Today, BluePhoenix Solutions announced the execution of a definitive agreement to sell its AppBuilder business to Magic Software Enterprise Ltd (NASDAQ: MGIC) for $17 million. Magic Software provides mobile and cloud-enabled application and business integration platforms to businesses across the globe. BluePhoenix expects to close on the sale in November 2011 (subject to the fulfillment of conditions defined in the acquisition agreement).
After deducting deferred revenues and other expenses, BluePhoenix anticipates that the net proceeds from the sale will range anywhere from $14.0 million to $14.5 million. BluePhoenix will place $2 million of that amount in an indemnification escrow for up to two years. The company will hire an accounting firm to evaluate the non-cash decrease of its intangible assets as a result of the sale.
BluePhoenix Chairman, Eric Green, remarked, “This transaction will significantly improve the financial condition of the company, while allowing us to more diligently focus our efforts on core competencies that will provide us the best long term opportunities for growth and enhanced shareholder value.”
“BluePhoenix was built around its world-class, automated software tools for migrating legacy mainframe applications onto modernized platforms written in languages such as Java and C#, and we intend to continue investing in this critical part of our business,” he continued. “We will soon be announcing an innovative new Cobol-to-Java software product targeted at System Integrators that we believe will further extend our technology leadership in this area.”
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Monday, October 31, 2011
iBio, Inc. (IBIO) Receives U.S. Patent for iBioLaunch Platform that Causes Non-transgenic Plants to Rapidly Produce Proteins
iBio, Inc., a leader in the plant-made pharmaceutical field, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent that covers the viral vectors comprising the iBioLaunch™ platform. iBio owns this proprietary technology that was developed by scientists at iBio’s research collaborator, the Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology (Fraunhofer).
The iBioLaunch™ platform is a highly flexible technology that easily, cheaply and reliably causes non-tangenic plants to rapidly produce a large amount of recombinant protein in the plant biomass for biotherapeutics and vaccines. This whole plant approach allows for lower operating and capital expenses versus protein production using engineered microbial or animal cells in bioreactors. It also has both commercial and public safety advantages, as well as scalability, no risk of contamination by animal pathogens and the ability to show complex proteins.
“The issuance of this patent substantially strengthens the intellectual property foundation of the iBioLaunch system for simultaneously expressing more than a single protein,” said Terence Ryan, Ph.D., iBio’s Senior Vice-President in a press release on Monday. “For example, this patent protects the technology we use for production of human monoclonal antibodies, a rapidly growing pharmaceutical category in which we recently announced successful product candidate testing.”
iBio continues to establish licenses or other collaboration arrangements for its biosimilar products and proprietary products as it moves to commercialize its technology. In January, iBio and Fraunhofer entered into a license and collaboration agreement with an entity linked to the Health Ministry of Brazil to develop and sell a proprietary yellow fever vaccine created with iBioLaunch technology to replace chicken egg based vaccine products.
For more information, please visit www.ibioinc.com
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MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
The iBioLaunch™ platform is a highly flexible technology that easily, cheaply and reliably causes non-tangenic plants to rapidly produce a large amount of recombinant protein in the plant biomass for biotherapeutics and vaccines. This whole plant approach allows for lower operating and capital expenses versus protein production using engineered microbial or animal cells in bioreactors. It also has both commercial and public safety advantages, as well as scalability, no risk of contamination by animal pathogens and the ability to show complex proteins.
“The issuance of this patent substantially strengthens the intellectual property foundation of the iBioLaunch system for simultaneously expressing more than a single protein,” said Terence Ryan, Ph.D., iBio’s Senior Vice-President in a press release on Monday. “For example, this patent protects the technology we use for production of human monoclonal antibodies, a rapidly growing pharmaceutical category in which we recently announced successful product candidate testing.”
iBio continues to establish licenses or other collaboration arrangements for its biosimilar products and proprietary products as it moves to commercialize its technology. In January, iBio and Fraunhofer entered into a license and collaboration agreement with an entity linked to the Health Ministry of Brazil to develop and sell a proprietary yellow fever vaccine created with iBioLaunch technology to replace chicken egg based vaccine products.
For more information, please visit www.ibioinc.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Ventrus Biosciences Inc. (VTUS) is “One to Watch”
Ventrus Biosciences Inc., a NY-based pharmaceutical developer, while still development stage, has assembled a strong portfolio of product candidates targeting the late-stage prescription market, specifically in the gastrointestinal disorder area. A massive, underserved market of some 12.5M people in the US alone suffer from symptomatic hemorrhoids, with another 7M fecal incontinence and 4M in the anal fissure category, yet no US FDA approved prescription treatments for these conditions appear in the market.
Ventrus Biosciences is working on three platforms to address this market. Iferanserin (VEN 309 – lead product), which is an NCE (new chemical entity) ointment in late stage development (Phase III), engineered for twice-daily topical treatment of hemorrhoids and highly selective, antagonistic targeting of the serotonin receptor associated with the disease (5-HT2A). Phenylephrine (VEN 308), a gel formulated to treat fecal incontinence, specifically that type associated with post colectomy surgeries involving an IPAA (ileal pouch anal anastomosis). Diltiazem (VEN 307), a topical cream for relief of the chronic pain associated with small, extremely painful tears in the tissue the lines the anus, which often require surgery.
In each category VTUS has devised a solution that is either superior to existing offerings out rightly or highly preferable to existing offerings, as in the case of Diltiazem, which has been used for decades in hypertension/angina to dilate blood vessels, where the only alternatives are either minimally effective or require surgery. The market potential in North America alone is substantial and with no FDA-approved competition on the horizon, VTUS stands poised to capture both the market momentum and territory.
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Ventrus Biosciences is working on three platforms to address this market. Iferanserin (VEN 309 – lead product), which is an NCE (new chemical entity) ointment in late stage development (Phase III), engineered for twice-daily topical treatment of hemorrhoids and highly selective, antagonistic targeting of the serotonin receptor associated with the disease (5-HT2A). Phenylephrine (VEN 308), a gel formulated to treat fecal incontinence, specifically that type associated with post colectomy surgeries involving an IPAA (ileal pouch anal anastomosis). Diltiazem (VEN 307), a topical cream for relief of the chronic pain associated with small, extremely painful tears in the tissue the lines the anus, which often require surgery.
In each category VTUS has devised a solution that is either superior to existing offerings out rightly or highly preferable to existing offerings, as in the case of Diltiazem, which has been used for decades in hypertension/angina to dilate blood vessels, where the only alternatives are either minimally effective or require surgery. The market potential in North America alone is substantial and with no FDA-approved competition on the horizon, VTUS stands poised to capture both the market momentum and territory.
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wizzard Media (WZE) Announces Invite-Only Test of Beta Version of OnPublish Program on Libsyn.com for Podcast Playback with Facebook and Twitter
Wizzard Media, the world’s largest podcast network, today announced that is has begun a private beta version test of its OnPublish program which will integrate support for both Facebook and Twitter in the libsyn.com publishing platform. With the OnPublish program, producers of podcasts will have the ability to publish audio and video shows directly to Facebook and Twitter which the Company expects will grow their audience numbers by over 50% in two years.
Wizzard previously announced plans to integrate with Facebook and intends to build the first subscription based podcast network that will include the Facebook Credit System used by top games. It takes 10 Facebook credits purchased online or earned via Facebook services to equal one US dollar.
“The ability to publish to the two largest social networks directly from within our publishing platform is a very powerful component that we believe has the potential to help producers greatly expand their unique audience count,” says Laurie Sims, President, Wizzard Media in a press release on Friday. “OnPublish uses Facebook’s proprietary audio and video players to play podcasts and the new system is working as expected. With this new feature alone we believe we can increase our unique audience numbers by 50% over the next two years and grow our subscription revenues substantially as people spend more time consuming media on Facebook.”
Wizzard will use current libysn.com client producers for the initial beta program and then open it up to more producers based on the initial feedback. Plans are to make OnPublish available to all libsyn.com producers in November.
Presently, Wizzard Media clients include Microsoft, National Geographic, Harvard Business Review, NPR and over 13,000 others. In 2010, the Wizzard Media Network had over 1.64 billion podcast requests from approximately 60 million people worldwide using iPods, iPhones, iPads, iTunes, Androids, Blackberrys, Windows Phone, Zunes and many other devices.
For more information, please visit Wizzard Media’s website at www.wizzardsoftware.com/media
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Wizzard previously announced plans to integrate with Facebook and intends to build the first subscription based podcast network that will include the Facebook Credit System used by top games. It takes 10 Facebook credits purchased online or earned via Facebook services to equal one US dollar.
“The ability to publish to the two largest social networks directly from within our publishing platform is a very powerful component that we believe has the potential to help producers greatly expand their unique audience count,” says Laurie Sims, President, Wizzard Media in a press release on Friday. “OnPublish uses Facebook’s proprietary audio and video players to play podcasts and the new system is working as expected. With this new feature alone we believe we can increase our unique audience numbers by 50% over the next two years and grow our subscription revenues substantially as people spend more time consuming media on Facebook.”
Wizzard will use current libysn.com client producers for the initial beta program and then open it up to more producers based on the initial feedback. Plans are to make OnPublish available to all libsyn.com producers in November.
Presently, Wizzard Media clients include Microsoft, National Geographic, Harvard Business Review, NPR and over 13,000 others. In 2010, the Wizzard Media Network had over 1.64 billion podcast requests from approximately 60 million people worldwide using iPods, iPhones, iPads, iTunes, Androids, Blackberrys, Windows Phone, Zunes and many other devices.
For more information, please visit Wizzard Media’s website at www.wizzardsoftware.com/media
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Threshold Pharmaceuticals (THLD) Data demonstrates Candidate Potential
Threshold Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotech company focused on building a pipeline of drugs superior to conventional anticancer drugs, recently announced its ongoing phase III clinical trial results for its clinical stage hypoxia-activated prodrug, TH-302, which were presented at the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) Meeting in Chicago.
Sant P. Chawla, M.D., of the Sarcoma Oncology Center in Santa Monica and principal investigator for the study, gave the oral presentation summarizing the phase II results from the company’s fully enrolled 403 trial, which was comprised of patients with metastatic or locally advanced unresectable soft tissue sarcoma who were not previously received chemotherapy outside of the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting. The trial treated patients at the TH-302 maximum tolerated dose to investigate the candidate in combination with doxorubicin.
“The data from the complete set of patients in the large phase II portion of our study of TH-302 in combination with standard doxorubicin in soft tissue sarcoma patients is impressive,” Dr. Chawla stated in the press release. “Most notable, the data suggest a sizable improvement in efficacy over conventional doxorubicin alone. Combined with its tolerability, the regimen has the potential to establish a new standard-of-care for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas and provides ample justification for pursuing the registration of TH-302 in the ongoing phase III trial comparing TH-302 plus doxorubicin versus doxorubicin alone.”
The company reports that 91 patients were included in the analyses, including 89 patients with at least one evaluable post-treatment tumor assessment. Data demonstrates two complete responses; 30 partial responses; 43 patients with stable disease for an overall response rate of 36%; and a stable disease or better rate of 84%.
In February 2011, Threshold Pharmaceuticals reached agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on a Special Protocol Assessment of the phase III study, which includes a primary efficacy endpoint of overall survival.
The 403 trial is the basis for the ongoing pivotal phase III study designed to compare the same regimen investigated in the phase II portion of the 403 study against single agent doxorubicin.
For more information visit www.thresholdpharm.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Sant P. Chawla, M.D., of the Sarcoma Oncology Center in Santa Monica and principal investigator for the study, gave the oral presentation summarizing the phase II results from the company’s fully enrolled 403 trial, which was comprised of patients with metastatic or locally advanced unresectable soft tissue sarcoma who were not previously received chemotherapy outside of the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting. The trial treated patients at the TH-302 maximum tolerated dose to investigate the candidate in combination with doxorubicin.
“The data from the complete set of patients in the large phase II portion of our study of TH-302 in combination with standard doxorubicin in soft tissue sarcoma patients is impressive,” Dr. Chawla stated in the press release. “Most notable, the data suggest a sizable improvement in efficacy over conventional doxorubicin alone. Combined with its tolerability, the regimen has the potential to establish a new standard-of-care for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas and provides ample justification for pursuing the registration of TH-302 in the ongoing phase III trial comparing TH-302 plus doxorubicin versus doxorubicin alone.”
The company reports that 91 patients were included in the analyses, including 89 patients with at least one evaluable post-treatment tumor assessment. Data demonstrates two complete responses; 30 partial responses; 43 patients with stable disease for an overall response rate of 36%; and a stable disease or better rate of 84%.
In February 2011, Threshold Pharmaceuticals reached agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on a Special Protocol Assessment of the phase III study, which includes a primary efficacy endpoint of overall survival.
The 403 trial is the basis for the ongoing pivotal phase III study designed to compare the same regimen investigated in the phase II portion of the 403 study against single agent doxorubicin.
For more information visit www.thresholdpharm.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Lake Shore Gold Corp. (LSG) Announces Results for Its Wholly Owned Fenn-Gibb Project
Lake Shore Gold Corp. (LSG), a Company that engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in northern Ontario and Quebec of Canada, as well as in Mexico, has reported the results of 4 holes, 3 of which are confirmation (“twin”) holes and 1 infill/expansion drill hole, at the Company’s Fenn-Gibb Project. The Fenn-Gibb Project, which is located 60 kms east of Timmins alongside the eastern extension of the Destor Porcupine (DPFZ) and Pipestone Fault Zones (PFZ), can potentially host significant underground and open-pit resources. The twin and infill/expansion drilling is conducted as part of a work program to help support an Initial National Instrument (NI) 43-101 mineral resource, which is expected to be released before the end of this year. The Company has been targeting an initial resource of between 2 and 3 million ounces, with the deposit to remain open in all directions.
The drilling consists of three holes which are considered “twins” to historic holes that were completed by past operators in the 1990s, as well as one hole into an untested gap within the central portion of the intrusive complex section and then extended north 200 meters of previous neighboring holes.
Tony Makuch, President and CEO of Lake Shore Gold, commented: “We are very encouraged by the results being announced today as part of our confirmation and infill/expansion drill program at Fenn-Gib. The twin holes drilled and check sampling work completed clearly show that past results are holding up very well, with there being some upside potential. The results from Hole FG-11-04, drilled into an untested gap, were also very significant. This hole provided strong confirmation of the geologic model, demonstrated that mineralization extends from the syenite into the mafic volcanics and continues to depth uncovering a 200 metre expansion of shallow mineralization to the north of previous drill holes. Today’s results very much support our view that Fenn-Gib has the potential to host significant open pit and underground resources and we are very much looking forward to announcing our initial resource for the project before the end of 2011.”
The significant results of the project include: 1.31 gpt Au over 414.00m, which includes 1.54 gpt Au over 264.00m, and 2.40 gpt over 20.00m, including 3.72 gpt Au over 9.00m in FG-11-04, which has been drilled into a previously untested gap in the central portion of the intrusive complex and north of previous drilling. Mineralization for the upper portion of the hole is between a down hole depth of 75 and 489 meters and contains moderate to heavily altered alkalic intrusives and mafic volcanic’s, which contains 5 to 15 percent disseminated pyrite. Mineralization in the lower portion of the hole is between 631.0 and 651.0 meters and ended in mineralization with the last 3.0m averaging 6.78 gpt. Results of FG-11-04 are reported to be very positive as they offer strong confirmation of the geologic model being used to identify new mineralization 200 meters north of previous drillings.
Other significant results were reported for three twin holes completed in the central to eastern portion of the deposit with all three holes having grades and widths similar or better than previous neighboring holes. FG-11-03 was drilled 50 meters to the east of FG-11-04 and was created to twin previous hole G-98-184 to be 250.00 meters deep, as well as to cover up untested areas located below this depth. Results from FG-11-03 include 1.20 gpt Au over 236.00m and 9.77 gpt Au over 3.20m, in comparison to 1.47 gpt over 164.50m in G-98-184. Comparison of FG-11-03 over a similar down hole range shows 1.43 gpt Au over 166.00 meters. FG-11-02 was drilled about 50 meters east of FG-11-03 and intersected 1.19 gpt Au over 265.00 meters, compared to 0.88 gpt over 268.00 meters in previous hole G-93-1. FG-11-01 was drilled in the east extension of the Main Zone approximately 160 meters east of FG-11-02 and intersected 3.29 gpt Au over 29.30m, including 6.09 gpt over 9.40m, in comparison to the 2.95 gpt over 28.58m in the previous hole G-96-154.
In part of the recently finished drill program all samples were also analyzed for silver (Ag). The results have indicated generally higher silver grades, which correspond with felsic intrusive rocks and gold mineralization. The composites for silver across the mineralized envelope average 1.00 to 2.00 gpt with a gold:silver ratio averaging 2:1. These silver grades are more elevated than those found in most gold deposits in the Timmins Camp, where silver values are typically less than 0.5 gpt with ratios of approximately 6:1.
Also, the Company has carried out a check-sampling program on about 200 duplicate core halves from past drilling. The samples from the check program were from core covering various past drill programs and rock types overlying a 1 km strike length over the Main Zone. The results of the check-sampling program were overwhelmingly positive and have indicated an average overall grade for the check samples of 1.12 gpt, in comparison to the 0.91 gpt for the original samples. The Company has also taken note to an un-sampled core that is adjacent to known zones from historic holes and will undertake an infill-sampling program.
The Company’s Qualified Persons (“QP’s”) for the surface drilling and check sampling programs that are on the verge of completion on the Fenn-Gib property are Stephen Conquer, P. Geo. and Bob Kusins, P.Geo. As QP’s, they have supervised and prepared for the preparation of the scientific or technical information and verified the data mentioned above. Mr. Conquer and Mr. Kusins are employees of Lake Shore Gold.
Lake Shore Gold has put into effect a quality-control program to guarantee the best practice in the sampling and analysis of the drill core. NQ size drill core is saw cut, while half the drill core is sampled in standard intervals and the other half of the core is stored into a more secure location. The drill core is then transported in security-sealed bags in order to be prepped at the ALS Minerals Prep Lab located in Timmins, Ontario, and the pulps are shipped to ALS Minerals Assay Laboratory in either Vancouver, B.C. or Val D’Or, Quebec. Assays have reached completion by ALS Minerals using a standard fire assay with a 30g aliquot and an AA finish. Samples with assay results above 10.0 gpt are then analyzed once again utilizing a gravimetric finish. ALS Minerals is an ISO 9001-2000 registered laboratory preparing for its ISO 17025 certification.
The potential mineral deposit at the Fenn-Gib project, as mentioned above, is conceptual in its nature. There has been lacking exploration work to define a mineral resource as defined under NI 43-101 and it is doubtful if further exploration drilling will result in the potential mineral deposit being described as a mineral resource.
About Lake Shore Gold
Lake Shore Gold Corp. strives in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in northern Ontario and Quebec of Canada, as well as in Mexico. The company has interests in the Timmins Mine property, Thunder Creek property, Thorne property, 144 property, Casa Berardi property, Bell Creek mine, Bell Creek mill, and RTM/AGE option property located in Canada. The company also holds interests in the polymetallic MontaƱa de Oro project, high-grade Lluvia de Oro gold-silver project, and Universo gold project located in Mexico. It has a strategic alliance with RT Minerals Corp. The company was formerly known as Consolidated Takepoint Ventures Ltd. and changed its name to Lake Shore Gold Corp. in December 2002. Lake Shore Gold Corp. is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
For more information on Lake Shore Gold and other projects, please visit http://www.lsgold.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
The drilling consists of three holes which are considered “twins” to historic holes that were completed by past operators in the 1990s, as well as one hole into an untested gap within the central portion of the intrusive complex section and then extended north 200 meters of previous neighboring holes.
Tony Makuch, President and CEO of Lake Shore Gold, commented: “We are very encouraged by the results being announced today as part of our confirmation and infill/expansion drill program at Fenn-Gib. The twin holes drilled and check sampling work completed clearly show that past results are holding up very well, with there being some upside potential. The results from Hole FG-11-04, drilled into an untested gap, were also very significant. This hole provided strong confirmation of the geologic model, demonstrated that mineralization extends from the syenite into the mafic volcanics and continues to depth uncovering a 200 metre expansion of shallow mineralization to the north of previous drill holes. Today’s results very much support our view that Fenn-Gib has the potential to host significant open pit and underground resources and we are very much looking forward to announcing our initial resource for the project before the end of 2011.”
The significant results of the project include: 1.31 gpt Au over 414.00m, which includes 1.54 gpt Au over 264.00m, and 2.40 gpt over 20.00m, including 3.72 gpt Au over 9.00m in FG-11-04, which has been drilled into a previously untested gap in the central portion of the intrusive complex and north of previous drilling. Mineralization for the upper portion of the hole is between a down hole depth of 75 and 489 meters and contains moderate to heavily altered alkalic intrusives and mafic volcanic’s, which contains 5 to 15 percent disseminated pyrite. Mineralization in the lower portion of the hole is between 631.0 and 651.0 meters and ended in mineralization with the last 3.0m averaging 6.78 gpt. Results of FG-11-04 are reported to be very positive as they offer strong confirmation of the geologic model being used to identify new mineralization 200 meters north of previous drillings.
Other significant results were reported for three twin holes completed in the central to eastern portion of the deposit with all three holes having grades and widths similar or better than previous neighboring holes. FG-11-03 was drilled 50 meters to the east of FG-11-04 and was created to twin previous hole G-98-184 to be 250.00 meters deep, as well as to cover up untested areas located below this depth. Results from FG-11-03 include 1.20 gpt Au over 236.00m and 9.77 gpt Au over 3.20m, in comparison to 1.47 gpt over 164.50m in G-98-184. Comparison of FG-11-03 over a similar down hole range shows 1.43 gpt Au over 166.00 meters. FG-11-02 was drilled about 50 meters east of FG-11-03 and intersected 1.19 gpt Au over 265.00 meters, compared to 0.88 gpt over 268.00 meters in previous hole G-93-1. FG-11-01 was drilled in the east extension of the Main Zone approximately 160 meters east of FG-11-02 and intersected 3.29 gpt Au over 29.30m, including 6.09 gpt over 9.40m, in comparison to the 2.95 gpt over 28.58m in the previous hole G-96-154.
In part of the recently finished drill program all samples were also analyzed for silver (Ag). The results have indicated generally higher silver grades, which correspond with felsic intrusive rocks and gold mineralization. The composites for silver across the mineralized envelope average 1.00 to 2.00 gpt with a gold:silver ratio averaging 2:1. These silver grades are more elevated than those found in most gold deposits in the Timmins Camp, where silver values are typically less than 0.5 gpt with ratios of approximately 6:1.
Also, the Company has carried out a check-sampling program on about 200 duplicate core halves from past drilling. The samples from the check program were from core covering various past drill programs and rock types overlying a 1 km strike length over the Main Zone. The results of the check-sampling program were overwhelmingly positive and have indicated an average overall grade for the check samples of 1.12 gpt, in comparison to the 0.91 gpt for the original samples. The Company has also taken note to an un-sampled core that is adjacent to known zones from historic holes and will undertake an infill-sampling program.
The Company’s Qualified Persons (“QP’s”) for the surface drilling and check sampling programs that are on the verge of completion on the Fenn-Gib property are Stephen Conquer, P. Geo. and Bob Kusins, P.Geo. As QP’s, they have supervised and prepared for the preparation of the scientific or technical information and verified the data mentioned above. Mr. Conquer and Mr. Kusins are employees of Lake Shore Gold.
Lake Shore Gold has put into effect a quality-control program to guarantee the best practice in the sampling and analysis of the drill core. NQ size drill core is saw cut, while half the drill core is sampled in standard intervals and the other half of the core is stored into a more secure location. The drill core is then transported in security-sealed bags in order to be prepped at the ALS Minerals Prep Lab located in Timmins, Ontario, and the pulps are shipped to ALS Minerals Assay Laboratory in either Vancouver, B.C. or Val D’Or, Quebec. Assays have reached completion by ALS Minerals using a standard fire assay with a 30g aliquot and an AA finish. Samples with assay results above 10.0 gpt are then analyzed once again utilizing a gravimetric finish. ALS Minerals is an ISO 9001-2000 registered laboratory preparing for its ISO 17025 certification.
The potential mineral deposit at the Fenn-Gib project, as mentioned above, is conceptual in its nature. There has been lacking exploration work to define a mineral resource as defined under NI 43-101 and it is doubtful if further exploration drilling will result in the potential mineral deposit being described as a mineral resource.
About Lake Shore Gold
Lake Shore Gold Corp. strives in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in northern Ontario and Quebec of Canada, as well as in Mexico. The company has interests in the Timmins Mine property, Thunder Creek property, Thorne property, 144 property, Casa Berardi property, Bell Creek mine, Bell Creek mill, and RTM/AGE option property located in Canada. The company also holds interests in the polymetallic MontaƱa de Oro project, high-grade Lluvia de Oro gold-silver project, and Universo gold project located in Mexico. It has a strategic alliance with RT Minerals Corp. The company was formerly known as Consolidated Takepoint Ventures Ltd. and changed its name to Lake Shore Gold Corp. in December 2002. Lake Shore Gold Corp. is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
For more information on Lake Shore Gold and other projects, please visit http://www.lsgold.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Thursday, October 27, 2011
USA Technologies, Inc. (USAT) Ends Fiscal First Quarter with $42 Million in Small Ticket Transactions; Dollar Volume Up 75% from Last Year
USA Technologies, Inc., a leader of wireless, cashless payment and M2M telemetry solutions for self-serve, small ticket retailing industries, today announced positive earnings for the first fiscal quarter which reflected a record 25 million small ticket transactions earning $42 million. The total transaction dollar volume increased by 75% from a year ago. With its current dollar volume of transactions, the company is on track to reach $175 million annualized run rate.
The company also announced growing success for its ePort Connect Service. ePort installs into a company’s existing cash-only machines so they can accept credit, debit, and new contactless cards. USA Technologies reported that it added approximately 300 new ePort Connect Service customers, increasing by 85% from last year. USA Technologies also provided new service connections to about 10,000 to reach approximately 129,000 connections. This past April USA Technologies also announced that the ePort Connect Service will now include the Verizon wireless network for connectivity to enable wireless point-of-dale payments.
“With developments such as our recent joint marketing agreement with Verizon Wireless, we are launching strategic efforts which we believe would have the potential to further enhance our leadership position, as well as expand our reach and accelerate the adoption of cashless payment technology across the unattended, retail small-ticket landscape,” said Stephen P. Herbert, Interim Chairman and CEO, USA Technologies in a press release on Thursday.
The Nilson Report, a leading source of research on consumer payment systems worldwide, has ranked USA Technologies 5th among the leading point-of-sale (POS) shippers in the United States. The company competes against global giants like VeriFone, Hypercom, Ingenico and First Data to provide cashless payment technology to small-ticket unattended retail locations.
For more information, please visit www.usatech.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
The company also announced growing success for its ePort Connect Service. ePort installs into a company’s existing cash-only machines so they can accept credit, debit, and new contactless cards. USA Technologies reported that it added approximately 300 new ePort Connect Service customers, increasing by 85% from last year. USA Technologies also provided new service connections to about 10,000 to reach approximately 129,000 connections. This past April USA Technologies also announced that the ePort Connect Service will now include the Verizon wireless network for connectivity to enable wireless point-of-dale payments.
“With developments such as our recent joint marketing agreement with Verizon Wireless, we are launching strategic efforts which we believe would have the potential to further enhance our leadership position, as well as expand our reach and accelerate the adoption of cashless payment technology across the unattended, retail small-ticket landscape,” said Stephen P. Herbert, Interim Chairman and CEO, USA Technologies in a press release on Thursday.
The Nilson Report, a leading source of research on consumer payment systems worldwide, has ranked USA Technologies 5th among the leading point-of-sale (POS) shippers in the United States. The company competes against global giants like VeriFone, Hypercom, Ingenico and First Data to provide cashless payment technology to small-ticket unattended retail locations.
For more information, please visit www.usatech.com
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Lighting Science Group (LSCG) Posts 100% Increase in LED Lighting Products Orders
Lighting Science Group released news today that in the past year, it has received more than $100 million of LED lighting product orders, representing more than a 100% increase compared to the numbers from last year. One of the world’s premier LED lighting manufacturers, Lighting Science Group’s products are used in all sectors, spanning everything from the International Space Station to businesses and individual homes around the world. Major lighting retailers, companies, retail chains and various municipalities choose LSG’s products for their substantial energy savings, high quality, performance and renowned longevity.
Jim Haworth, chairman and chief executive officer of Lighting Science Group, remarked, “Surpassing the $100 million order mark this year is not only a significant achievement for our company, but for the entire LED lighting industry. As a result of increasing consumer and business demand, we expect LED lighting sales to grow exponentially over the next couple of years.”
Lighting Science Group has earned the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s first ENERGY STAR label and maintains a leadership position in the number of ENERGY STAR qualified products. The company is dedicated to supporting, promoting and employing green operations and goes to great lengths to ensure that it sources its raw materials sustainably, resulting in toxic-free and completely recyclable products.
Haworth added, “Lighting Science Group epitomizes the “green” American business success story. Only a year ago, the company had 100 employees, now we have 1000. As we look ahead to what’s possible, rather than accept what is, we acknowledge—and appreciate—that the LED bulbs on the market today represent only a stepping stone on this journey towards a more sustainable energy future, not the final destination. We plan to continue to accelerate product innovation and drive down prices. For example, Lighting Science Group will offer a top-grade sub-$15 LED 60-watt bulb in the United States next year. At a price previously unheard of, this bulb will provide millions of people with unparalleled light quality while simultaneously garnering significant returns on investment.”
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Jim Haworth, chairman and chief executive officer of Lighting Science Group, remarked, “Surpassing the $100 million order mark this year is not only a significant achievement for our company, but for the entire LED lighting industry. As a result of increasing consumer and business demand, we expect LED lighting sales to grow exponentially over the next couple of years.”
Lighting Science Group has earned the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s first ENERGY STAR label and maintains a leadership position in the number of ENERGY STAR qualified products. The company is dedicated to supporting, promoting and employing green operations and goes to great lengths to ensure that it sources its raw materials sustainably, resulting in toxic-free and completely recyclable products.
Haworth added, “Lighting Science Group epitomizes the “green” American business success story. Only a year ago, the company had 100 employees, now we have 1000. As we look ahead to what’s possible, rather than accept what is, we acknowledge—and appreciate—that the LED bulbs on the market today represent only a stepping stone on this journey towards a more sustainable energy future, not the final destination. We plan to continue to accelerate product innovation and drive down prices. For example, Lighting Science Group will offer a top-grade sub-$15 LED 60-watt bulb in the United States next year. At a price previously unheard of, this bulb will provide millions of people with unparalleled light quality while simultaneously garnering significant returns on investment.”
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Dynavax Technologies Corp. (DVAX) HEPLISAV Demonstrates Statistical Significance and Superiority
Dynavax Technologies Corp., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops novel products to prevent and treat infectious and inflammatory diseases, today announced that it has unblinded its phase 3 primary endpoint immunogenicity data in subjects with chronic kidney disease. The data demonstrates that HEPLISAV achieved statistical significance in both superiority and non-inferiority as compared to Engerix-B.
Dynavax president and Chief Medical Officer Tyler Martin, M.D., detailed HEPLISAV’s performance and what the results mean for future treatment options.
“The demonstrated superiority of HEPLISAV in chronic kidney disease patients who are at high risk of HBV infection and hypo-responsive to hepatitis B vaccine adds to the growing body of evidence of HEPLISAV’s advantages in a well-known hypo-responsive patient population already being vaccinated against hepatitis B infection,” Dr. Martin stated in the press release. “These results, with three doses of HEPLISAV compared to eight doses of Engerix-B, provide the data necessary to support an indication and specific treatment regimen for HEPLISAV in persons with chronic kidney disease.”
The company also conducted a partial safety analysis, which showed a similar safety profile for the HEPLISAV and Engerix-B, with the incidence of post-injection reactions and adverse events similar in both groups. The phase 3, multi-center trial evaluated 507 patients with chronic kidney disease, and compared three doses of HEPLISAV with eight doses of Engerix-B.
The company said it will present detailed results of the trial in November at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week meeting in Philadelphia.
For more information visit www.dynavax.com
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Dynavax president and Chief Medical Officer Tyler Martin, M.D., detailed HEPLISAV’s performance and what the results mean for future treatment options.
“The demonstrated superiority of HEPLISAV in chronic kidney disease patients who are at high risk of HBV infection and hypo-responsive to hepatitis B vaccine adds to the growing body of evidence of HEPLISAV’s advantages in a well-known hypo-responsive patient population already being vaccinated against hepatitis B infection,” Dr. Martin stated in the press release. “These results, with three doses of HEPLISAV compared to eight doses of Engerix-B, provide the data necessary to support an indication and specific treatment regimen for HEPLISAV in persons with chronic kidney disease.”
The company also conducted a partial safety analysis, which showed a similar safety profile for the HEPLISAV and Engerix-B, with the incidence of post-injection reactions and adverse events similar in both groups. The phase 3, multi-center trial evaluated 507 patients with chronic kidney disease, and compared three doses of HEPLISAV with eight doses of Engerix-B.
The company said it will present detailed results of the trial in November at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week meeting in Philadelphia.
For more information visit www.dynavax.com
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MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
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SciClone Pharmaceuticals (SCLN) Continues Growth in China
SciClone Pharmaceuticals is a China-centric specialty pharmaceutical company focused on therapies for oncology and infectious diseases, along with cardiovascular, urological, respiratory, and central nervous system disorders. The company was founded in 1989 and is headquartered south of San Francisco in Foster City, California.
SciClone’s flagship product, ZADAXIN® (thymalfasin), is approved in over 30 countries for the treatment of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), as a vaccine adjuvant, and for certain cancers. The product has seen steady growth since its introduction to China in the mid-1990s. Besides ZADAXIN, the company markets about 20 products in China, mostly through partnerships, including Depakine®, the most widely prescribed broad-spectrum anti-convulsant in China, Tritace®, an ACE inhibitor for the treatment of hypertension, Stilnox®, a fast-acting hypnotic for the short-term treatment of insomnia (marketed as Ambien® in the US), and Aggrastat®, a recently-launched intervention cardiology product.
SciClone also has a strong pipeline of product candidates, 10 of which are in clinical trials or in other stages of regulatory approval in China. On the development side, SciClone is evaluating SCV-07 in a phase 2b trial to modify the course of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.
The company’s April, 2011, acquisition of NovaMed Pharmaceuticals, a China based pharmaceutical company, represented a significant near-term boost in revenues, strengthening SciClone’s balance sheet and their overall position in China.
SciClone’s growth over the years can be traced to a history of talented leadership from people who have gone on to play key roles in the industry, such as Shawn Singh who served in many key positions in the early development of SciClone. Mr. Singh is currently the CEO of VistaGen Therapeutics (OTCBB: VSTA), a California biotechnology company primiarly focused on using proprietary stem cell technologies for drug rescue and cell therapy. SciClone’s current President and CEO is Friedhelm Blobel, Ph.D., who has had an extensive pharmaceutical career supporting operations in the U.S. and Asia.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.SciClone.com
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SciClone’s flagship product, ZADAXIN® (thymalfasin), is approved in over 30 countries for the treatment of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), as a vaccine adjuvant, and for certain cancers. The product has seen steady growth since its introduction to China in the mid-1990s. Besides ZADAXIN, the company markets about 20 products in China, mostly through partnerships, including Depakine®, the most widely prescribed broad-spectrum anti-convulsant in China, Tritace®, an ACE inhibitor for the treatment of hypertension, Stilnox®, a fast-acting hypnotic for the short-term treatment of insomnia (marketed as Ambien® in the US), and Aggrastat®, a recently-launched intervention cardiology product.
SciClone also has a strong pipeline of product candidates, 10 of which are in clinical trials or in other stages of regulatory approval in China. On the development side, SciClone is evaluating SCV-07 in a phase 2b trial to modify the course of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.
The company’s April, 2011, acquisition of NovaMed Pharmaceuticals, a China based pharmaceutical company, represented a significant near-term boost in revenues, strengthening SciClone’s balance sheet and their overall position in China.
SciClone’s growth over the years can be traced to a history of talented leadership from people who have gone on to play key roles in the industry, such as Shawn Singh who served in many key positions in the early development of SciClone. Mr. Singh is currently the CEO of VistaGen Therapeutics (OTCBB: VSTA), a California biotechnology company primiarly focused on using proprietary stem cell technologies for drug rescue and cell therapy. SciClone’s current President and CEO is Friedhelm Blobel, Ph.D., who has had an extensive pharmaceutical career supporting operations in the U.S. and Asia.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.SciClone.com
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Cereplast, Inc. (CERP) Completes Purchase of Manufacturing Plant in Italy
Cereplast, Inc. designs and manufactures proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics which are used as substitutes for traditional plastics at a price that is competitive. The company offers products which meet a variety of customer needs.
The company said today that it has completed the purchase of a manufacturing plant in Assisi, Italy that will serve as the hub for its European bioplastics production. The new plant enables Cereplast to further expand its capabilities to produce and deliver bioplastic products to the European marketplace.
The management of Cereplant estimates the total cost of the purchase and refurbishment of the facility to be about 12 million euros. The majority of the funding will be provided by the Italian bank Monte de Paschi di Sienna.
Cereplast intends to build a plant with a capacity of approximately 100,000 tons, or 220 million pounds, which will be completed in two phases. The first phase will allow for a 50,000 ton capacity with manufacturing expected to begin by the fourth quarter of 2012. The second phase is expected to be completed on a schedule based on market demand for the bioplastics.
For additional information about Cereplast, please visit the company’s website at www.cereplast.com
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The company said today that it has completed the purchase of a manufacturing plant in Assisi, Italy that will serve as the hub for its European bioplastics production. The new plant enables Cereplast to further expand its capabilities to produce and deliver bioplastic products to the European marketplace.
The management of Cereplant estimates the total cost of the purchase and refurbishment of the facility to be about 12 million euros. The majority of the funding will be provided by the Italian bank Monte de Paschi di Sienna.
Cereplast intends to build a plant with a capacity of approximately 100,000 tons, or 220 million pounds, which will be completed in two phases. The first phase will allow for a 50,000 ton capacity with manufacturing expected to begin by the fourth quarter of 2012. The second phase is expected to be completed on a schedule based on market demand for the bioplastics.
For additional information about Cereplast, please visit the company’s website at www.cereplast.com
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PositiveID Corp. (PSID) iglucose™ System Offers Better Outcomes and Lower Costs to Healthcare System
PositiveID Corp., a company that develops medical devices and biological detection systems, focusing primarily on diabetes management, rapid medical testing, and airborne bio-threat detection, has developed the iglucose™ system to bring the future technology of diabetes management to consumers. A comprehensive video has been made to present the many benefits of the iglucose™ system, which can be found at http://www.positiveidcorp.com/products_iglucose.html
The very powerful yet simple to use iglucose mobile health system has been designed to work with popular glucose meters already in the market. It will also be integrated to work together with a cutting edge product that is currently in development and getting closer to coming to market from PositiveID – the company’s noninvasive (no needles or pricks involved) breath-based glucose tester called Easy Check™. This breakthrough product will allow the user to blow into the device to get their glucose readings. These readings can then be transmitted with the iglucose system for desired persons to read and monitor. The breath-based glucose meter is now ready for pre-trial testing and is heading towards U.S. Food and Drug Administration submission.
iglucose has already been submitted to the US FDA and is pending clearance.
For more information on PositiveID Corp., visit their company website at http://www.positiveidcorp.com
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The very powerful yet simple to use iglucose mobile health system has been designed to work with popular glucose meters already in the market. It will also be integrated to work together with a cutting edge product that is currently in development and getting closer to coming to market from PositiveID – the company’s noninvasive (no needles or pricks involved) breath-based glucose tester called Easy Check™. This breakthrough product will allow the user to blow into the device to get their glucose readings. These readings can then be transmitted with the iglucose system for desired persons to read and monitor. The breath-based glucose meter is now ready for pre-trial testing and is heading towards U.S. Food and Drug Administration submission.
iglucose has already been submitted to the US FDA and is pending clearance.
For more information on PositiveID Corp., visit their company website at http://www.positiveidcorp.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
MiMedx Group, Inc. (MDXG) Reports Q3 Results, Product Achievements
MiMedx Group, Inc., an integrated developer, manufacturer and marketer of patent protected regenerative biomaterials and bioimplants processed from human amniotic membrane, today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.
The company posted record second-quarter revenue at $2.1 million, a nearly twenty-fold increase over third quarter of 2010 revenue reported at $108,000. MiMedx reported a net loss of $1.7 million, or $(0.02) per diluted common share, for the third quarter, compared to a net loss of $2.8 million, or $(0.05) per diluted common share, in the third quarter of last year.
The company achieved breakeven adjusted EBITDA for the month of September, and Parker H. “Pete” Petit, chairman and CEO of MiMedx, said the company reduced its adjusted EBITDA loss in the third quarter by nearly $500,000 compared to the previous quarter.
“With a combination of revenue growth and expense management, we are making significant strides towards achieving positive Adjusted EBITDA in the near term. We expect that the recent addition of key resources in our sales organization, our agreement with Affirmative Solutions for our VA initiatives, and several potential OEM agreements that are currently in various stages of negotiation will provide further support of our fourth quarter growth goals. These initiatives, along with our continued diligence in expense control, will expedite our Adjusted EBITDA/positive cash flow objectives,” Petit stated in the press release.
During the third quarter, MiMedx also launched its AmnioFix® Injectable and commenced shipments into distribution. The company noted increasing interest in the technology as it demonstrates growing application.
“We have initiated a limited launch of the AmnioFix® Injectable to a group of physicians who, for quite some time, have expressed an interest in this configuration,” Bill Taylor, president and COO of MiMedx stated. “The physicians using it in the limited launch are focusing their efforts on tendonitis applications. AmnioFix® Injectable may have numerous additional uses as well, and at this time, we are conducting additional evaluations to study such applications. … Based on the data and evidence we have collected so far, it appears that our AmnioFix and EpiFix® products will have strong clinical results and be quite cost effective in their uses for numerous medical procedures.”
For more information visit www.mimedx.com
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The company posted record second-quarter revenue at $2.1 million, a nearly twenty-fold increase over third quarter of 2010 revenue reported at $108,000. MiMedx reported a net loss of $1.7 million, or $(0.02) per diluted common share, for the third quarter, compared to a net loss of $2.8 million, or $(0.05) per diluted common share, in the third quarter of last year.
The company achieved breakeven adjusted EBITDA for the month of September, and Parker H. “Pete” Petit, chairman and CEO of MiMedx, said the company reduced its adjusted EBITDA loss in the third quarter by nearly $500,000 compared to the previous quarter.
“With a combination of revenue growth and expense management, we are making significant strides towards achieving positive Adjusted EBITDA in the near term. We expect that the recent addition of key resources in our sales organization, our agreement with Affirmative Solutions for our VA initiatives, and several potential OEM agreements that are currently in various stages of negotiation will provide further support of our fourth quarter growth goals. These initiatives, along with our continued diligence in expense control, will expedite our Adjusted EBITDA/positive cash flow objectives,” Petit stated in the press release.
During the third quarter, MiMedx also launched its AmnioFix® Injectable and commenced shipments into distribution. The company noted increasing interest in the technology as it demonstrates growing application.
“We have initiated a limited launch of the AmnioFix® Injectable to a group of physicians who, for quite some time, have expressed an interest in this configuration,” Bill Taylor, president and COO of MiMedx stated. “The physicians using it in the limited launch are focusing their efforts on tendonitis applications. AmnioFix® Injectable may have numerous additional uses as well, and at this time, we are conducting additional evaluations to study such applications. … Based on the data and evidence we have collected so far, it appears that our AmnioFix and EpiFix® products will have strong clinical results and be quite cost effective in their uses for numerous medical procedures.”
For more information visit www.mimedx.com
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MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Echo Therapeutics, Inc. (ECTE) Offers Patients a Needle-Free Approach to Medicine
As any needle-phobic patient can tell you, a big part of medicine involves getting past the skin barrier. It’s an issue for getting medicine in, or getting blood out, and it’s more than a painful irritation. For people who have special needs, such as continuous glucose monitoring, needles can represent a major quality of life issue, a serious need now being addressed by a new technology offered through Echo Therapeutics, Inc.
Echo Therapeutics is a Pennsylvania based medical device company, with a deep expertise in advanced skin permeation technology. The company’s primary technology is its Prelude® SkinPrep System, a platform for enhanced and painless skin permeation, targeting two widespread uses:
• Needle-Free Drug Delivery, with the delivery of lidocaine, a common local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug, as the initial application
• Analyte Extraction, using the Symphony® tCGM System for needle-free, continuous glucose monitoring in hospital patients as the first application
Echo has enjoyed significant share-price growth, rising from $0.212 in late 2008 to nearly exceed $5.00 earlier this year, with additional applications for painless needle-free drug delivery already being planned.
One of Echo’s key directors, and a past president of the company, is Shawn Singh, currently the CEO of VistaGen Therapeutics (OTCBB: VSTA), a growing biotechnology company focused on using proprietary stem cell technologies for drug rescue. Mr. Singh, an honors graduate of U.C. Berkeley with a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law, has been working with life science companies for nearly 20 years. He has also served as CEO and director of Hemodynamics Therapeutics, a majority owned affiliate of Cato BioVentures.
For additional information on Echo Therapeutics, visit www.EchoTx.com
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Echo Therapeutics is a Pennsylvania based medical device company, with a deep expertise in advanced skin permeation technology. The company’s primary technology is its Prelude® SkinPrep System, a platform for enhanced and painless skin permeation, targeting two widespread uses:
• Needle-Free Drug Delivery, with the delivery of lidocaine, a common local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug, as the initial application
• Analyte Extraction, using the Symphony® tCGM System for needle-free, continuous glucose monitoring in hospital patients as the first application
Echo has enjoyed significant share-price growth, rising from $0.212 in late 2008 to nearly exceed $5.00 earlier this year, with additional applications for painless needle-free drug delivery already being planned.
One of Echo’s key directors, and a past president of the company, is Shawn Singh, currently the CEO of VistaGen Therapeutics (OTCBB: VSTA), a growing biotechnology company focused on using proprietary stem cell technologies for drug rescue. Mr. Singh, an honors graduate of U.C. Berkeley with a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law, has been working with life science companies for nearly 20 years. He has also served as CEO and director of Hemodynamics Therapeutics, a majority owned affiliate of Cato BioVentures.
For additional information on Echo Therapeutics, visit www.EchoTx.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
MicroVision (MVIS) Posts Q2 Results, Highlights
MicroVision Inc., a leading provider of innovative ultra-miniature projection display technology, today announced its operating and financial results for the second quarter of 2011.
For the three months ended June 30, 2011, MicroVision reported revenue of $1.2 million compared to $2.1 million reported for the second quarter of 2010. As of June 30, 2011, the company’s backlog was $1.7 million.
The company reported an operating loss of $9.3 million, or $(0.09) per share, for the second quarter of 2011 compared to a loss of $11.1 million, or $(0.12) per share, for the comparable quarter last year.
As of June 30, 2011, MicroVision’s cash and cash equivalents were $9.3 million, which includes $2.4 million raised during the second quarter of 2011 through the company’s 2010 equity financing facility.
“We are realizing the results from the business plan we announced and implemented in late 2010 and early 2011,” Alexander Tokman, president and CEO of MicroVision stated in the press release. “While we continue to reduce cash used in operations, the team is actively engaged in expanding our distribution network for the SHOWWX product line and closing important business development opportunities.”
The company also highlighted second-quarter achievements, including the securitization of new equity financing facility under which the company may sell up to $40 million of its common stock over two years.
MicroVision also continued to execute on its three key initiatives for 2011: progressing the development of the next-generation high-definition (HD) PicoP® display engine with Pioneer Corp.; adding new distribution partners for the SHOWWX family of pico projectors; and significantly reducing its cash used in operations compared to 2010.
The company also signed a first-of-its-kind agreement with a major automobile manufacturer, which enables the company to move toward commercialization of its PicoP head-up display technology (PicoHUD™) inside a mass-production car model slated for market introduction in 2014.
For more information visit microvision.com
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For the three months ended June 30, 2011, MicroVision reported revenue of $1.2 million compared to $2.1 million reported for the second quarter of 2010. As of June 30, 2011, the company’s backlog was $1.7 million.
The company reported an operating loss of $9.3 million, or $(0.09) per share, for the second quarter of 2011 compared to a loss of $11.1 million, or $(0.12) per share, for the comparable quarter last year.
As of June 30, 2011, MicroVision’s cash and cash equivalents were $9.3 million, which includes $2.4 million raised during the second quarter of 2011 through the company’s 2010 equity financing facility.
“We are realizing the results from the business plan we announced and implemented in late 2010 and early 2011,” Alexander Tokman, president and CEO of MicroVision stated in the press release. “While we continue to reduce cash used in operations, the team is actively engaged in expanding our distribution network for the SHOWWX product line and closing important business development opportunities.”
The company also highlighted second-quarter achievements, including the securitization of new equity financing facility under which the company may sell up to $40 million of its common stock over two years.
MicroVision also continued to execute on its three key initiatives for 2011: progressing the development of the next-generation high-definition (HD) PicoP® display engine with Pioneer Corp.; adding new distribution partners for the SHOWWX family of pico projectors; and significantly reducing its cash used in operations compared to 2010.
The company also signed a first-of-its-kind agreement with a major automobile manufacturer, which enables the company to move toward commercialization of its PicoP head-up display technology (PicoHUD™) inside a mass-production car model slated for market introduction in 2014.
For more information visit microvision.com
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Accuray Inc. (ARAY) Granted 510(K) Clearance for Marketing New Feature of TomoTherapy System
Accuray Inc., the premier radiation oncology company that develops, manufactures and sells personalized innovative treatment solutions, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted the company 510(k) clearance for the marketing of the Dose Control System (DCS) for their TomoTherapy System in the United States. Accuray stated that the DCS feature allows for even higher precision in the dose stability throughout rotational treatments of image-guided radiation therapy in the TomoTherapy System by automatically adjusting controls to limit interruptions and ensuring steadiness over longer duration treatments. Customers can expect higher satisfaction, better patient experience and improved overall performance when the DCS feature is used.
“FDA clearance of the new Dose Control System is a positive step toward improving TomoTherapy System performance and customer satisfaction,” said Euan S. Thomson, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Accuray in a press release on Tuesday. “We are dedicated to offering our customers technological advancements that help streamline their workflow and expand the capabilities of their systems.”
When the TomoTherapy system was introduced it revolutionized radiation therapy by providing the option to deliver slices of radiation precisely to target areas without harming surrounding healthy tissue. The advent of this new DCS feature will break new ground by providing an even higher precision of dose stability throughout complex rotational treatments. DCS feature automates what used to be a manual process thus allowing small variations to be immediately corrected which will be especially good for the long treatment procedures like Total Marrow and Total Body Irradiation.
Accuray creates technologies that are used in 582 systems installed in hospitals worldwide that have treated over 200,000 patients. Their key technologies deliver radio surgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy and adaptive radiation therapy.
For more information on the Dose Control System or Accuray, please visit www.accuray.com
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“FDA clearance of the new Dose Control System is a positive step toward improving TomoTherapy System performance and customer satisfaction,” said Euan S. Thomson, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Accuray in a press release on Tuesday. “We are dedicated to offering our customers technological advancements that help streamline their workflow and expand the capabilities of their systems.”
When the TomoTherapy system was introduced it revolutionized radiation therapy by providing the option to deliver slices of radiation precisely to target areas without harming surrounding healthy tissue. The advent of this new DCS feature will break new ground by providing an even higher precision of dose stability throughout complex rotational treatments. DCS feature automates what used to be a manual process thus allowing small variations to be immediately corrected which will be especially good for the long treatment procedures like Total Marrow and Total Body Irradiation.
Accuray creates technologies that are used in 582 systems installed in hospitals worldwide that have treated over 200,000 patients. Their key technologies deliver radio surgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy and adaptive radiation therapy.
For more information on the Dose Control System or Accuray, please visit www.accuray.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. (VSTA) Announces Identification of Cell Surface Marker that Permits High-Yield Purification of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company applying stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, just announced the publication of original research funded by the Company that identifies an antibody useful in the identification and purification of cardiac progenitors and cardiomyocytes.
The research, titled “Novel Use for SIRPA as a Specific Cell Surface Marker for the Isolation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes,” stems from research funded in part by VistaGen and conducted by a collaborative team led by Dr. Gordon Keller at the University Health Network’s McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Toronto. The results of these studies were published in the peer-reviewed journal, Nature Biotechnology, on October 23, 2011.
“The identification and use of the SIRPA antibody permits us to select the very earliest human cardiac progenitors, as well as mature cardiomyocytes, and study the important role of non-cardiomyocytes in the function and maturation of cardiomyocytes,” said Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, President and Chief Scientific Officer of VistaGen. “Using this antibody, we can produce human cardiomyocytes with greater than 95% purity, without genetically modifying the cells and without antibiotic selection, which is a significant step forward for our cardiotoxicity bioassay system, CardioSafe 3D™, and our cell therapy initiatives.”
The Keller team identified human cardiomyocyte specific markers by screening human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived cardiovascular populations with known antibodies. From this screen, the signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPĪ) was identified as a marker expressed specifically on hESC and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes and their precursors. Cell sorting and selection with the SIRPA antibody allowed for the enrichment of cardiac precursors and cardiomyocytes from hESC/iPSC differentiation cultures, yielding populations of up to 98% cardiac troponin T-positive cells. SIRPA-positive cells, when cultured, express the expected markers, transcription factors and cytoskeletal markers of cardiomyocytes, and can be maintained in culture for extended periods of time. These findings provide, for the first time, a simple method for isolating some of the earliest populations of cardiac precursors and mature cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cell cultures. This readily adaptable technology offers a viable approach for generating large numbers of enriched, non-genetically modified, cardiomyocytes for numerous therapeutic applications.
Through its long-standing collaboration with Dr. Gordon Keller, who is also Chairman of the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board, and a license agreement with the University Health Network, VistaGen has exclusive worldwide rights to intellectual property arising from this research conducted by Dr. Keller’s laboratory. These studies, funded by VistaGen, are part of the Company’s Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tubetm platform, which has proprietary applications in drug screening, cell therapy, and regenerative medicine.
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
The research, titled “Novel Use for SIRPA as a Specific Cell Surface Marker for the Isolation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes,” stems from research funded in part by VistaGen and conducted by a collaborative team led by Dr. Gordon Keller at the University Health Network’s McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Toronto. The results of these studies were published in the peer-reviewed journal, Nature Biotechnology, on October 23, 2011.
“The identification and use of the SIRPA antibody permits us to select the very earliest human cardiac progenitors, as well as mature cardiomyocytes, and study the important role of non-cardiomyocytes in the function and maturation of cardiomyocytes,” said Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, President and Chief Scientific Officer of VistaGen. “Using this antibody, we can produce human cardiomyocytes with greater than 95% purity, without genetically modifying the cells and without antibiotic selection, which is a significant step forward for our cardiotoxicity bioassay system, CardioSafe 3D™, and our cell therapy initiatives.”
The Keller team identified human cardiomyocyte specific markers by screening human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived cardiovascular populations with known antibodies. From this screen, the signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPĪ) was identified as a marker expressed specifically on hESC and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes and their precursors. Cell sorting and selection with the SIRPA antibody allowed for the enrichment of cardiac precursors and cardiomyocytes from hESC/iPSC differentiation cultures, yielding populations of up to 98% cardiac troponin T-positive cells. SIRPA-positive cells, when cultured, express the expected markers, transcription factors and cytoskeletal markers of cardiomyocytes, and can be maintained in culture for extended periods of time. These findings provide, for the first time, a simple method for isolating some of the earliest populations of cardiac precursors and mature cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cell cultures. This readily adaptable technology offers a viable approach for generating large numbers of enriched, non-genetically modified, cardiomyocytes for numerous therapeutic applications.
Through its long-standing collaboration with Dr. Gordon Keller, who is also Chairman of the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board, and a license agreement with the University Health Network, VistaGen has exclusive worldwide rights to intellectual property arising from this research conducted by Dr. Keller’s laboratory. These studies, funded by VistaGen, are part of the Company’s Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tubetm platform, which has proprietary applications in drug screening, cell therapy, and regenerative medicine.
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Sharps Compliance (SMED) Reports Revenue Growth in Fiscal 2012 First Quarter
Sharps Compliance Corp. is a leading full service provider of cost-effective management solutions for medical waste and unused dispensed medications generated outside the hospital and large health care facility setting. The company’s strategy is to capture a large part of this estimated $2.8 billion market by targeting the major agencies that are connected to medical waste, including the U.S. government, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacies and clinics.
The company today reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, which ended September 30, 2011. Revenue for the period came in at $5.7 million, which was up $500,000 or 9.7% from the same period last year. The revenue increase reflected growth in sales to the company’s targeted professional and pharmaceutical markets along with the positive impact of a U.S. government contract, which moved into its second year of maintenance in February 2011.
The president and CEO of Sharps, David Tusa, commented on the results, “We continue to focus our sales and marketing activities on building our recurring revenue opportunities…within the professional market. Billings are up more than 84% through this channel and our average weekly order count has more than doubled to 199 since the first quarter of fiscal 2011.”
Sharps also recently moved into the retail pharmacy markets with its Complete Needle Collection & Disposal System. This is a timely move given recent studies that indicate that the number of used needles tossed into household trash has tripled over the past 10 years to 7/8 billion each year and the number of self-injectors in the U.S. has increased to 13.5 million over the same period.
For more information about Sharps Compliance, please visit its website at www.sharpsinc.com
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The company today reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, which ended September 30, 2011. Revenue for the period came in at $5.7 million, which was up $500,000 or 9.7% from the same period last year. The revenue increase reflected growth in sales to the company’s targeted professional and pharmaceutical markets along with the positive impact of a U.S. government contract, which moved into its second year of maintenance in February 2011.
The president and CEO of Sharps, David Tusa, commented on the results, “We continue to focus our sales and marketing activities on building our recurring revenue opportunities…within the professional market. Billings are up more than 84% through this channel and our average weekly order count has more than doubled to 199 since the first quarter of fiscal 2011.”
Sharps also recently moved into the retail pharmacy markets with its Complete Needle Collection & Disposal System. This is a timely move given recent studies that indicate that the number of used needles tossed into household trash has tripled over the past 10 years to 7/8 billion each year and the number of self-injectors in the U.S. has increased to 13.5 million over the same period.
For more information about Sharps Compliance, please visit its website at www.sharpsinc.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
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Friday, October 21, 2011
Athersys Inc. (ATHX) Forms Alliance with National Multiple Sclerosis Society Subsidiary to Advance Candidate for MS Treatment
Biopharmaceutical company Athersys Inc. and Fast Forward LLC, a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, today announced an alliance to fund the development of Athersys’ MultiStem® adult stem cell platform for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease affecting the central nervous system.
The MultiStem platform includes the treatment of chronic progressive forms of the disease, and was designed with the goal of accelerating the clinical application of MultiStem for patients diagnosed with MS.
“We are pleased to partner with Athersys to develop a new approach to treat MS with their proprietary platform, MultiStem,” Timothy Coetzee, Ph.D., chief research officer of the National MS Society and Fast Forward, stated in the press release. “Fast Forward’s partnership with Athersys reflects our commitment to seek out and fund innovative biotechnology companies with products that address critical unmet needs for treating MS that could lead to improved quality of life for people living with this debilitating disease.”
Per the agreement, Fast Forward will commit up to $640,000 to fund the advancement of the program to clinical development stage, which includes preclinical testing of MultiStem in murine models to determine efficacy and safety. From here, Athersys intents on submitting a new drug application (IND) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If Athersys is successful in obtaining an IND for MultiStem, Athersys would remit certain milestone payments to Fast Forward.
“We are extremely proud of the innovative work we and our broad network of collaborators have been conducting in these areas of significant unmet medical need,” said Gil Van Bokkelen, Ph.D., chairman and CEO of Athersys. “This collaboration not only underscores the promise and potential of MultiStem for treating Multiple Sclerosis, but will also help accelerate our ongoing efforts to develop novel, safe and effective treatments for patients in other neurological areas as well, especially those that involve chronic inflammation in the brain. We look forward to continuing to work with our development partners and to forging research relationships with visionary foundations like Fast Forward for MS research to help us reach this goal.”
The company reports that MultiStem has demonstrated potential as treatment for treating multiple disease indications in the neurological, cardiovascular, and inflammatory and immune disease areas. Athersys currently has four clinical-stage MultiStem programs.
For more information visit www.athersys.com
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The MultiStem platform includes the treatment of chronic progressive forms of the disease, and was designed with the goal of accelerating the clinical application of MultiStem for patients diagnosed with MS.
“We are pleased to partner with Athersys to develop a new approach to treat MS with their proprietary platform, MultiStem,” Timothy Coetzee, Ph.D., chief research officer of the National MS Society and Fast Forward, stated in the press release. “Fast Forward’s partnership with Athersys reflects our commitment to seek out and fund innovative biotechnology companies with products that address critical unmet needs for treating MS that could lead to improved quality of life for people living with this debilitating disease.”
Per the agreement, Fast Forward will commit up to $640,000 to fund the advancement of the program to clinical development stage, which includes preclinical testing of MultiStem in murine models to determine efficacy and safety. From here, Athersys intents on submitting a new drug application (IND) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If Athersys is successful in obtaining an IND for MultiStem, Athersys would remit certain milestone payments to Fast Forward.
“We are extremely proud of the innovative work we and our broad network of collaborators have been conducting in these areas of significant unmet medical need,” said Gil Van Bokkelen, Ph.D., chairman and CEO of Athersys. “This collaboration not only underscores the promise and potential of MultiStem for treating Multiple Sclerosis, but will also help accelerate our ongoing efforts to develop novel, safe and effective treatments for patients in other neurological areas as well, especially those that involve chronic inflammation in the brain. We look forward to continuing to work with our development partners and to forging research relationships with visionary foundations like Fast Forward for MS research to help us reach this goal.”
The company reports that MultiStem has demonstrated potential as treatment for treating multiple disease indications in the neurological, cardiovascular, and inflammatory and immune disease areas. Athersys currently has four clinical-stage MultiStem programs.
For more information visit www.athersys.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
VistaGen Therapeutics (VSTA) Makes Presentation on CardioSafe 3D™ Cardiotoxicity Bioassay System at NIH Symposium
In a recent poster presentation given at the fourth Symposium on Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine hosted by the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, VistaGen Therapeutics, a biotechnology company applying human pluripotent stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, described research and development activities focused on validation of CardioSafe 3D™, its human stem cell-derived “Micro-Heart” cardiotoxicity bioassay system.
The presentation, given by Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, VistaGen’s President and Chief Scientific Officer, revealed the advances in predictive toxicology and drug safety screening being driven by the company’s versatile pluripotent stem cell technology platform. Current methods for measuring the potential toxicity of drug candidates are inadequate, often producing false positive or negative results, which in turn leads to costly project terminations during clinical development. Traditional evaluation methods depend upon animal testing, although animals respond differently than humans to many drugs, or on cell lines that are engineered, transformed, non-human, of non-cardiac lineage, or focused on effects on a single cardiac ion channel. Both approaches are unreliable because they inadequately match end-user biological conditions.
Human pluripotent stem cells avoid these problems by permitting the production of functional human cardiac cells that express ion channels and auxiliary proteins relevant to the accurate evaluation of cardiac function and possible long-term cardiac abnormalities. The presentation describes the work of VistaGen and collaborating scientists, and its validation of the company’s cardiotoxicity bioassay system. The system was validated by measuring the dose-dependent effects on cardiomyocyte cell viability and electrophysiological responses, as measured by patch clamp and field potential assays, of twelve compounds with known cardiac cytotoxicity or electrophysiology effects. The data described showed that the system is highly reproducible with very strong concordance with the in-vivo cardiac effects of multiple classes of compounds.
VistaGen CSO, Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, described the significance of the VistaGen cardiotoxicity assay. “Cardiotoxicity has been implicated in almost 30% of drug withdrawals in the United States over the last 30 years. Our human stem cell-derived ‘Micro-Heart’ cardiotoxicity assay, CardioSafe 3D™, will contribute to the efficient and rapid identification of safer drugs before valuable resources are lost developing drug candidates with toxicity issues that are undetected until human clinical trials are in progress or even after FDA approval resulting in withdrawal from the market.”
The complete abstract of the presented poster has been made available by the Drug Safety Executive Council (DSEC), which has a membership of over 2,000 pharma safety professionals, at the following link: www.chicorporate.com/dsec_poster_list.aspx. Investors can also find the complete abstract by visiting the investors section of the VistaGen website at www.VistaGen.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
The presentation, given by Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, VistaGen’s President and Chief Scientific Officer, revealed the advances in predictive toxicology and drug safety screening being driven by the company’s versatile pluripotent stem cell technology platform. Current methods for measuring the potential toxicity of drug candidates are inadequate, often producing false positive or negative results, which in turn leads to costly project terminations during clinical development. Traditional evaluation methods depend upon animal testing, although animals respond differently than humans to many drugs, or on cell lines that are engineered, transformed, non-human, of non-cardiac lineage, or focused on effects on a single cardiac ion channel. Both approaches are unreliable because they inadequately match end-user biological conditions.
Human pluripotent stem cells avoid these problems by permitting the production of functional human cardiac cells that express ion channels and auxiliary proteins relevant to the accurate evaluation of cardiac function and possible long-term cardiac abnormalities. The presentation describes the work of VistaGen and collaborating scientists, and its validation of the company’s cardiotoxicity bioassay system. The system was validated by measuring the dose-dependent effects on cardiomyocyte cell viability and electrophysiological responses, as measured by patch clamp and field potential assays, of twelve compounds with known cardiac cytotoxicity or electrophysiology effects. The data described showed that the system is highly reproducible with very strong concordance with the in-vivo cardiac effects of multiple classes of compounds.
VistaGen CSO, Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, described the significance of the VistaGen cardiotoxicity assay. “Cardiotoxicity has been implicated in almost 30% of drug withdrawals in the United States over the last 30 years. Our human stem cell-derived ‘Micro-Heart’ cardiotoxicity assay, CardioSafe 3D™, will contribute to the efficient and rapid identification of safer drugs before valuable resources are lost developing drug candidates with toxicity issues that are undetected until human clinical trials are in progress or even after FDA approval resulting in withdrawal from the market.”
The complete abstract of the presented poster has been made available by the Drug Safety Executive Council (DSEC), which has a membership of over 2,000 pharma safety professionals, at the following link: www.chicorporate.com/dsec_poster_list.aspx. Investors can also find the complete abstract by visiting the investors section of the VistaGen website at www.VistaGen.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Tranzyme Pharma (TZYM) Listed on Deloitte’s 2011 Technology Fast 500
Located in North Carolina, Tranzyme is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel, mechanism-based therapeutics for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders. Today, Tranzyme took a major step towards prominence with the announcement they have been ranked as the 54th fastest growing company in North American on Deloitte’s 2011 Technology Fast 500.
Leading the way at Tranzyme Pharma is Vipin Garg whom serves as the company’s President and CEO. In reference to this honor, Garg was quoted as saying, “We are very pleased to be recognized by Deloitte as one of the fastest growing companies in North America. The licensing fees we received from our strategic partners, Norgine B.V., and Bristol-Meyers Squibb reflect the growth of our topline and support our development activities.”
Eric Openshaw, whom serves as the vice chairman and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader of Deloitte LLP, stated, “Tranzyme Pharma, like all 2011 Technology Fast 500™ companies, has excelled in fostering innovation and channeling it into spectacular growth against the backdrop of one of the most challenging economies in history. Deloitte recognizes Tranzyme Pharma for its remarkable accomplishment.”
Currently, Tranzyme is trading in the $2.98 range. With this prestigious honor and an array of technology within their corporate pipeline, Tranzyme Pharma is a company on the rise.
To learn more about the company as a whole, visit their corporate website at: www.tranzyme.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Leading the way at Tranzyme Pharma is Vipin Garg whom serves as the company’s President and CEO. In reference to this honor, Garg was quoted as saying, “We are very pleased to be recognized by Deloitte as one of the fastest growing companies in North America. The licensing fees we received from our strategic partners, Norgine B.V., and Bristol-Meyers Squibb reflect the growth of our topline and support our development activities.”
Eric Openshaw, whom serves as the vice chairman and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader of Deloitte LLP, stated, “Tranzyme Pharma, like all 2011 Technology Fast 500™ companies, has excelled in fostering innovation and channeling it into spectacular growth against the backdrop of one of the most challenging economies in history. Deloitte recognizes Tranzyme Pharma for its remarkable accomplishment.”
Currently, Tranzyme is trading in the $2.98 range. With this prestigious honor and an array of technology within their corporate pipeline, Tranzyme Pharma is a company on the rise.
To learn more about the company as a whole, visit their corporate website at: www.tranzyme.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Yucheng Technology Ltd. (YTEC) Named Number One Banking IT Service Provider in the Chinese Banking Industry by International Data Corp.
Yucheng Technology Limited, a leading IT service provider to the Chinese banking industry, today announced that the International Data Corporation (IDC) has named Yucheng the No. 1 Banking IT solution provider in China for calendar year 2010. Yucheng’s market share rose from 4.3 percent in 2009 to 5.2 percent in 2010.
IDC ranked Yucheng first as an IT solution provider, by revenues and market share, for the first time in three years; second in both Channel Solutions and Management Solutions; first for e-banking solutions including loan management solutions and business intelligence solutions; and third in risk management solutions, intermediary business solutions, and ERP solutions.
“We are pleased with the latest rankings from IDC that indicate our company continues to prosper in this highly competitive industry through our constant focus on providing high quality solutions and services. We maintained the top ranking in our strongest solution in e-banking while gained in several fast growing solutions such as loan management and business intelligence,” said Weidong Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Yucheng in a press release on Wednesday. “According to the IDC estimate, the industry will grow at the CAGR of 19.9%for the next five years. Being the top player in a very competitive yet more rational industry than in the past, we are confident we will continue to gain market share and strive to maintain our top position in the industry.”
Based in Beijing, Yucheng has approximately 2,200 employees and an extensive nationwide network in 23 cities. Yucheng provides clients with a comprehensive suite of IT solutions and services, including online banking, call centers, core banking systems, foreign exchange, treasury management, risk analytics and business intelligence. Yucheng leads the way as a third-party provider of POS merchant acquiring services in conjunction with Chinese banks.
IDC is the top global provider of market intelligence, advisory services and events for information technology, telecommunications consumer technology markets. IT professionals, business executives and the investment community use IDC data to make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. IDC analysts provide expertise on opportunities and trends in over 110 countries.
For more information on Yucheng Technologies Limited, please visit www.yuchengtech.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
IDC ranked Yucheng first as an IT solution provider, by revenues and market share, for the first time in three years; second in both Channel Solutions and Management Solutions; first for e-banking solutions including loan management solutions and business intelligence solutions; and third in risk management solutions, intermediary business solutions, and ERP solutions.
“We are pleased with the latest rankings from IDC that indicate our company continues to prosper in this highly competitive industry through our constant focus on providing high quality solutions and services. We maintained the top ranking in our strongest solution in e-banking while gained in several fast growing solutions such as loan management and business intelligence,” said Weidong Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Yucheng in a press release on Wednesday. “According to the IDC estimate, the industry will grow at the CAGR of 19.9%for the next five years. Being the top player in a very competitive yet more rational industry than in the past, we are confident we will continue to gain market share and strive to maintain our top position in the industry.”
Based in Beijing, Yucheng has approximately 2,200 employees and an extensive nationwide network in 23 cities. Yucheng provides clients with a comprehensive suite of IT solutions and services, including online banking, call centers, core banking systems, foreign exchange, treasury management, risk analytics and business intelligence. Yucheng leads the way as a third-party provider of POS merchant acquiring services in conjunction with Chinese banks.
IDC is the top global provider of market intelligence, advisory services and events for information technology, telecommunications consumer technology markets. IT professionals, business executives and the investment community use IDC data to make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. IDC analysts provide expertise on opportunities and trends in over 110 countries.
For more information on Yucheng Technologies Limited, please visit www.yuchengtech.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sunesis Pharmaceuticals (SNSS) Announces $25 Million Tranched Loan Facility
Shortly after the closing bell today, Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported that it has secured a $25 million tranched loan facility. Under the terms of the loan agreement, Sunesis received $10 million upon closing, with the remaining $15 million available for draw at its discretion following the planned interim analysis of the VALOR trial by an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), which is expected in mid-2012. The company intends to use the funds to support the clinical development activities related to VALOR, a Phase 3, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pivotal clinical trial of vosaroxin in combination with cytarabine in first relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as well as for other working capital and general corporate purposes.
“This facility provides additional financial strength and flexibility with the initial $10 million tranche increasing our current cash reserves,” stated Eric Bjerkholt, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Sunesis. “We anticipate that this facility, if fully drawn, together with our existing cash and investments, will substantially fund Sunesis’ execution of the VALOR trial through data unblinding regardless of the outcome at the interim analysis. We appreciate the support of our lender group, their flexibility in structuring a two-tranched, four-year loan, and their confidence in vosaroxin, VALOR and Sunesis.”
The DSMB will meet to review pre-specified efficacy and safety data sets and decide whether to stop the trial early for efficacy or for futility; continue the study to its planned unblinding, expected in mid-2013; or recommend a one-time “adaptive” sample size adjustment to a planned unblinding, expected in early 2014. The $15 million tranche will becaome available to Sunesis, at its option, following the interim analysis, if the DSMB recommends ending the trial early for efficacy or continuing the study with or without a sample size adjustment.
Christopher A. Herr, Managing Director at Oxford Finance, which led the loan facility, commented, “We are pleased to have led this $25 million loan agreement to support the execution of Sunesis’ VALOR trial. Through our diligence process, we have gained great confidence in the trial’s rigorous design and execution.”
The four-year loan facility was structured to have an interest-only period until February 2013, followed by a 32-months amortization period. According to the press release, Sunesis agreed to grant the lenders warrants to purchase an aggregate of 386,100 shares at an exercise price of $1.30. Additional warrants will be due if the second tranche is drawn.
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“This facility provides additional financial strength and flexibility with the initial $10 million tranche increasing our current cash reserves,” stated Eric Bjerkholt, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Sunesis. “We anticipate that this facility, if fully drawn, together with our existing cash and investments, will substantially fund Sunesis’ execution of the VALOR trial through data unblinding regardless of the outcome at the interim analysis. We appreciate the support of our lender group, their flexibility in structuring a two-tranched, four-year loan, and their confidence in vosaroxin, VALOR and Sunesis.”
The DSMB will meet to review pre-specified efficacy and safety data sets and decide whether to stop the trial early for efficacy or for futility; continue the study to its planned unblinding, expected in mid-2013; or recommend a one-time “adaptive” sample size adjustment to a planned unblinding, expected in early 2014. The $15 million tranche will becaome available to Sunesis, at its option, following the interim analysis, if the DSMB recommends ending the trial early for efficacy or continuing the study with or without a sample size adjustment.
Christopher A. Herr, Managing Director at Oxford Finance, which led the loan facility, commented, “We are pleased to have led this $25 million loan agreement to support the execution of Sunesis’ VALOR trial. Through our diligence process, we have gained great confidence in the trial’s rigorous design and execution.”
The four-year loan facility was structured to have an interest-only period until February 2013, followed by a 32-months amortization period. According to the press release, Sunesis agreed to grant the lenders warrants to purchase an aggregate of 386,100 shares at an exercise price of $1.30. Additional warrants will be due if the second tranche is drawn.
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Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Energy Conversion Devices (ENER) Subsidiary to Supply Solar Cells to GP Solar
United Solar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: ENER). The company has more than 25 years’ experience in the solar industry and is the world’s largest producer of flexible solar panels with a lightweight, durable product that provides more total energy production than any other solar panel on the market. It was been awarded nearly 70 US patents for its technology.
The company today announced a new customer relationship under their Open Solar initiative. The customer is GP Solar which is a GP Batteries company from Hong Kong. The initial order is for 600 kilowatts of UNI-SOLAR photovoltaic (PV) cells. United Solar initiated the Open Solar program to drive wide-scale acceptance of its technology, and the integration of its laminates and solar cells cost effectively into everyday applications.
GP Solar is deploying UNI-SOLAR PV technology with the introduction of its unique GP Solar Charger. The Charger combines UNI-SOLAR PV cells with GP Solar’s nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries.
UNI-SOLAR’s unique, triple-junction, thin film cell architecture produces more real-world power than competitive products, differentiating products like the GP Solar Charger from the competition. Other United Solar products under the Open Solar program include building integrated PV roofing, solar-powered military shelters, and solar-powered consumer bags and chargers.
For more information about United Solar and its products, please visit either www.opensolar.com or www.energyconversiondevices.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
The company today announced a new customer relationship under their Open Solar initiative. The customer is GP Solar which is a GP Batteries company from Hong Kong. The initial order is for 600 kilowatts of UNI-SOLAR photovoltaic (PV) cells. United Solar initiated the Open Solar program to drive wide-scale acceptance of its technology, and the integration of its laminates and solar cells cost effectively into everyday applications.
GP Solar is deploying UNI-SOLAR PV technology with the introduction of its unique GP Solar Charger. The Charger combines UNI-SOLAR PV cells with GP Solar’s nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries.
UNI-SOLAR’s unique, triple-junction, thin film cell architecture produces more real-world power than competitive products, differentiating products like the GP Solar Charger from the competition. Other United Solar products under the Open Solar program include building integrated PV roofing, solar-powered military shelters, and solar-powered consumer bags and chargers.
For more information about United Solar and its products, please visit either www.opensolar.com or www.energyconversiondevices.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
World Energy Solutions, Inc. (XWES) Purchases Northeast Energy Solutions for $4.7 Million to Gain Foothold in New England Market
World Energy Solutions, Inc., a leading energy management services firm, announced that it has purchased Northeast Energy Solutions, LLC (NES), a privately-held energy efficiency company. World Energy says the acquisition accelerates the growth of their energy efficiency practice, especially in the New England market where utility incentives are available for both commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects.
This is World Energy’s second recent acquisition as it acquired Co-eXprise’s energy procurement business in September. According to a recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, World Energy reported that it paid just over $4.7 million in cash, promissory notes and potential earn outs for Northeast Energy’s assets and obligations.
World Energy offers energy management services and runs online energy auctions. The company said this acquisition will expand its offerings in comprehensive energy efficiency services which include lighting, mechanical, HVAC retrofits and energy management systems for small and mid-size commercial and industrial clients.
“The energy efficiency market holds great potential for World Energy,” said Richard Domaleski, CEO, World Energy Solutions in a press release on Monday. “Not only is it a large and growing market, but more and more customers are asking for our help with efficiency as we take on a wider swath of their energy management needs. The addition of NES bolsters our energy efficiency capabilities, giving us immediate access to new customers and cross-sell opportunities.”
World Energy is an energy management firm that works to take the complexity out of energy management, turning it into a positive bottom line impact for businesses, institutions and governments. The company has transacted more than $20 billion in energy, demand response and environmental commodities.
For more information, please visit www.worldenergy.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
This is World Energy’s second recent acquisition as it acquired Co-eXprise’s energy procurement business in September. According to a recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, World Energy reported that it paid just over $4.7 million in cash, promissory notes and potential earn outs for Northeast Energy’s assets and obligations.
World Energy offers energy management services and runs online energy auctions. The company said this acquisition will expand its offerings in comprehensive energy efficiency services which include lighting, mechanical, HVAC retrofits and energy management systems for small and mid-size commercial and industrial clients.
“The energy efficiency market holds great potential for World Energy,” said Richard Domaleski, CEO, World Energy Solutions in a press release on Monday. “Not only is it a large and growing market, but more and more customers are asking for our help with efficiency as we take on a wider swath of their energy management needs. The addition of NES bolsters our energy efficiency capabilities, giving us immediate access to new customers and cross-sell opportunities.”
World Energy is an energy management firm that works to take the complexity out of energy management, turning it into a positive bottom line impact for businesses, institutions and governments. The company has transacted more than $20 billion in energy, demand response and environmental commodities.
For more information, please visit www.worldenergy.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Jacada Ltd. (JCDA) Gains Recognition for Success in Agent Productivity with Permanent General Companies
With offices across the globe, Jacada has quickly made a name for themselves by providing solutions that optimize and improve the effectiveness of customer service interactions. Today, Jacada announced of their success in working with Permanent General Companies (PGC).
PGC is an American insurance provider that utilized Jacada Unified Desktop and was able to realize operations efficiencies and cost savings by reducing call handle times by nearly 19 percent and call center agent training by more than 35 percent.
The success realized by PGC was through the implementation of Unified Desktop. Unified Desktop is a solution based on Jacada Workspace Desktop and was created to simplify its agents’ desktops, increase agent efficiency and improve the customer experience. PGC required a solution that would enhance customer satisfaction and called upon Jacada.
One of the leaders at PGC is Allison Garretson whom serves as the Vice President of Customer Service at Permanent General Insurance. When asked about the value of Jacada, Garretson stated, “With Jacada, we achieved or over-achieved all of our targeted business benefits. Both our Average Handle Time and our Training and Agent Productivity improvements exceeded our expectations and are delivering significantly improved First Call Resolution and Customer Experience while delivering cost savings.”
Jacada Co-CEO Gideon Hollander commented, “We teamed well with PGC to build a system based on their thorough understanding of customers’ needs, and PGC’s commitment to creating a high quality customer experience. Over the last three years, Jacada has continued to win and successfully implement solutions for many of the large insurance companies based on our Workspace Agent Desktop Product. This implementation is another example of how we bring value to the Call Center Experience.”
Currently, Jacada Ltd. is trading in the $2.24 range. To learn more about this company, visit their website at www.jacada.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
PGC is an American insurance provider that utilized Jacada Unified Desktop and was able to realize operations efficiencies and cost savings by reducing call handle times by nearly 19 percent and call center agent training by more than 35 percent.
The success realized by PGC was through the implementation of Unified Desktop. Unified Desktop is a solution based on Jacada Workspace Desktop and was created to simplify its agents’ desktops, increase agent efficiency and improve the customer experience. PGC required a solution that would enhance customer satisfaction and called upon Jacada.
One of the leaders at PGC is Allison Garretson whom serves as the Vice President of Customer Service at Permanent General Insurance. When asked about the value of Jacada, Garretson stated, “With Jacada, we achieved or over-achieved all of our targeted business benefits. Both our Average Handle Time and our Training and Agent Productivity improvements exceeded our expectations and are delivering significantly improved First Call Resolution and Customer Experience while delivering cost savings.”
Jacada Co-CEO Gideon Hollander commented, “We teamed well with PGC to build a system based on their thorough understanding of customers’ needs, and PGC’s commitment to creating a high quality customer experience. Over the last three years, Jacada has continued to win and successfully implement solutions for many of the large insurance companies based on our Workspace Agent Desktop Product. This implementation is another example of how we bring value to the Call Center Experience.”
Currently, Jacada Ltd. is trading in the $2.24 range. To learn more about this company, visit their website at www.jacada.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
5 Financial Service Small Caps With Dynamite Growth and Earnings
Few business sectors have ever had to face the wrath currently being directed at Financial Services. As demonstrators continue to take to the streets across the country, decrying Wall Street bailouts, corporate greed, and all of the foreclosures, unemployment, and other pain that they are argued to have caused, it’s an industry vilified as none in recent history. Fueled by a common animosity, and made possible largely by the real-time world of social communications, the protests represent a distance between power and the people reminiscent of the revolutionary case against King George.
And yet, as if to emphasize the disconnect, several large banks have chosen now as a good time to impose new debit card fees, perhaps as a thumb in the eye of the Obama administration and the Dodd-Frank bill passed in 2010 that restricted fees banks could charge merchants for debit card usage. It can be argued that it’s just another example of the futility of government meddling, politicians pandering for votes by slapping a law against fees only to have them pop up somewhere else, the inevitability of the free market. But it does nothing to help the already tarnished image of the nation’s money handlers.
Nevertheless, criticism doesn’t preclude successful investment, and the financial services sector still has opportunities for those with enough fortitude to accept the resentment. Below are current growth and income standouts in financial services mid-caps; companies in the $800 million to $1.5 billion range, having a net income of over $50 million, 3-year revenue growth rate of over 15%, and with a 3-year earnings growth rate exceeding 15%. Note that current earnings or revenue growth rates could be substantially different than the 3-year figures shown below. NASDAQ was the final data source used.
AmTrust Financial Services (AFSI)
AmTrust Financial Services is a multinational property and casualty insurer specializing in coverage for small to mid-sized businesses. The company considers its financial stability and success to be based on a philosophy of niche diversity and low-hazard risk, together with a reputation as an innovative technology-driven provider of insurance products. Products include Multiline Small Business Insurance, Program Business Insurance, Extended Warranty and Specialty Risk Insurance.
• Net Income: $100 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 56%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 70%
EZCorp (EZPW)
Texas based EZCorp provides short term cash loans to individuals through consumer loan stores in the U.S. and Canada, in addition to operating pawn stores in the U.S. and Mexico. The company also has a financial interest in one of the U.K.’s biggest pawnbroking businesses, and a global cash conversion business.
• Net Income: $68 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 17%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 55%
First Cash Financial Services (FCFS)
Texas based First Cash operates retail pawn stores, and stand-alone consumer finance stores, in the U.S. and Mexico. The company is also a 50% partner in Cash & Go, Ltd., a Texas-based limited partnership, which owns and operates credit and check cashing services in convenience store kiosks.
• Net Income: $46 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 29%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 17%
Texas Capital Bancshares (TCBI)
Texas Capital Bancshares, headquartered in Dallas, is the parent of Texas Capital Bank, with offices in the state’s five largest metropolitan areas. The bank’s focus is commercial business with high net-worth individuals.
• Net Income: $21 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 22%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 16%
World Acceptance (WRLD)
World Acceptance, based in South Carolina, is a major small-loan consumer finance company, with over a thousand offices covering 12 states and Mexico, offering loans, credit insurance, and other financial services to individuals.
• Net Income: $68 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 17%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 20%
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
And yet, as if to emphasize the disconnect, several large banks have chosen now as a good time to impose new debit card fees, perhaps as a thumb in the eye of the Obama administration and the Dodd-Frank bill passed in 2010 that restricted fees banks could charge merchants for debit card usage. It can be argued that it’s just another example of the futility of government meddling, politicians pandering for votes by slapping a law against fees only to have them pop up somewhere else, the inevitability of the free market. But it does nothing to help the already tarnished image of the nation’s money handlers.
Nevertheless, criticism doesn’t preclude successful investment, and the financial services sector still has opportunities for those with enough fortitude to accept the resentment. Below are current growth and income standouts in financial services mid-caps; companies in the $800 million to $1.5 billion range, having a net income of over $50 million, 3-year revenue growth rate of over 15%, and with a 3-year earnings growth rate exceeding 15%. Note that current earnings or revenue growth rates could be substantially different than the 3-year figures shown below. NASDAQ was the final data source used.
AmTrust Financial Services (AFSI)
AmTrust Financial Services is a multinational property and casualty insurer specializing in coverage for small to mid-sized businesses. The company considers its financial stability and success to be based on a philosophy of niche diversity and low-hazard risk, together with a reputation as an innovative technology-driven provider of insurance products. Products include Multiline Small Business Insurance, Program Business Insurance, Extended Warranty and Specialty Risk Insurance.
• Net Income: $100 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 56%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 70%
EZCorp (EZPW)
Texas based EZCorp provides short term cash loans to individuals through consumer loan stores in the U.S. and Canada, in addition to operating pawn stores in the U.S. and Mexico. The company also has a financial interest in one of the U.K.’s biggest pawnbroking businesses, and a global cash conversion business.
• Net Income: $68 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 17%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 55%
First Cash Financial Services (FCFS)
Texas based First Cash operates retail pawn stores, and stand-alone consumer finance stores, in the U.S. and Mexico. The company is also a 50% partner in Cash & Go, Ltd., a Texas-based limited partnership, which owns and operates credit and check cashing services in convenience store kiosks.
• Net Income: $46 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 29%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 17%
Texas Capital Bancshares (TCBI)
Texas Capital Bancshares, headquartered in Dallas, is the parent of Texas Capital Bank, with offices in the state’s five largest metropolitan areas. The bank’s focus is commercial business with high net-worth individuals.
• Net Income: $21 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 22%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 16%
World Acceptance (WRLD)
World Acceptance, based in South Carolina, is a major small-loan consumer finance company, with over a thousand offices covering 12 states and Mexico, offering loans, credit insurance, and other financial services to individuals.
• Net Income: $68 million
• 3 Year Revenue Growth: 17%
• 3 Year Earnings Growth: 20%
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Monday, October 17, 2011
Synergy Resources Corp. (SYRG) Provides Status Update for Ongoing Wattenberg Field Operations
Synergy Resources, the domestic oil and gas developer currently focused on the D-J Basin (Denver-Julesburg) at the massive Wattenberg field, where the Company is executing its field development plan, has released new information detailing status updates on the Cletcher, Haythorn and Margil drilling programs.
CEO of SYRG, Ed Holloway, outlined the good news for investors, explaining that plans were proceeding apace of expectations and that, not only does the track record leading up to this most recent report clearly confirm the success of the Company’s Wattenberg field strategy, the decision to focus on individual formations is a superb methodology. SYRG likes to complete/produce a specific formation and then set a bridge plug (downhole tool used to isolate the formation below a certain point in the wellbore), later moving up-pipe to the next formation. Holloway explained this workflow, pointing out that most of the costs are incurred in that initial phase and this creates a very clear breakdown of logistics after the final co-mingling of all production across all formations in order to maximize shareholder returns.
Holloway was very pleased at the 100% success rate of the 13 wells drilled thus far in 1Q 2012 and projected exiting 1Q with some 20 or more wells put in. Perhaps of greater significance still is the sharp increase in overall working interest held by the Company in the wells it is currently drilling, as in previous years the WI captured by SYRG was relatively small. The Company has shifted focus to projects where values approaching 100% WI can be obtained readily and the eventual economy of scale force this produces.
Let’s take a closer look at the data offered in this most recent report and go over the details of operations at Cletcher, Haythorn and Margil:
Cletcher
Three-well program, 100% WI (82.5% net revenue interest), all three wells successfully drilled to target in the J-sand formation and determinations/analysis of which formations to complete is underway – completion scheduling is ready to go and is merely pending confirmation of gas line right-of-way.
Haythorn
Five-well program, 100% WI (82% NRI), four wells drilled and the fifth slated to reach its target by Oct. 20 (all Codell formation), with well completion for all five scheduled for the second week of November.
Margil
The Declar Farm-in is the site for these six wells, 100% WI (80% NRI), five of six wells are done (four in the Codell and on in the Codell/ Niobrara A-B benches) and the final well is slated to be drilled to target depth by the middle of October (targeting the J-sand) – all six wells are slated to begin production the week of Oct. 24, sans any gas pipeline hook-up complications.
To keep up with the latest news and to find out more about Synergy Resources Corp., please visit the Company’s website at: www.SYRGinfo.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
CEO of SYRG, Ed Holloway, outlined the good news for investors, explaining that plans were proceeding apace of expectations and that, not only does the track record leading up to this most recent report clearly confirm the success of the Company’s Wattenberg field strategy, the decision to focus on individual formations is a superb methodology. SYRG likes to complete/produce a specific formation and then set a bridge plug (downhole tool used to isolate the formation below a certain point in the wellbore), later moving up-pipe to the next formation. Holloway explained this workflow, pointing out that most of the costs are incurred in that initial phase and this creates a very clear breakdown of logistics after the final co-mingling of all production across all formations in order to maximize shareholder returns.
Holloway was very pleased at the 100% success rate of the 13 wells drilled thus far in 1Q 2012 and projected exiting 1Q with some 20 or more wells put in. Perhaps of greater significance still is the sharp increase in overall working interest held by the Company in the wells it is currently drilling, as in previous years the WI captured by SYRG was relatively small. The Company has shifted focus to projects where values approaching 100% WI can be obtained readily and the eventual economy of scale force this produces.
Let’s take a closer look at the data offered in this most recent report and go over the details of operations at Cletcher, Haythorn and Margil:
Cletcher
Three-well program, 100% WI (82.5% net revenue interest), all three wells successfully drilled to target in the J-sand formation and determinations/analysis of which formations to complete is underway – completion scheduling is ready to go and is merely pending confirmation of gas line right-of-way.
Haythorn
Five-well program, 100% WI (82% NRI), four wells drilled and the fifth slated to reach its target by Oct. 20 (all Codell formation), with well completion for all five scheduled for the second week of November.
Margil
The Declar Farm-in is the site for these six wells, 100% WI (80% NRI), five of six wells are done (four in the Codell and on in the Codell/ Niobrara A-B benches) and the final well is slated to be drilled to target depth by the middle of October (targeting the J-sand) – all six wells are slated to begin production the week of Oct. 24, sans any gas pipeline hook-up complications.
To keep up with the latest news and to find out more about Synergy Resources Corp., please visit the Company’s website at: www.SYRGinfo.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
American Superconductor Corp. (AMSC) Unveils New Corporate Identity
American Superconductor Corp. today announced the formation of a new corporate identity, “AMSC.” The company has a new tagline as well: “Smarter, cleaner … better energy.” AMSC’s wind and grid products have also been rebranded as Windtec Solutions and Gridtec Solutions.
Boston, Ma-based AMSC is focused on providing sustainable energy through wind power, while also providing advanced grid systems. In 2011, AMSC will be showcasing products at China WindPower, where it will introduce its Wind-RT system, specifically for integration into existing Chinese squirrel cage induction generators. AMSC will also be exhibiting at Solar Power International 2011, with its SolarTie megawatt-class inverter system for solar power plants.
AMSC’s new strategy for their rebranding is to align business by end market rather than technologies. To that end, WindTec Solutions is gearing to provide advanced wind turbines more quickly and efficiently. Similarly, Gridtec Solutions aims to deploy efficient, reliable power grid solutions that extend from the point of power generation through the process of distribution of generated energy.
AMSC President and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel McGahn, said, “When we were founded nearly 25 years ago, we had operations only in the United States and our sole focus was on superconductors. Today, we have operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, our Windtec Solutions and Gridtec Solutions are powering gigawatts of renewable energy globally and enhancing the performance and reliability of power networks in more than a dozen countries. Our evolution from American Superconductor to AMSC better reflects who we are today and supports our continued diversification. The new identity is just one of the changes that we are making to support a more diversified and sustainable company. In recent months, AMSC has taken actions to streamline and strengthen its business. We have created a flatter, leaner organization that is more nimble and flexible to emerging opportunities; aligned our business to better serve the wind and grid markets; and refined our strategic priorities to capitalize on our near- and long-term opportunities.”
McGahn continued, “Each day at AMSC, we are driven by our vision to power the world with better energy. We have aligned our business to focus on our core competencies, and this strategic investment will help us to communicate the new AMSC more clearly and more effectively to our employees and all of our customers worldwide.”
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Boston, Ma-based AMSC is focused on providing sustainable energy through wind power, while also providing advanced grid systems. In 2011, AMSC will be showcasing products at China WindPower, where it will introduce its Wind-RT system, specifically for integration into existing Chinese squirrel cage induction generators. AMSC will also be exhibiting at Solar Power International 2011, with its SolarTie megawatt-class inverter system for solar power plants.
AMSC’s new strategy for their rebranding is to align business by end market rather than technologies. To that end, WindTec Solutions is gearing to provide advanced wind turbines more quickly and efficiently. Similarly, Gridtec Solutions aims to deploy efficient, reliable power grid solutions that extend from the point of power generation through the process of distribution of generated energy.
AMSC President and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel McGahn, said, “When we were founded nearly 25 years ago, we had operations only in the United States and our sole focus was on superconductors. Today, we have operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, our Windtec Solutions and Gridtec Solutions are powering gigawatts of renewable energy globally and enhancing the performance and reliability of power networks in more than a dozen countries. Our evolution from American Superconductor to AMSC better reflects who we are today and supports our continued diversification. The new identity is just one of the changes that we are making to support a more diversified and sustainable company. In recent months, AMSC has taken actions to streamline and strengthen its business. We have created a flatter, leaner organization that is more nimble and flexible to emerging opportunities; aligned our business to better serve the wind and grid markets; and refined our strategic priorities to capitalize on our near- and long-term opportunities.”
McGahn continued, “Each day at AMSC, we are driven by our vision to power the world with better energy. We have aligned our business to focus on our core competencies, and this strategic investment will help us to communicate the new AMSC more clearly and more effectively to our employees and all of our customers worldwide.”
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Kirin International Holding, Inc. (KIRI) Launches Two Major Projects in China
Kirin International Holding, Inc., the largest private developer of residential mixed-use properties in Xingtai, China, today announced the launch of two major projects, Kirin Bay and No. 79 Courtyard, both of which recently obtained their Presale Permits from the Xingtai Administration Bureau of Real Estate.
The Presale Permits marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to begin and complete the projects as it enables Kirin to contract with buyers.
“Once Kirin obtained the Presale Permits for Kirin Bay and No. 79 Courtyard, the Company officially launched the marketing for these two major projects,” Kirin CEO Longlin Hu stated in the press release. “The Chinese government authorities have become more and more strict on presales management, so only upon the issuance of the presale permit can a real estate company start to sign contacts with potential buyers.”
Kirin estimates between approximately $130 million to $160 million in contract sales for 2011, and between approximately $20 million to $35 million in profit.
“Kirin will take advantage of the best-selling period of October and November to market our projects to the citizens of Xingtai,” Hu stated. “We also believe our financial performance will be positively improved by the on-time issuance of the Presale Permits.”
Kirin Bay land area spans more than 660,000 square meters, and is comprised of mixed-use, residential and commercial properties. Upon completion, Kirin said it expects the project to become the largest high-end residential community in Xingtai. The No. 79 Courtyard Project spans 290,000 square meters, with total building area of approximately 450,000 square meters. The project is designed as a high-end residential development with some mixed commercial use.
Kirin has also started inquiring on property conditions and related land and development approval procedures in Shijiazhuang of Hebei Province and in Dezhou and Tai’an of Shandong Province, and the suburban area of Tianjin, which are all adjacent to the Beijing-to-Shanghai high-speed rail corridor.
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
The Presale Permits marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to begin and complete the projects as it enables Kirin to contract with buyers.
“Once Kirin obtained the Presale Permits for Kirin Bay and No. 79 Courtyard, the Company officially launched the marketing for these two major projects,” Kirin CEO Longlin Hu stated in the press release. “The Chinese government authorities have become more and more strict on presales management, so only upon the issuance of the presale permit can a real estate company start to sign contacts with potential buyers.”
Kirin estimates between approximately $130 million to $160 million in contract sales for 2011, and between approximately $20 million to $35 million in profit.
“Kirin will take advantage of the best-selling period of October and November to market our projects to the citizens of Xingtai,” Hu stated. “We also believe our financial performance will be positively improved by the on-time issuance of the Presale Permits.”
Kirin Bay land area spans more than 660,000 square meters, and is comprised of mixed-use, residential and commercial properties. Upon completion, Kirin said it expects the project to become the largest high-end residential community in Xingtai. The No. 79 Courtyard Project spans 290,000 square meters, with total building area of approximately 450,000 square meters. The project is designed as a high-end residential development with some mixed commercial use.
Kirin has also started inquiring on property conditions and related land and development approval procedures in Shijiazhuang of Hebei Province and in Dezhou and Tai’an of Shandong Province, and the suburban area of Tianjin, which are all adjacent to the Beijing-to-Shanghai high-speed rail corridor.
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
ULURU Inc. (ULU) Announces Licensing Agreement for Marketing Altrazeal in Europe
ULURU Inc., a Texas based specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today a binding letter of intent with Melmed Holdings AG, a Swiss holding company, to license ULURU’s Altrazeal®, a revolutionary wound treatment technology, for marketing in the European Union. Altrazeal is expected to be launched in Germany during the first quarter of 2012, with expansion to the U.K., France, Spain, and Italy to occur once price reimbursement approval has been received in each market.
Initial marketing will focus on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, a growing market throughout Europe. In the U.S., according to the company, only 31% of diabetic foot ulcers are healed in 20 weeks, a condition for which Altrazeal has demonstrated significant clinical advantages. ULURU will receive a licensing payment, plus interest, in the Melmed subsidiary company being formed to market Altrazeal, for a total value of approximately $2.5 million. In addition, ULURU will supply Altrazeal at a price equal to 30% of the European sales price and get royalties on sales within the territory.
ULURU is focused on the development of wound management and oral care products, providing improved clinical outcomes through controlled delivery, utilizing its innovative Nanoflex® Aggregate technology and OraDisc™ transmucosal delivery system. The company is committed to developing and commercializing a broad range of innovative wound care and muco-adhesive film products. Their stated strategy is to:
• Develop and commercialize a customer focused portfolio of innovative wound care products to treat the various phases of wound healing
• Develop the oral-transmucosal technology and generate revenues through multiple licensing agreements
• Develop the Nanoflex technology for the medical aesthetics market, and enter into one or more strategic partnerships to bring these products to market
Altrazeal Transforming Powder Dressing uses the proprietary Nanoflex technology to promote the healing of exuding wounds. The unique powder particles have been rigorously developed to the exact scale and proportion necessary to provide optimal oxygen and vapor transpiration, microbial impermeability, tensile strength, and flexibility.
For additional information on ULURU, visit the company’s website at www.ULURUInc.com
For further information about Altrazeal, please visit www.Altrazeal.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Initial marketing will focus on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, a growing market throughout Europe. In the U.S., according to the company, only 31% of diabetic foot ulcers are healed in 20 weeks, a condition for which Altrazeal has demonstrated significant clinical advantages. ULURU will receive a licensing payment, plus interest, in the Melmed subsidiary company being formed to market Altrazeal, for a total value of approximately $2.5 million. In addition, ULURU will supply Altrazeal at a price equal to 30% of the European sales price and get royalties on sales within the territory.
ULURU is focused on the development of wound management and oral care products, providing improved clinical outcomes through controlled delivery, utilizing its innovative Nanoflex® Aggregate technology and OraDisc™ transmucosal delivery system. The company is committed to developing and commercializing a broad range of innovative wound care and muco-adhesive film products. Their stated strategy is to:
• Develop and commercialize a customer focused portfolio of innovative wound care products to treat the various phases of wound healing
• Develop the oral-transmucosal technology and generate revenues through multiple licensing agreements
• Develop the Nanoflex technology for the medical aesthetics market, and enter into one or more strategic partnerships to bring these products to market
Altrazeal Transforming Powder Dressing uses the proprietary Nanoflex technology to promote the healing of exuding wounds. The unique powder particles have been rigorously developed to the exact scale and proportion necessary to provide optimal oxygen and vapor transpiration, microbial impermeability, tensile strength, and flexibility.
For additional information on ULURU, visit the company’s website at www.ULURUInc.com
For further information about Altrazeal, please visit www.Altrazeal.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. (VSTA) Holds Key Position in Pharmaceutical Marketplace
VistaGen Therapeutics is center stage in one of the most important developments in recent history for the pharmaceutical industry. The California biotechnology company is set to use stem cell technology to transform the way new drug candidates are developed by allowing preclinical drug testing on actual human cells, which is believed to be far more clinically relevant than the current animal testing paradigm.
VistaGen’s revolutionary bioassay system can help pharmaceutical companies avoid spending years and millions of dollars developing and testing a new drug, only to find out in late-phase human tests that the drug is toxic to the heart and has to be discontinued. It’s one of the industry’s biggest fears, largely because it is such a common event. Approximately one third of potential new drugs fail in preclinical or clinical trials due to heart safety issues. It’s a major concern for the rest of us as well, since it significantly slows the development and approval of new drugs.
VistaGen uses advanced stem cell technology to grow specialized mature human cells which can then be used to create novel bioassay systems for superior predictive toxicology. Companies and researchers can learn early on if a drug needs to be modified to reduce heart safety hazards, saving huge amounts of time and money, and giving the drug a solid chance of making it to market. In addition, past candidates that have been shelved for heart toxicity concerns can now be cost effectively re-evaluated in the lab, allowing the development of safer variants.
VistaGen’s “human clinical trials in a test tube” technology gives the company many unique advantages in the marketplace:
• Proprietary differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into mature cells
• Mature cells available for drug rescue, drug discovery, and cell therapy
• Drug rescue leverages prior investment on shelved drugs
• Opportunity to build a pipeline of drug rescue variants
• Numerous cell therapies, including heart, liver, and cartilage repair
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.VistaGen.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
VistaGen’s revolutionary bioassay system can help pharmaceutical companies avoid spending years and millions of dollars developing and testing a new drug, only to find out in late-phase human tests that the drug is toxic to the heart and has to be discontinued. It’s one of the industry’s biggest fears, largely because it is such a common event. Approximately one third of potential new drugs fail in preclinical or clinical trials due to heart safety issues. It’s a major concern for the rest of us as well, since it significantly slows the development and approval of new drugs.
VistaGen uses advanced stem cell technology to grow specialized mature human cells which can then be used to create novel bioassay systems for superior predictive toxicology. Companies and researchers can learn early on if a drug needs to be modified to reduce heart safety hazards, saving huge amounts of time and money, and giving the drug a solid chance of making it to market. In addition, past candidates that have been shelved for heart toxicity concerns can now be cost effectively re-evaluated in the lab, allowing the development of safer variants.
VistaGen’s “human clinical trials in a test tube” technology gives the company many unique advantages in the marketplace:
• Proprietary differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into mature cells
• Mature cells available for drug rescue, drug discovery, and cell therapy
• Drug rescue leverages prior investment on shelved drugs
• Opportunity to build a pipeline of drug rescue variants
• Numerous cell therapies, including heart, liver, and cartilage repair
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.VistaGen.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Accelr8 Technology (AXK) in Discussions to Explore Additional Funding
Accelr8 Technology Corp., a developer of innovative materials and instrumentation for advanced applications in medical instrumentation, basic research, drug discovery and bio-detection, today announced that in regards to the end of its technology evaluation agreement with Novartis, it is in discussions to search within Novartis for funding options to complete product development.
“Recent reorganization in the Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics division has delayed project decisions until the reorganization is completed. But, thanks to Novartis, Accelr8 is on a rapid development path. To maintain momentum we are taking direct action to develop additional paths to finish the product development,” David Howson, Accelr8’s president, stated in the press release.
The talks follow Novartis business analyses and successful Proof of Concept technical studies, which were conducted jointly between the companies. Accelr8’s management confirmed the successful technical studies, and additionally noted that several independent business analyses and advisory boards are in-line with Accelr8’s assessments.
As Accelr8 explores alternative funding, there are no standstill or first-right conditions that prohibit Accelr8 from pursuing alternatives outside of Novartis.
Accelr8 has negotiated with other companies for BACcel™ applications that complement clinical diagnostics, such as pharma development, and said it is opening discussions with clinical diagnostics companies as well.
“At the same time, we are completing formal technical studies that are already underway with Novartis. These include Proof of Concept studies with positive blood cultures containing complex Gram-negative organisms that express broad-spectrum resistance. Our objective is to present the results at the next available international clinical congress. Finally, we expect a corporate update from Novartis before Thanksgiving,” Howson stated.
For more information visit: www.accelr8.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
“Recent reorganization in the Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics division has delayed project decisions until the reorganization is completed. But, thanks to Novartis, Accelr8 is on a rapid development path. To maintain momentum we are taking direct action to develop additional paths to finish the product development,” David Howson, Accelr8’s president, stated in the press release.
The talks follow Novartis business analyses and successful Proof of Concept technical studies, which were conducted jointly between the companies. Accelr8’s management confirmed the successful technical studies, and additionally noted that several independent business analyses and advisory boards are in-line with Accelr8’s assessments.
As Accelr8 explores alternative funding, there are no standstill or first-right conditions that prohibit Accelr8 from pursuing alternatives outside of Novartis.
Accelr8 has negotiated with other companies for BACcel™ applications that complement clinical diagnostics, such as pharma development, and said it is opening discussions with clinical diagnostics companies as well.
“At the same time, we are completing formal technical studies that are already underway with Novartis. These include Proof of Concept studies with positive blood cultures containing complex Gram-negative organisms that express broad-spectrum resistance. Our objective is to present the results at the next available international clinical congress. Finally, we expect a corporate update from Novartis before Thanksgiving,” Howson stated.
For more information visit: www.accelr8.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Integrated Device Technology (IDTI) Launches Industry First with Integrated Timing, Thermal Management Solution
Integrated Device Technology Inc., a semiconductor solutions provider, today highlighted its roll-out of the industry’s first integrated timing, thermal sensor and fan control solution targeted at PC mobile platforms, digital video recorders (DVRs), set top boxes (STBs), Network Attached Storage (NAS) and enterprise Ethernet switches and routers.
The company said the technology reduces bill of materials (BOM) and application footprint, saving costs and increasing board space in densely populated enclosures.
“IDT’s new integrated timing and thermal management solution takes a system-level approach to bring value to the application,” Ram Iyer, vice president and general manager of the Computing and Multimedia Division stated in the press release. “We’ve leveraged our timing expertise and combined it with precision analog functions to simplify our customers’ designs, resulting in a space-saving, lower-cost solution that allows our customers to get to market sooner.”
The IDT 9TCS108x devices use a low-power system timing solution integrated with two-channel thermal sensor, and four-wire pulse width modulation (PWM) fan controller on a single chip. Because of its low-power PLL design, battery life is extended in portable applications. The multiple clock outputs of the device can replace on-board crystals to reduce physical size and weight.
The integrated thermal sensor features two channels designed to detect overheating conditions and improve system reliability with precise accuracy. A separate temperature alert function for each channel can be programmed to generate reference data for the fan controller or an alert signal for the system, providing design flexibility for different applications.
In addition, the fan controller allows for direct fan control without requiring a system interrupt or supplementary control circuitry, further simplifying the design. The new family of devices offer a number of output and frequency variants, and also provide additional thermal sensors and other control pins, which allows system designers to choose the device best suited to their application.
For more information visit www.IDT.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
The company said the technology reduces bill of materials (BOM) and application footprint, saving costs and increasing board space in densely populated enclosures.
“IDT’s new integrated timing and thermal management solution takes a system-level approach to bring value to the application,” Ram Iyer, vice president and general manager of the Computing and Multimedia Division stated in the press release. “We’ve leveraged our timing expertise and combined it with precision analog functions to simplify our customers’ designs, resulting in a space-saving, lower-cost solution that allows our customers to get to market sooner.”
The IDT 9TCS108x devices use a low-power system timing solution integrated with two-channel thermal sensor, and four-wire pulse width modulation (PWM) fan controller on a single chip. Because of its low-power PLL design, battery life is extended in portable applications. The multiple clock outputs of the device can replace on-board crystals to reduce physical size and weight.
The integrated thermal sensor features two channels designed to detect overheating conditions and improve system reliability with precise accuracy. A separate temperature alert function for each channel can be programmed to generate reference data for the fan controller or an alert signal for the system, providing design flexibility for different applications.
In addition, the fan controller allows for direct fan control without requiring a system interrupt or supplementary control circuitry, further simplifying the design. The new family of devices offer a number of output and frequency variants, and also provide additional thermal sensors and other control pins, which allows system designers to choose the device best suited to their application.
For more information visit www.IDT.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
China BCT Pharmacy, Inc. (CNBI) Announces Launch of 11 New Retail Pharmacy Stores in Guangxi
China BCT Pharmacy, Inc., a company that engages in pharmaceutical distribution, pharmacy retailing, and the manufacture of pharmaceuticals products in the People’s Republic of China, recently announced that the Company is currently in the final stages of launching eleven new retail pharmacy stores in Guangxi.
The new retail stores are primarily located in Liuzhou City and Liucheng County and are, on average, a size of 67 square meters. The company has estimated that the total upfront capital investment that is needed to complete site renovations for the new stores is approximately RMB 6.1 million ($1.0 million). Management anticipates that the 11 stores will come together to generate approximately RMB 8.8 million ($1.4 million) in annual sales once they have reached a level of maturity, with a payback period of about four and a half years. China BCT is currently in process of obtaining all of the necessary licenses for the businesses and will be completely operational by the end of this year.
“The launch of these 11 self-opened stores will further strengthen our footprint in Guangxi by bringing the total number of ‘Baicaotang’ branded stores to 219,” commented Mr. Hui Tian Tang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of China BCT Pharmacy Group, Inc. “These stores will offer a full range of pharmaceutical products supported by excellent customer service. We remain focused on continuing the vertical integration of our growing retail network and our wholesale distribution and manufacturing businesses to become the leading retail pharmacy in Guangxi,” Mr. Tang added.
For more information on China BCT Pharmacy Inc and its new retail pharmacy stores, visit their website at www.china-bct.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
The new retail stores are primarily located in Liuzhou City and Liucheng County and are, on average, a size of 67 square meters. The company has estimated that the total upfront capital investment that is needed to complete site renovations for the new stores is approximately RMB 6.1 million ($1.0 million). Management anticipates that the 11 stores will come together to generate approximately RMB 8.8 million ($1.4 million) in annual sales once they have reached a level of maturity, with a payback period of about four and a half years. China BCT is currently in process of obtaining all of the necessary licenses for the businesses and will be completely operational by the end of this year.
“The launch of these 11 self-opened stores will further strengthen our footprint in Guangxi by bringing the total number of ‘Baicaotang’ branded stores to 219,” commented Mr. Hui Tian Tang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of China BCT Pharmacy Group, Inc. “These stores will offer a full range of pharmaceutical products supported by excellent customer service. We remain focused on continuing the vertical integration of our growing retail network and our wholesale distribution and manufacturing businesses to become the leading retail pharmacy in Guangxi,” Mr. Tang added.
For more information on China BCT Pharmacy Inc and its new retail pharmacy stores, visit their website at www.china-bct.com
About MissionIR:
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
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