Affymetrix, Inc. (AFFX) Seals Key Research and Service Deal with South Africa’s Major State-Backed Genomics Organization

Affymetrix, which has assembled an impressive portfolio of genetic analysis technologies and is a true pioneer in developing microarray solutions for a wide range of lab work/research needs, reported today that the company has secured a key research and service collaboration with a major player in South Africa’s rapidly emerging biotech/life science industry, the CPGR (Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research, established by South Africa’s Technology Innovation Agency to promote sector development).

The CPGR arose as part of a larger initiative by South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology to support the growth and development of the nation’s bio-economy. As such, the CPGR is a melting pot for the very best and latest in genomic and proteomic technologies, with the kind of bio-computational pipelining and biological modeling capability needed to execute cutting-edge human health and agri-biotech solutions.

This partnership between AFFX and the CPGR has the potential to create some astoundingly high-throughput genomics research and downstream personalized medicine developments throughout the entire continent. Affymetrix’s toolkit includes the GeneTitan® family of instruments using the company’s proven GeneChip® Array Plates, a one-stop-shop for hands-free automated monitoring that handles both gene expression and genome-wide SNP genotyping (single nucleotide polymorphism measurement).

Managing Director for the CPGR, Dr. Reinhard Hiller, noted how perfect the GeneTitan Multi-Channel Instrument was in conjunction with the company’s highly-customizable Axiom® Genotyping Array Solutions, which provide a completely dovetailed workflow with GeneTitan, offering pre-designed and customized array plates that use content validated by the Axiom Genomic Database itself (includes full reagent kits and analytical toolsets for the data). Dr. Hiller remarked on how the AFFX product lineup really nails the requirements of scientists across Africa, whose research projects range from small-scale pilots, all the way up to focused validation studies and large-scale discovery type work.

Dr. Hiller was clearly pleased at how the AFFX hardware would greatly expand the CPGR’s genomics muscle, allowing the organization to service/support a whole host of new cutting-edge translational research work being done in Africa, clearing the way for multiple new discoveries and validations of disease-related biomarkers in a highly cost-effective manner. This technology has the power to even kick up extremely rare genetic variants, all via the same low cost, easy to implement methodology. Dr. Hiller explained how the CPGR is anticipating some serious progress in personalized medicine studies now that they have this kind of AFFX-enabled genomics muscle and how the personalized studies aimed at identifying specific genetic markers could lead to developing major upgrades in the areas of diagnosis and drug treatment.

This is incredibly important work being made possible through the partnership, as it is well-known that genetic variability in African populations is higher than anywhere else on earth, meaning not only are such populations vastly underrepresented in hereditary disease and pharmacogenomic studies, but also that exciting new discoveries with wider ranging implications might be made as the work is done. Application of such genomic discoveries certainly has massive impact potential for the health and wellness of all people in Africa, and CPGR will be leading the charge with renewed vigor now that they are equipped with the powerful Affymetrix hardware.

VP of Commercial Operations for International Markets at AFFX, Chris Barbazette, hailed the deal as not only a huge opportunity to ensure that all African populations are fully represented in genomics work leading to personalized therapies, but also a key in-road for the company, whose products will continue to be in high demand as developments progress. Barbazette noted how AFFX is keen to provide leadership in population-optimized genotyping analysis and reminded markets that the company was the first to create a “genotyping array with content derived specifically from African populations.”

For more information on Affymetrix, visit www.Affymetrix.com

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Nevsun Resources Ltd. (NSU) Adds Two Executives to Senior Management Team

Today, Nevsun Resources announced that two new executives joined its senior management team. Mr. Joseph Giuffre is joining the company as Chief Legal Officer, and Todd Romaineis joining as the company’s VP, Corporate Social Responsibility.

Mr. Giuffre, B.A., LLB, is a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in the mining industry and public markets. He has advised on securities and stock exchange and regulatory matters, public offerings, joint venture transactions, debt and equity financing, mergers and corporate reorganizations, purchase and sale arrangements, corporate governance matters, and various other commercial matters. Joining the company in January 2013 as part of the “C” suite, he will be oversee all of Nevsun’s legal activity in addition to managing corporate strategy. His extensive experience in the legal affairs of several public companies in the industry will be a significant addition to Nevsun’s internal capacity for expansion.

With over 10 years of experience in overseeing CSR programs, Mr. Romaine has worked with policy and process development, operational governance, environmental monitoring, and public awareness initiatives with stakeholders and the public. Mr. Romaine spent the past four years with Enbridge, Inc. and has also worked with Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Government of Nunavut. He has a BSc in Environmental planning, a BA in Environmental studies, and an MA in Leadership as well as International Relations. Todd joined Nevsun in November 2012.

Nevsun’s CEO, Cliff Davis, remarked, “[Nevsun] has in recent months been building its internal capacity to support management in its operations and growth for the future. Joe and Todd are both integral components to that strategy.”

For more information, visit www.nevsun.com

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NeoStem, Inc. (NBS) Receives Two-Year $1.2 Million NIH Grant for First Clinical Study of VSEL Technology in Humans

NeoStem is a firm engaged in the fast growing cell therapy industry. This industry is expected to have a significant role in the future in the fight against chronic disease. The company’s contract development and manufacturing service business, Progenitor Cell Therapy LLC, supports the development of proprietary cell therapy products.

The company today announced that it has been awarded a two-year grant totaling $1,221,854 from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a division of the National Institute of Health (NIH). The grant was for “Repair of Bone Defects With Human Autologous Pluripotent Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells (VSEL)”. NeoStem has an exclusive worldwide license to VSEL technology.

This peer-reviewed grant will support a Phase II investigation and the first approved NIH clinical study of VSELs. The study, headed by Neostem’s Dennis O. Rodgerson, Ph.D., will be conducted in collaboration with Drs. Russell Taichman and Laurie McCauley of the University of Michigan. Enrollment of the study is expected to begin in 2013.

The study revolves around the evaluation of VSEL stem cells as a potential treatment for periodontitus. This disease affects up to 90% of the world’s population. The most severe form of periodontitus affects between 5% and 15% of the U.S. population. NeoStem’s product candidate is an autologous therapy derived from a patient’s own stem cells. Its aim is the regeneration of bone tissue damaged by severe periodontitus disease.

The market NeoStem’s therapy will be addressing is believed to generate $1.25-$1.5 billion annually. For additional information about NeoStem and VSEL technology, please visit www.neostem.com.

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Atmel Corp. (ATML) Selected as Newest Member of G3-PLC Alliance

Today, leading microcontroller and touch technology solutions provider Atmel announced it has become the newest member of the G3-PLC Alliance. The goal of this international organization is to promote the G3-PLC Communications standard, which ensures interoperability of new smart grid ecosystems. The G3-PLC committee selects and approves its members.

All member companies belonging to the G3-PLC Alliance are dedicated to the success of the G3-PLC technology and also commit to being instrumental in its rapid deployment. Members are additionally committed to researching or developing products based on G3-PLC, promoting the technology on a global basis and taking part in various technical working groups, interoperability testing, and certification of their products.

Atmel adds to the G3-PLC Alliance’s quickly expanding membership, which features prominent semiconductor companies that are advocating for the best approach to building out the smart grid. The G3-PLC technology is instrumental specification for utility companies that are deploying smart meters throughout the world.

Recently approved by the ITU and compliant with the IEEE 1901.2 standard, the G3-PLC specification is a new low-frequency, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based narrowband powerline communications (NB-PLC) standard. The G3-PLC is the first NB-PLC standard that supports the IPv6 Internet protocol, allowing Internet-based energy and management systems used by utilities and grid operators to manage their assets better on the grid. Now, utility companies can plan their deployments utilizing G3-PLC technology, thereby achieving cost-effective smart grid systems that will meet the needs of customers both now and in the future.

As a member of the G3-PLC Alliance, Atmel can give its customers the assurance that its next-generation solutions will support the G3 specification. This will enable better interoperability between the smart meter and the smart grid infrastructure.

Atmel is a global leader in designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, capacitive touch solutions, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory, and radio frequency components. Atmel leverages one of the broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios in the industry, providing the electronics industry with complete system solutions that are focused on industrial, consumer, communications, computing, and automotive markets.

For more information, visit www.atmel.com

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Swisher Hygiene, Inc. (SWSH) Sells Waste Collection Business

Swisher Hygiene, a leading provider of essential hygiene and sanitation products and services, announced that it has completed the sale of its Choice Environmental Services subsidiary. The sale was made to Waste Services of Florida, a subsidiary of Progressive Waste Solutions, for approximately $123.3 million in cash; however, the purchase price can be increased by up to $1.75 million upon achievement of a predetermined revenue target and is also subject to customary purchase price adjustments, including revenue and EBITDA metrics. Ten percent of the purchase price is subject to a holdback and adjustment upon the delivery of audited financial statements to the buyer.

Swisher Hygiene will pay off its Wells Fargo credit facility for $17.2 million, and equipment leases associated with the operations of Choice totaling $13.2 million and an outstanding note in the amount of $2 million. This will improve Swisher Hygiene’s bottom line and remaining debt will be approximately $13 million, consisting primarily of seller notes.

“We have been pleased with the operations of our Choice subsidiary over the past year and a half and we will miss having the Choice team as a part of the Swisher Hygiene family,” said Thomas Byrne, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Swisher Hygiene. “However, during this period we determined that we could provide our customers with the same benefits through a less capital intensive, more cost-effective approach by partnering with other service providers to cross-sell waste services on a national scale. In the meantime, we remain dedicated to serving our customers nationwide on a day-to-day basis with our comprehensive core chemical program as well as our complementary hygiene and sanitation services.”

Choice offers a complete range of solid waste and recycling collection, transportation, processing, and disposal services. The company operates six hauling operations, three transfer and materials recovery facilities, and annually processes more than 150,000 tons of material. Choice has been in business since 2004 and serves more than 150,000 residential and 7,500 commercial customers in the Southeastern, Southwestern, and Central Florida regions. The company has 320 employees and over 150 collection vehicles.

For more information, visit www.swisherhygiene.com

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CallidusCloud Software, Inc. (CALD) Litmos Learning Management System Selected by Indiamart to Reduce Workforce Training Cost

Callidus Software, a leading provider of hiring, learning, marketing, and selling cloud software, today announced that CallidusCloud’s Litmos® Learning Management System (LMS) has been selected by India’s largest online B2B marketplace for Small & Medium sized business, Indiamart, to lower the cost of workforce training. The proposition was signed in the fourth quarter of 2012.

By utilizing the CallidusCloud LMS solution, Indiamart expects to reduce its expenditures on training. The training, which will be accessible online and via mobile, will allow sales personnel to access new courses while also refreshing their existing knowledge on Indiamart’s services and processes. CallidusCloud’s LMS assessments capability will aid Indiamart in tailoring their training programs to the individual needs of learners while improving engagement and retention.

The CallidusCloud Litmos LMS platform provides users with an easy-to-use mobile solution for learning and training anytime, anywhere. Additionally, the Litmos LMS platform enables customers to build and manage professional-looking online courses themselves. By providing real-time reporting, system users can pinpoint precisely when students have completed their training, how long they took, and what scores they achieved. The SCORM-certified hosted training platform comes with the additional benefit of not requiring any resources or support from the IT department and can be launched in just minutes.

For more information on Callidus Software, visit www.calliduscloud.com

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Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. (CXM) Wins IP Protection for Cardiovascular Gene Therapy

Cardium Therapeutics, an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company, today announced it was on the winning side of a patent decision made in Europe. This decision resolved a long-standing competition between Cardium and its licensor the University of California, and Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) and its licensor Arch Development, over rights to key methods for the application of cardiovascular gene therapy to the treatment of coronary heart disease. Cardium’s Generx® gene therapy candidate, which employs these key methods, is currently in late-stage clinical studies.

Cardium’s patent portfolio now includes allowed and issued patents covering its gene therapy approach both in Europe and in the United States, with competing patent applications licensed and pursued by Boston Scientific having been successfully overcome in both Europe and the U.S.

The competing patent applications licensed by Boston Scientific Corporation had been the subject of opposition proceedings in Europe and interference proceedings in the United States, both of which were ultimately resolved in Cardium’s favor. After further examining Cardium’s case, the European Patent Office approved Cardium’s patent application for grant in Europe. Three corresponding U.S. Patents that had been challenged by Boston Scientific Corporation have been affirmed in the favor of Cardium.

Cardium has additional patents and patent applications involving its methods of cardiovascular gene therapy in the U.S., Europe, Russia, and in other parts of the world, and the company recently filed new patent applications involving certain improved techniques for the treatment of heart disease that are currently the subject of a Phase 3 registration trial based in Moscow, which is designed to generate additional safety and effectiveness data for the Russian Federation and other jurisdictions. Generx® (alferminogene tadenovec) is intended to stimulate the growth of collateral blood vessels to effectively bypass coronary artery atherosclerotic blockages without the need for surgical procedures or angioplasty and stents. Its safety and effectiveness have been the subject of clinical studies involving more than 650 patients in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere. Generx has been assigned the trade name Cardionovo™ for planned commercialization in the Russian Federation. Cardium believes that its Generx clinical database represents the largest and most complete gene therapy dossier and is directed to a major medical indication that is a leading cause of death throughout the developed world.

“The resolution of these important reviews of our gene therapy patents, and the consistent decisions in our favor including rulings by the U.S. courts of appeal, underscore the value of our patent portfolio, which we believe reflects a breakthrough approach to the treatment of coronary heart disease,” stated Dr. Tyler M. Dylan-Hyde, Chief Business Officer and General Counsel of Cardium Therapeutics.

Recently-published findings demonstrate that Cardium’s innovative technique employing transient cardiac ischemia can be used to dramatically enhance gene delivery and transfection efficiency after one-time intracoronary administration of adenovector in mammalian hearts. Two consecutive but brief periods of coronary artery occlusion combined with co-administration of nitroglycerin increased both adenovector presence (measured by PCR) and transgene expression (assessed by luciferase activity) by over two orders of magnitude (>100 fold) in the heart, as compared to prior intracoronary artery delivery methods.

The research results published in Human Gene Therapy Methods extend those findings and demonstrate that Cardium’s new technique for adenovector gene delivery in the heart can be used to dramatically boost adenovector delivery. By enhancing uptake even in patients with less severe forms of disease and ischemia, it would be expected to reduce response variability and allow for the potential treatment of patients with a broader range of associated coronary artery disease. The new treatment protocols for Cardium’s recently-initiated ASPIRE clinical study have been developed to use this improved knowledge about induced transient ischemia techniques to enhance the non-surgical, catheter-based delivery of Generx to the heart.

Cardium has also been actively advancing its Generx product candidate’s engineering and process technology in preparation for commercialization. The company successfully transferred a refined, improved, and fully-validated manufacturing process to SAFC®, the custom manufacturing and services business unit of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (NASDAQ: SIAL), a top global specialty chemicals and biologics supplier, located in Carlsbad, California. As a result of the rigorous technical transfer process, important process improvements were achieved enabling much higher manufacturing process yields. Generx’s long-term product stability has been established at a minimum of six years making it possible to manufacture product in large, cost effective batch sizes. The dose preparation process for Generx has been simplified through the integration of a fully-validated, closed-system drug transfer process incorporating the use of PhaSeal® System passive safety technology to streamline and simplify the cath-lab preparation and eliminating the need to prepare Generx in a sterile, biological safety hood. The company has also developed a new and unique, fully-validated bio-activity release assay to measure and evaluate the pro-angiogenic potency of each newly manufactured batch of Generx.

The European Commission’s recent approval of uniQure’s Glybera® (alipogene tiparvovec) – the first gene therapy approval by a major health regulatory authority – is considered to represent a significant milestone and validation for the gene therapy industry.

For more information, visit www.cardiumthx.com

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