairman and CEO
212-356-9500
bsloane@thesba.com

Newtek Business Services Corp.
http://www.thesba.com
Investor Relations
Contact: Jayne Cavuoto
Telephone: (212) 273-8179 / jcavuoto@thesba.com
Contact: Brett Maas
Telephone: (646) 536-7331 / brett@haydenir.com
Public Relations
Contact: Simrita Singh
Telephone: (212) 356-9566 / ssingh@thesba.com

(RVLT) Enters Into Strategic Distribution Partnership with Fastenal

Revolution Lighting Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVLT) (“Revolution Lighting”), a global provider of advanced LED lighting solutions, announced today that it has entered into a strategic distribution partnership with the Fastenal Company. Fastenal is one of the largest MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) suppliers. Under the terms, through its U.S. stores and distribution centers, Fastenal will stock and make available a variety of Revolution Lighting Technologies’ LED products.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to work with Fastenal and confident our pure play LED product offering, along with our exclusive sales network, will be a valued asset in securing LED lighting retrofit projects with Fastenal’s extensive customer base,” said Vincent Alonzi, VP of Network Sales, Revolution Lighting Technologies.

“We are looking forward to having Revolution Lighting support our customers with their superior energy efficient LED products,” said Jamey Koehler, Director of Lighting, Fastenal.

“The Fastenal partnership is well aligned with Revolution Lighting’s strategic growth plan. This relationship provides Fastenal with access to our expansive LED product line, in addition to a world-class service and support infrastructure. Revolution Lighting gains a market leading partner that will facilitate our entry into the large MRO marketplace. We believe as this relationship continues to develop, it has the potential to contribute positively to our financial performance.” said Robert V. LaPenta, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Revolution Lighting Technologies.

About Revolution Lighting Technologies Inc.

Revolution Lighting Technologies, Inc. is a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, and sale of light emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions focusing on the industrial, commercial and government markets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Through advanced technology and aggressive new product development, Revolution Lighting has created an innovative, multi-brand, lighting company that offers a comprehensive advanced product platform. The company goes to market through its Seesmart brand, which designs, engineers and manufactures an extensive line of high-quality interior and exterior LED lamps and fixtures; Lighting Integration Technologies Inc., which sells and installs Seesmart products; Lumificient, which supplies LED illumination for the signage industry; Relume Technologies, a leading manufacturer of outdoor LED products; and Sentinel, a revolutionary patented and licensed monitoring and smart grid control system for outdoor lighting applications. Revolution Lighting Technologies markets and distributes its product through a network of independent sales representatives and distributors, as well as through energy savings companies, national accounts and its wholly owned subsidiary, Value Lighting, a leading supplier of lighting solutions to the multifamily residential housing sector and new construction marketplace across the U.S. Revolution Lighting Technologies trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker RVLT. For additional information, please visit: www.rvlti.com.

About Fastenal Company

Fastenal sells different types of industrial and construction supplies in the following product categories: threaded fasteners and miscellaneous supplies; tools; metal cutting tool blades and abrasives; fluid transfer components and accessories for hydraulic and pneumatic power; material handling; storage and packaging products; janitorial, chemical and paint products; electrical supplies; welding supplies; safety supplies; metals, alloys and materials; and office supplies.

Fastenal operates approximately 2,700 stores located primarily in North America with additional locations in Asia, Europe, Central and South America, and Africa. The Company operates 14 distribution centers; eleven in the United States – Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia, Washington, California, Utah, North Carolina, Kansas, and three outside the United States – Ontario, Canada; Alberta, Canada; and Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Additional information regarding Fastenal is available on the Fastenal Company website at www.fastenal.com.

ICR
Anton Nicholas / Cory Ziskind, 203-682-8200
Anton.Nicholas@icrinc.com / Cory.Ziskind@icrinc.com

(CLM) Announce Completion of Reverse Stock Splits

(VIMC) Reports on Profitability for 2014 and Project Implementation Progress

BEIJING, Dec. 23, 2014  — Vimicro International Corporation (NASDAQ: VIMC) (“Vimicro” or the “Company”), a leading video surveillance technology and solution provider in China, is issuing this update to keep its shareholders apprised of the current status and timing of its previously announced projects. The Company also expects 2014 to be a profitable year primarily driven by on-track project deliveries and its competitiveness in China’s video surveillance market.

Vimicro Electronics Corporation (“Vimicro Tianjin”) was contracted by China Unicom to provide SVAC-compliant video surveillance system, products and installation services to the Police Traffic Control Detachment of Ziyang City, Sichuan Province (“Ziyang Project”) in September 2013, for approximately USD 9 million. Ziyang Project was already fully completed and received the satisfactory inspection and acceptance by the customer.

Shanxi Zhongtianxin Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhongtianxin), a joint venture in which Vimicro holds 51% interest, entered into a contract with the government of Baoding City, Hebei Province to provide SVAC-compliant system, products and installation services for approximately RMB 250 million (“Baoding Project”) in December 2013. Baoding Project will be completed by December 31, 2014.

Zhongtianxin was contracted to provide SVAC-compliant video surveillance system, products and installation to the Traffic Police Detachment of Taiyuan (“Taiyuan Traffic Control”) for RMB 76 million in June 2014. Taiyuan Traffic Control project is on track according to the project planning. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

Zhongtianxin won the competitive bid to provide SVAC-compliant video surveillance system, products and installation services for Taiyuan’s Phase II Public Security Video Surveillance Information System (“Taiyuan Phase II”) with the estimated contract value of RMB 220 million, following the successful implementation of Phase I project in Taiyuan in 2013. Taiyuan Phase II project is currently being implemented in accordance with the project plan and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2015.

Zhongtianxin is also on track in implementing newly obtained projects in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province and Xiaodianqu District of Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, for approximately RMB 179 million and RMB 58.6 million, respectively. Both of these contracts are expected to be completed in 2015.

“We are very pleased to announce profitability for the year of 2014, while reporting satisfactory implementation progress on some of our completed and on-going projects at the end of a successful year for Vimicro,” commented by Peter Li, CFO of Vimicro. “For the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, the company reported revenue growth at 58% compared with the same period of last year, while our video surveillance business posted a 108% growth on a year-on-year basis in the same period. In addition to Vimicro’s financial achievement, Vimicro is ranked fourth in the Top 100 Security and Surveillance Manufacturers released by China Public Security Magazine recently, after Hikvision, Dahua, and Huawei.”

John Deng, Chairman and CEO of Vimicro, further commented, “The year of 2014 will mark a milestone year for the company by turning profitable after several consecutive years of net loss. We owe our current success in 2014 to our strong focus in our new video surveillance business by transformation and divesture of non-core businesses over the past few years. We will continue to deliver solid solutions and project implementation to our customers’ satisfaction, based on our proprietary video surveillance technology and product suites. We believe our customer satisfaction, together with our leading edge on SVAC video surveillance national standard, will ensure our continued and greater success in China’s robust video surveillance industry in 2015 and beyond, to realize long-term value for our shareholders.”

About Vimicro International Corporation

Vimicro International Corporation (NASDAQ: VIMC) is a leading video surveillance technology and solution provider that designs, develops and markets a full range of video surveillance products and solutions to governments, private enterprises, and consumers in China. Vimicro co-developed SVAC (Surveillance Video and Audio Coding), the national video surveillance technological standard, which demonstrates its unique strengths in proprietary multimedia IC technology, making it a leader in China’s fast-growing security and surveillance market. Vimicro is headquartered in Beijing, China and has subsidiaries and offices throughout China and in Silicon Valley. Vimicro’s ADSs each represent four ordinary shares and are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market exchange under the ticker symbol “VIMC.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Vimicro’s expectations and forecasts, contain forward-looking statements. Vimicro may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Vimicro’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s ability to develop and sell new mobile multimedia products; the expected growth of the mobile multimedia market; the Company’s ability to increase sales of notebook camera multimedia processors; the Company’s ability to retain existing customers and acquire new customers and respond to competitive market conditions; the Company’s ability to respond in a timely manner to the evolving multimedia market and changing consumer preferences and industry standards and to stay abreast of technological changes; the Company’s ability to secure sufficient foundry capacity in a timely manner; the company’s ability to effectively protect its intellectual property and the risk that it may infringe on the intellectual property of others; and cyclicality of the semiconductor industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Vimicro’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Vimicro does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and Vimicro undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Contact:

Vimicro International Corporation
Investor Relations
Phone: +8610-5884-8898
E-mail: ir@vimicro.com

(APDN) SeeThruEquity Initiates Research Coverage Price Target of $5.40

New York, NY – December 23, 2014 / SeeThruEquity, a leading independent equity research and corporate access firm focused on smallcap and microcap public companies, today announced that it has initiated coverage on Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: APDN) with a 12-month price target of $5.40.

The report is available here: APDN Initiation Report. SeeThruEquity is an approved equity research contributor on Thomson First Call, Capital IQ, FactSet, and Zack’s. The report will also be available on these platforms. We also contribute our estimates to Thomson Estimates, the leading estimates platform on Wall Street.

“APDN offers biosecurity solutions across a broad spectrum of supply chain security, brand protection and property and business security applications. At the core of all of its biosecurity solutions is APDN’s SigNature DNA, which is based on full, double-stranded plant DNA. SigNature DNA can be incorporated into labeling, packaging and even into products themselves, giving manufacturers a wide range of options. The company recently received a Popular Science Best of What’s New 2014 Award in the Security category for SmokeCloak DNA, and its products and solutions are gaining visibility within many industries looking to enhance product security,” stated Ajay Tandon, CEO of SeeThruEquity. “APDN has also taken some significant recent steps to increase visibility in the company and strengthen the balance sheet. These include a 1-for-60 reverse stock split, an uplisting to the NASDAQ and a $9.1mn public offering. APDN is actively looking to expand the end market potential for its products, and has announced a string of contract wins over the past few quarters. We see the opportunity for significant growth in the upcoming quarters for APDN. We are initiating coverage with a 12-month price target of $5.40 per share.”

Additional investment highlights are as follows:

Unique solutions for growing, global counterfeiting crisis
According to the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition, the projected value of global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods could approach $1.8 trillion in 2015. According to research from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, the market for counterfeit goods and pirated property represents approximately 5-7% of global trade. This translates to between $500 billion and $600 billion annually. APDN uses the DNA of everyday plants to mark objects in a unique manner that it believes cannot be replicated, and then identify these objects by detecting the absence or presence of the DNA. APDN offers a variety of marking and biosecurity solutions, and looks to seamlessly customize the insertion of its markers into a manufacturer’s production process.

Wide variety of end market applications for APDN’s technology
APDN has been very measured in expanding into its current markets of microelectronics, textiles and security marking solutions. APDN plans to continue to focus its efforts on target vertical markets that are characterized by a high level of vulnerability to counterfeiting, product diversion, piracy, fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized intrusion into physical locations and databases. Future target markets of note include homeland security, law enforcement, identification cards and secure documents, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, fine wine and art and collectibles. APDN’s DNA technology can be embedded into a range of host carriers such as ink, varnish, thread, laminates and metal coatings. It can also be incorporated into liquids, plastic, fiber, metals and other composite materials, making the end market potential practically limitless.

NASDAQ uplisting and private placement highlight recent events
On October 29, 2014, APDN announced a 1-for-60 reverse split of its common stock. This was done in part to prepare the company for an uplisting to NASDAQ, which was then announced on November 17, 2014. The common stock and warrants of APDN both trade on the NASDAQ under the symbols APDN and APDNW, respectively. On November 17th, APDN also announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering. The offering closed on November 20, 2014 and the gross proceeds to APDN were approximately $9.1 million before deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses. APDN intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund working capital, repurchase warrants, and for business development and research and development purposes. The uplisting and capital raise should give APDN increased visibility to a broad new range of investors.

Please review important disclosures on our website at www.seethruequity.com.

About Applied DNA Sciences Inc.
APDN is a provider of botanical-DNA based security and authentication solutions and services that can help protect products, brands, entire supply chains, and intellectual property of companies, governments and consumers from theft, counterfeiting, fraud and diversion. SigNature(R) DNA describes the uncopyable marker that is at the heart of all of our security and authentication solutions. SigNature DNA is at the core of a family of products such as DNAnet(R), our anti-theft product, SigNature(R)T, targeted toward textiles, and digitalDNA(R), providing powerful track and trace. All provide a forensic chain of evidence and can be used to prosecute perpetrators.

For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.adnas.com.

About SeeThruEquity
SeeThruEquity is an equity research and corporate access firm focused on companies with less than $1 billion in market capitalization. The research is not paid for and is unbiased. We do not conduct any investment banking or commission based business. We are approved to contribute our research to Thomson One Analytics (First Call), Capital IQ, FactSet, Zacks and distribute our research to our database of opt-in investors. We also contribute our estimates to Thomson Estimates, the leading estimates platform on Wall Street.

For more information visit www.seethruequity.com.

Contact:

Ajay Tandon
SeeThruEquity
info@seethruequity.com

(SPCB) Names Shai Vardi as VP of Secure Financial Solutions

HERZLIYA, Israel, December 23, 2014  —

SuperCom (NASDAQ: SPCB), a leading provider of Digital Security Solutions for e-Government, Public Safety, HealthCare, and Mobile Payment solutions announced today that it has named Mr. Shai Vardi as its new VP of Secure Financial Solutions.

Mr. Shai Vardi brings over 20 years of experience as an executive in the technology industry, including managing large scale divisions with over a thousand employees and hundreds of million dollar projects. He is an expert in Financial Technology, Cyber Security and Home land security.

Mr. Vardi previously served for 10 years as an Executive Vice President & CIO at Israel Discount bank (DSCT:IT), where he lead the bank’s technology and planning divisions and global IT operations. Prior to that, he served for 7 years as Commander / Colonel in the Israel National Police as the head of information technology.

“We are very pleased to welcome Shai to the SuperCom family. Given his strong background in information technology, secure banking and financial services along with his deep understanding of customer needs in the finance and banking sectors globally, we expect he will be a very valuable asset. We look forward to him helping us better serve the fast growing global e-banking and payments sectors as we move ahead with our strategy to become a key mobile payment Solution provider.” commented Mr. Arie Trabelsi, President of SuperCom.

“I am very proud to join SuperCom. I see in SuperCom a great opportunity as a fast growing company and believe that its solutions for secure mobile payments can quickly make it a true market leader in the space. This advanced secure mobile payments suite that ranges from mobile wallet to mobile POS , allowing customers to securely make payments using any mobile device and merchants to turn any mobile device or any existing POS into as a secure mobile payment POS,” commented Mr. Shai Vardi.

About SuperCom

Since 1988, SuperCom has been a leading global provider of traditional and digital identity solutions, providing advanced safety, identification and security solutions to governments and organizations, both private and public, throughout the world. Through its proprietary e-Government platforms and innovative solutions for traditional and biometrics enrollment, personalization, issuance and border control services, SuperCom has inspired governments and national agencies to design and issue secured Multi-ID documents and robust digital identity solutions to its citizens and visitors. SuperCom offers a unique all-in-one field-proven RFID & mobile technology and product suite, accompanied by advanced complementary services for various industries including healthcare and homecare, security and safety, community public safety, law enforcement, electronic monitoring, livestock monitoring, and building and access automation.

SuperCom’s website: http://www.supercom.com

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. Statements preceded or followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “projects”, “estimates”, “plans”, and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “should”, “would”, “may” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this release also include statements about business and economic trends. Investors should also consider the areas of risk described under the heading “Forward Looking Statements” and those factors captioned as “Risk Factors” in the Company’s periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made by the Company. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements arising from the annual audit by management and the Company’s independent auditors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Investor Relations Contacts:
Matthew Selinger
MZ Group Tel:
Tel: +1-949-298-4319
mselinger@mzgroup.us

Company Contact:
Ordan Trabelsi, President, North America
1 212 675 4606
ordan@supercom.com

(KNDI) China’s Science and Technology Minister Back Micro Public EV Model

JINHUA, China, Dec. 23, 2014  — Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Kandi”) (Nasdaq:KNDI), today announced that a seminar on China’s innovative electric vehicle business model for the public transportation was hosted in Hangzhou on December 19. The top Chinese government officials, and other environmental and transportation experts including China’s Science and Technology Minister Wan Gang attended the event. The delegation group visited the headquarter of Kandi Electric Vehicles Group Co., Ltd. (the “JV Company”)*, and the Micro Public EV Time-Sharing Program (“Car-Share Program”)’s smart vertical garage, one of the on-street parking/charging stations, as well as the multimedia dispatching center.

Mr. Hu Xiaoming, Chairman & CEO of Kandi provided a detailed introduction on the new electric vehicle business model, the Car-Share Program to the delegation group. At present, there were 9,850 Kandi Brand electric vehicles (“EVs”) in total delivered in Hangzhou. Zhang Genming, Mayor of Xihu District Government addressed that Xihu District as the first to launch the Car-Share Program in the nation has achieved a noticeable progress in alleviating traffic congestions and would continue the effort to promote and support the program. Furthermore, Zhang Hongming, Mayor of Hangzhou, the researcher from Development Research Center of the State Council, Zhang Yongwei, the Secretary of ChinaEV100, as well as the senior officials and department leaders from Ministry of Science and Technology, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Transport and other experts also recognized and acknowledged the success of the Car-Share business model.

Most importantly, Wan Gang, the Vice Chair of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) & Minister of China’s Science and Technology Ministry reinforced the value and importance of Kandi’s Car-Share business model and said in his final remarks: “The Car-Share Program is highly recognized. In order to increase the popularity of the electric vehicle, the market shall be ready with the strong infrastructure and government supporting policies. There are enormous potential demands in the Car-Share Program in China. The market growth today is driven by the business innovation, in my opinion, the Car-Share Program will most likely transform the market demand into the reality.”

Kandi’ s Car-Share business model has earned the recognition, affirmation, and endorsement from all the government officials at the seminar. With the government’s guidance suggested, Kandi’s Car-Share business model as innovative public transportation role model in China will have a great impact on development of EV industry and urban public transportation in China.

* The JV Company is a 50/50 joint venture between Kandi and Geely Automobile.

About Kandi Technologies Group, Inc.

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:KNDI), headquartered in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, is engaged in the research and development, manufacturing and sales of various vehicle products. Kandi has established itself as the one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pure electric vehicle (“EV”) products, Go-Kart vehicles, three-wheel motorcycles and utility vehicles (UTVs), among others. More information can be viewed at its corporate website is http://www.kandivehicle.com. Kandi routinely posts important information on its website.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains certain statements that may include “forward-looking statements.” All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects” or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including the risk factors discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these risk factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Kandi Technologies Group, Inc.

         Ms. Kewa Luo 
         Phone: 1-212-551-3610
         Email: IR@kandigroup.com

(CAR) Applauds Volkswagen and Hyundai for Canadian Car of the Year Awards

TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2014  — Avis Budget Group’s Canadian operations today congratulated Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. and Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. for winning recognition for manufacturing some of Canada’s best new vehicles. The car manufacturers were recently honored by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) with the Canadian Car of the Year “Best New” Awards. The Association named the 2015 Volkswagen Golf as the “Best New Small Car over $21,000,” the 2015 Hyundai Sonata as the “Best New Family Car over $30,000” and the 2015 Hyundai Genesis as the “Best New Luxury Car over $50,000.”

Avis Budget Group is proud to feature all three award-winning vehicles in its 2015 model-year fleet, available for rent at select Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental locations across Canada.

The winners were selected by a group of Canada’s best-known automotive journalists who conducted a five-day test-drive of brand-new or significantly-changed vehicle models. The vehicles were driven on public roads under the same conditions to ensure fair and objective comparisons.

“Test Fest, as the test-drive event is commonly known, is one of the most rigorous vehicle evaluation programs in Canada,” said Roman Zelyk, director of fleet operations, Canada, Avis Budget Group. “We applaud Volkswagen and Hyundai on their wins.”

Avis Car Rental serves customers at nearly 200 Canadian locations, at airports large and small as well as metropolitan and local market facilities in all ten provinces. Budget Car Rental, with approximately 300 locations across Canada, at all major airports and in all major cities, is conveniently located to serve customers in all ten provinces.

About Avis Budget Group

Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CAR) is a leading global provider of vehicle rental services, both through its Avis and Budget brands, which have more than 10,000 rental locations in approximately 175 countries around the world, and through its Zipcar brand, which is the world’s leading car sharing network, with more than 900,000 members. Avis Budget Group operates most of its car rental offices in North America, Europe and Australia directly, and operates primarily through licensees in other parts of the world. Avis Budget Group has approximately 29,000 employees and is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. More information is available at www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

CONTACT: Alice Pereira
         (973) 496-3916
         PR@avisbudget.com

(VRML) Announces Equity Financing of up to $18.9 Million; Suspends ATM Program

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 23, 2014  — Vermillion, Inc. (Nasdaq:  VRML), a bio-analytical solutions company focused on gynecologic disease, announced today that investors including Oracle Investment Management, Jack W. Schuler, Birchview Fund LLC and several Vermillion directors have agreed to purchase approximately $10.5 million of unregistered shares of Vermillion’s common stock and warrants to purchase unregistered shares of Vermillion common stock in a private placement.

Under the terms of the private placement, Vermillion has agreed to sell an aggregate of 6,944,445 shares of its common stock at the price of $1.44 per share, the closing price quoted on NASDAQ on December 18, 2014.  In addition, the investors will receive warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,166,659 shares of Vermillion common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share.  The warrants become exercisable six months after the closing of the private placement and have a term of three years from the date of issuance.  If and when the warrants are exercised, the company will realize an additional $8.3 million in proceeds, bringing the total investment to approximately $18.9 million, before transaction costs.

In connection with the transaction, Vermillion agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to file as soon as reasonably practicable but no later than 60 days after the closing a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register the resale of both the shares and the shares underlying the warrants issued at the closing.

The private placement is expected to close on or about December 23, 2014, subject to customary closing conditions. The proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

“We are pleased with the success of this capital raise.  It will provide the funds necessary to propel our commercial transition,” said James LaFrance, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vermillion. “With this additional round of financing, we are also suspending our at-the-market offering.”

“I am very excited about the year we have in front of us.  This investment represents a commitment from our current investors in our ‘new’ team and five year strategy.  It is a recognition of our skills and expertise to become a leader in proprietary diagnostic and bio-analytical solutions for the gynecological disease. Our goal is to improve the quality of life one patient at a time, and there are significant unmet clinical needs in gynecologic disease, starting with ovarian cancer,” said Valerie Palmieri, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Vermillion.

The funds will enable Vermillion to expedite its Ova2 launch, as well as build our Adnexal mass registry, which is the foundation for portfolio and market expansion.

About Adnexal Masses

• 500,000 – 1 million women experience ovarian masses and 150,000 – 300,000 women have suspicious ovarian tumors removed annually in the US.
• Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed in early stages and has the highest mortality rate of all gynecological cancers.
• Over 65,000 OVA1 tests have been ordered to date.
• Vermillion has launched ASPiRA Labs, a CLIA certified national clinical lab, to serve as a cutting-edge biomarker diagnostics center for gynecological cancers.

About OVA1

• OVA1 is a proprietary FDA-cleared blood test to help physicians assess the risk of ovarian cancer prior to surgery and trigger the involvement of a specialist (gynecologic oncologist) for higher risk patients
• The OvaCalc® proprietary algorithm combines five biomarker results into a single numerical “risk score” that stratifies patients into “higher risk” and “lower risk” when combined with clinical assessment
• In two pivotal clinical trials, (Ueland FR, DeSimone CP, Seamon et al. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2011;117:1289-1297; Bristow RE, Smith A, Zhang Z et al. Gynecologic Oncology 2013;128:252-259) OVA1 plus clinical impression detected 96% of all malignancies  vs. 75%  for clinical impression alone. It subsequently reduced the number of malignancies missed from 25% to 4%, a reduction of 83%.
• For early-stage cancers specifically,  31% were missed by clinical impression alone. This was reduced to 5% when OVA1 was added to clinical impression, a reduction of 85%.
• Vermillion is currently developing a next-generation test, OVA2, which has an expected release in the second half of 2015.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. The securities offered and sold in the private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration, or an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

About Vermillion
Vermillion, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel high-value diagnostic and bio-analytical solutions that help physicians diagnose, treat and improve outcomes for patients. Vermillion, along with its prestigious scientific collaborators, has diagnostic programs in gynecologic disease. The company’s lead diagnostic, OVA1®, is a blood test for pre-surgical assessment of ovarian tumors for malignancy, using an innovative algorithmic approach. As the first FDA-cleared, protein-based In Vitro Diagnostic Multivariate Index Assay, OVA1 represents a new class of software-based diagnostics. For additional information, including published clinical trials, visit www.vermillion.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve significant risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the closing of the private placement, the exercise of the warrants and the expected use of proceeds. Words such as “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “seeks,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “will,” “potential,” “projects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on Vermillion’s expectations as of the date of this press release. A variety of factors could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected in such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: (1) Vermillion’s ability to increase the volume of OVA1 sales; (2) Vermillion’s ability to market its test through sales channels other than Quest Diagnostics; (3) failures by third-party payers to reimburse OVA1 or changes or variances in reimbursement rates; (4) Vermillion’s ability to secure additional capital on acceptable terms to execute its business plan; (5) Vermillion’s ability to commercialize OVA1 outside the United States; (6) Vermillion’s ability to develop and commercialize additional diagnostic products and achieve market acceptance with respect to these products; (7) Vermillion’s ability to compete successfully; (8) Vermillion’s ability to obtain any regulatory approval for Vermillion’s future diagnostic products; (9) Vermillion’s suppliers’ ability to comply with FDA requirements for production, marketing and post market monitoring of its products; (10) Vermillion’s ability to maintain sufficient or acceptable supplies of immunoassay kits from its suppliers; (11) Vermillion’s ability to continue to develop, protect and promote its proprietary technologies; and (12) other factors that are described in Vermillion’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and Vermillion’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Vermillion expressly disclaims any obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements to reflect events, new information or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release, except as required by law.

Investor Relations Contact:
Michael Wood
LifeSci Advisors LLC
Tel 1-646-597-6983
mwood@lifesciadvisors.com

(CRRS) Resource Services Confirms Compliance with Wells Fargo

Corporate Resource Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRRS), (the “Company” or, “CRS”), a diversified technology, staffing, recruiting, and consulting services firm, continues to make progress in its refinancing process with investment bank, Carl Marks Advisors. The Company and Carl Marks are currently in discussions with potential new lenders and have received letters which achieved the December 19^th, 2014 milestone in its amendment with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

“We are pleased to be moving forward in our financing process and are working closely with our current and prospective lenders,” said John P. Messina, Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Resource Services.

About Corporate Resource Services, Inc.

Corporate Resource Services, Inc. provides cloud-based enterprise applications and hosting services to PEO and staffing companies, as well as diversified staffing, recruiting, and consulting services. The Company offers trained employees in the areas of Insurance, Information Technology, Accounting, Legal, Engineering, Science, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Creative Services, Hospitality, Retail, General Business and Light Industrial work. The company’s blended staffing solutions are tailored to our customers’ needs and can include customized employee pre-training and testing, on-site facilities management, vendor management, risk assessment and management, market analyses and productivity/occupational engineering studies.

The Company operates approximately 250 staffing and on-site facilities throughout the United States and the United Kingdom and it offers its services to a wide variety of clients in many industries, ranging from sole proprietorships to Fortune 1000 companies. To learn more, visit http://www.crsco.com.

(IRMD) Resumes Domestic Distribution of Infusion Pumps

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla., Dec. 22, 2014  — IRADIMED CORPORATION (Nasdaq:IRMD), the only provider of non-magnetic intravenous (IV) infusion pump systems for use during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures, announced today that it has resumed domestic distribution of its MRI compatible MRidium 3860 IV infusion pump systems.

This follows a September 2, 2014 announcement that the Company received a warning letter from the FDA requesting that it cease commercial distribution of its MRI IV infusion pumps and submit a 510(k). Upon receipt of the warning letter, the Company immediately ceased domestic shipments and began preparing a 510(k) submission. The Company submitted the 510(k) on November 24, 2014 and it was formally accepted for review by the FDA on December 12, 2014. During the FDA’s review of the submission, the Company has resumed sales and domestic distribution of its MRidium 3860 IV infusion pump systems.  The separately sold DERS (Dose Error Reduction System) option (P/N 1145) will not be made available again until the pending 510(k) is cleared by the FDA. The FDA is aware of the Company’s resumption of sales and domestic distribution of the 3860 MRI IV infusion pump systems and the Company’s continued withholding of the DERS option. The Company stated it will continue to work with the FDA as it conducts its review of the 510(k) submission.

Chris Scott, the Company’s CFO, stated, “Given the timing of this step we expect a marginal increase in revenue and earnings for the fourth quarter 2014 compared to our guidance and expect to issue 2015 revenue and earnings guidance on January 12^th.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995, particularly statements regarding expectations about future events affecting the Company and are subject to risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control and could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in its forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to: risks related to the Company’s ability to receive clearance of its 510(k) submission, additional actions by or requests from the FDA (including a request to once again cease product distribution) and unanticipated costs or delays associated with resolution of these matters; as well as other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which may be obtained for free at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. There can be no guarantee that the Company’s efforts will be successful and that it will be able to resume commercial distribution of its IV infusion pumps.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it does not know whether its expectations will prove correct. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today’s date.  The Company does not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements or the “Risk Factors” contained in the Company’s most recent reports filed with the SEC, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

About IRADIMED CORPORATION

IRADIMED CORPORATION is the leading provider of non-magnetic IV infusion pump systems that are safe for use during MRI procedures. Electromechanical medical devices and pumps contain magnetic and electronic parts which generate radio frequency noise, create interference and are dangerous to operate in the presence of the powerful magnet which drives an MRI. The company’s MRidium (3850/3860+) IV pump systems have been designed with non-ferrous parts, ceramic ultrasonic motors, non-magnetic mobile stands and other special features in order to safely and predictably deliver anesthesia and other IV fluids during various MRI procedures. The company’s pump solution provides a seamless approach to providing IV fluids before, during and after an MRI scan, which is important to critically-ill patients who cannot be removed from their vital medications, and children and infants must generally be sedated in order to remain immobile during an MRI scan. For more information please visit www.iradimed.com. MRidium is a trademark of IRADIMED CORPORATION.

CONTACT: Media Contact:
         Chris Scott
         Chief Financial Officer
         IRADIMED CORPORATION
         (407) 677-8022
         InvestorRelations@iradimed.com