From Aoiff web page an extensive review of the entire block 3b-4b

https://africaoilcorp.com/operations/block-3b-4b/

Should be we hit more crude...JMHO

Farrell

The 18% interest per annum is excessive and may be grounds for an appeal. What basis did the judge have for 18% interest added to the judgement? The average prime rate over the last 5 years is closer to 3 to 4 %.

Jmho but the judges over step on the interest may give ipix a temporary breather. Maybe enough to score some points with Bea Med.

We will have to wait and see.

Good luck to all,

Farrell

End of 2023 review of Sintana Energy



Year End Review & Outlook

Since the basin opening Graff and Venus discoveries in February of 2022 by Shell and TotalEnergies respectively, the potential of the Orange Basin in Namibia has continued to emerge.

Officials at Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy and NAMCOR, Namibia’s national oil and gas company, estimate that at least 11 billion barrels of light oil-in-place and up to 8.7 trillion cubic feet of gas-in-place have been discovered by Shell and TotalEnergies over the past 20 months.

Specific notable events in 2023 for Sintana included the following.

Petroleum Exploration License 83
(“PEL 83”)

Initiation in November of a two well drilling campaign, including an optional drill stem test.

Petroleum Exploration License 87 (“PEL 87”)

Entry in March by a subsidiary of Woodside Corp. (“Woodside”) into an agreement whereby in exchange for financing and completing a 5,500 square kilometer 3D seismic program, Woodside would earn the option to become operator with a 56% working interest. Additionally, Woodside will carry the existing working interest owners, including Sintana’s local affiliate, on an initial exploration campaign. Woodside ultimately acquired 6,600 square kilometers of 3D seismic data which was completed in May 2023. Initial fast-tracked results were delivered in Q3 2023.

Petroleum Exploration License 90 (“PEL 90”)

Completion in March of the acquisition of 6,500 square kilometers 3D seismic data by an affiliate of Chevron Corp. (“Chevron”) in March.
In November, the application by Chevron to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism for the Republic of Namibia for an Environmental Clearance Certificate which would provide for the drilling of up to 5 exploration and 5 appraisal wells.

The Company expects substantial exploration and evaluation activities to occur throughout 2024, both on and around our offshore blocks including:

Completion of the initial two well drilling campaign by Galp on PEL 83 in Q1.
Delivery of the final results of the 3D seismic analysis by Woodside and the triggering of its option to become operator of PEL 87.
Initiation of a drilling campaign on PEL 90 by Chevron in Q4.
Additional exploration and appraisal activity by both Shell and TotalEnergies in the Orange Basin on their respective blocks which immediately offset blocks in which Sintana has indirect interests.

“The numerous catalysts expected in the coming quarters will provide a number of opportunities to further assess and substantiate the multi-billion barrel potential of the Orange Basin in Namibia,” said Robert Bose. “Specifically for Sintana, we look forward to the progress of drilling and other exploration activities on our blocks unveiling the quality and opportunity associated with our unmatched position in the heart of the basin,” he added.

Management Update

Effective January 1, 2024, Robert Bose will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and relinquish his role as President. Doug Manner, currently CEO, will assume the role of President. Both Mr. Bose and Mr. Manner will continue to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.

Incentive Awards

The Company reports that its Board of Directors has approved grants of a total of 5.3 million incentive common stock options to several directors and officers of the Company and four other parties. The options have an exercise price of $0.27, vest in three equal tranches over the next 24 months and will expire on December 19, 2033.

ABOUT SINTANA

The Company is engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities on five large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia, and also in Colombia’s Magdalena Basin.

On behalf of Sintana Energy Inc.,

“Douglas G, Manner”
Chief Executive Officer

For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintana’s projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Company’s website at www.sintanaenergy.com."

https://sintanaenergy.com/news-release/year-end-review-2024-outlook-management-changes-and-2023-incentive-

Mangetti-1X in Venus block may be another huge discovery.

"Mangetti-1X well closes in on target, as enthusiasm grows over two huge new Venus lookalikes in same block
12 January 2024 9:59 GMT Updated 12 January 2024 9:59 GMT
By Iain Esau
in London

TotalEnergies will know within days if its closely watched Mangetti-1X exploration probe offshore Namibia is a success, although the company may keep the results from its latest Orange basin well under wraps until next month.

The French supermajor is also preparing to shoot 3D seismic data over two prospects that could be even bigger than Venus which, according to state oil company..."

Unfortunately I do not subscribe to Upstream. If anyone hears any new regarding Mangetti-1X please update the developments on the board

Namibia becomes more interesting every day.

GLTA Farrell


https://www.upstreamonline.com/exploration/totalenergies-latest-namibia-well-nears-reservoir-as-excitement-builds-over-other-venus-scale-prospects/2-1-1582291

Sintana announces successful drilling on Namibia block 83 . Sintana holds a 10% interest through Custos Energy. Sintana's stock appears to be way under valued.

JMO, Farrell

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQB: SEUSF) (“Sintana” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide the following update regarding the ongoing exploration campaign on blocks 2813A and 2814B located in the heart of Namibia’s Orange Basin, emerging as the one of the world’s most prospective oil and gas regions. The blocks are governed by Petroleum Exploration License 83 (“PEL 83”) which is operated by a subsidiary of Galp Energia (“Galp”) of Portugal. Sintana maintains an indirect 49% interest in Custos Energy (Pty) Ltd. (together with Custos Investments (Pty) Ltd. “Custos”), a 10% working interest owner in PEL 83. NAMCOR, the National Petroleum Company of Namibia, also maintains a 10% working interest.

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/pel-83-exploration-campaign-update-mopane-1x-significant-light-oil-discovery-1032957896?op=1

AOIFF's PR and slide show review of the financial aspectts of de risking Impact Oil's Venus holdings

"Africa Oil Corp. ("Africa Oil", "AOC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a significant value enhancing farmout transaction related to its offshore Namibia interests held through its investee company, Impact Oil and Gas Limited ("Impact"). On the closing of this transaction Impact will have a 9.5% interest in Blocks 2912 and 2913B (together, "the Blocks") that is fully carried for all joint venture costs, with no cap, through to first commercial production. Impact will also be cash reimbursed on closing for its share of the past costs incurred on the Blocks net to the farmout interests, which is estimated to be approximately USD 99 million. "

https://africaoilcorp.com/news/africa-oil-announces-strategic-farmout-of-impacts-122899/
https://africaoilcorp.com/site/assets/files/1863/impact-farmout-presentation-january-2024-final.pdf

GLTA

Upstream confirms Galp reports

Galp Energia’s successful Mopane-1X exploration well offshore Namibia hit a “substantial” pay zone, according to state oil company Namcor, which has also elaborated on the geology of the discovery.

The Portuguese player announced the discovery yesterday, news that saw the company’s stock price close up 8% on Wednesday at €14.98 ($16.39), before surging to a high of €15.13 in Thursday early morning trading on the Lisbon exchange.
Galp stock price hits four-year high after major oil discovery in Namibia's white-hot Orange basin
Read more

Namcor said Mopane-1X in Block 2813A in which it has a 10% carried interest “confirmed the discovery of a substantial column of light oil in high-quality, reservoir-bearing sands in the Cenomanian-Turonian interval.”

This is the second Upper Cretaceous oil discovery in the Orange basin, said the state-owned player, after Shell’s Graff find, augmenting the Lower Cretaceous oil discoveries made by TotalEnergies and Shell in 2022.

This discovery is a pivotal moment in Namibia’s journey towards becoming an influential player in the global energy market PEL 83 JV

The block partners, which include Namibian player Custos Energy, are set to continue the analysis of the acquired data and carry out a drill stem test in the coming weeks.

Mopane-1X drilling operations will proceed to explore deeper targets within the block and on completion of these operations, the Hercules semi-submersible rig will relocate to the Mopane-2X site to further evaluate the extent of the discovery.

Shiwana Ndeunyema, interim managing director of Namcor, said: “This is an amazing time for Namibia and Namcor. The Mopane-1X discovery is not just a significant achievement for our organisation but also a beacon of hope for the entire nation’s economic future.

“We are immensely pleased with these results and excited about the potential opportunities this opens up for our country.”(Copyright)

My order was a sell. It has filled completely.

I attempted to buy back my shares and received the following note:

"We are not accepting opening orders on Caveat Emptor OTC securities.; No opening transactions are allowed on securities affected by amendments to SEC Rule 15c2-11."

Then the question is who can buy the shares sold through Ameritrade?

Is it farmed out to a third party?

Farrell

All the Ameritrade accounts have transferred except option accounts which will transfer on 11/3/2023.

My Ameritrade sell order filled completely in several transactions the last being yesterday.

Below is copied from my Ameritrade acount

"Your account moves to Schwab the weekend of November 3!
It's time to create your Schwab login info

Any person associated with this account must have their own Schwab Login ID and password
You'll use one login to access all your accounts on all Schwab platforms
Access to your account on TD Ameritrade platforms ends Friday, November 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET"



GLTA, Farrell

Sorry I was in a hurry to run an errand when I answered you the first time.

The trades were both buys and sells. My account does not switch from Ameritrade to Schwab for a few weeks. I am uncertain if Schwab will allow Erhe buys and sells.

Good to see you are still posting.

Farrell

I thought it was both. You may be right.

Farrell

Schwab has acquired Ameritrade. The transfer of all the accounts will be complete in a few weeks.

About 40,000 ... a small percentage of what own. I was primarily interested in testing the Ameritrade trading

ERHE trading on Ameritrade now. Those .0048 shares sold today were mine. I called Ameritrade earlier and they confirmed they were accepting orders.

Whose buying?

Farrell

Brilacidin was studied as an eye drop for bacterial keratitis and was shown to be equivalent to Vancomycin against multiple resistant staph aureus

"Conclusions: BRI has Gram-positive in vitro activity; topical BRI 0.5% was minimally irritating; and BRI 0.5% was equally efficacious as VAN in a MRSA keratitis model when the corneal epithelium was removed. "

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26501484/

Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis is often referred to as epidemic keratoconjunctivits and out breaks are common world wide. While it can produce severe symptoms it usually resolves in a few weeks and unlike bacterial and fungal keratitis it is not a cause of permanent eye damage or visual loss. Infrequently the symptoms can last for a few months.

To the best of my knowledge Brilacidin has not been tested against Adenoviruses.

Your comment regarding the Brilacidin eye drop has validity. Fungal keratitis is becoming more common in the Northern hemisphere as the world wide temperature has increased. Fungal keratitis is much more common in tropical countries and the southern US, especially Florida.

At times fungal keratitis responds poorly to topical anti-fungal medications and has a higher rate of permanent corneal scarring, permanent visual loss and even loss of the eye. Corneal scarring at times requires corneal transplantation to improve vision.

IMO Brilacidin has a high probability of being approved for fungal diseases and fungal keratitis. The topical eye drop could be the first Brilacidin approved treatment in humans.

Antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal eye drops are all prescription and will require full testing. There is no reason to believe Brilacidin as a topical eye drop will ever be released over the counter in the United States.

Many other countries do allow antibiotics and topical antibiotic eye drops to be dispensed without a prescription. I have been told one can go to Tijuana, Mexico and buy antibiotics without prescriptions.

Good luck,Farrell

New update!
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sintana-energys-reveals-exciting-updates-170532599.html

Plus...SEUSF has hired a financial...investment banker:

Sintana Energy Inc. Provides Update on Upcoming Communications and Investor Relations Initiatives

"Further, Sintana is pleased to announce the engagement of Auctus Advisors LLP ("Auctus"), a specialist Equity Capital Markets and Advisory firm based in the United Kingdom with a focus on the energy sector. Auctus is owned by its partners who together have decades of experience across Equity Capital Markets, Investment Banking and the Energy industry, having worked previously at Societe Generale, Canaccord Capital, BMO Capital Markets and Schlumberger. Most recently the partners worked together for many years at GMP FirstEnergy.

Auctus will provide capital markets advisory and investor relations services to the Company including enhancing Sintana's communications and investor outreach efforts with a specific focus on Europe.

The initial term of the engagement is for 6 months (subject to extension) with total fees of £30,000. In addition, in the event the retainer continues beyond the original term, the Company shall pay an annual retainer of £60,000. Auctus does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any securities of the Company.

Auctus provides Corporate Broking, Equity Research and Investment Banking services. Auctus is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered in England and Wales under the partnership number OC429983. Its registered address is Robsacks, Long Barn Road, Weald, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6NJ."

Investment banking ? Things are heating up.

GLTA,

Farrell

New update from Upstream

"TotalEnergies has completed its closely watched Nara-1X exploration probe offshore Nfarrellamibia, with an announcement thought to be imminent on what could — if successful — be another blockbuster oil discovery."

We should know the results soon.

Fungal disease is becoming more common

"Annually, over 150 million severe cases of fungal infections occur worldwide, resulting in approximately 1.7 million deaths per year. Alarmingly, these numbers are continuously on the rise with a number of social and medical developments during the past decades that have abetted the spread of fungal infections. Additionally, the long-term therapeutic application and prophylactic use of antifungal drugs in high-risk patients have promoted the emergence of (multi)drug-resistant fungi, including the extremely virulent strain Candida auris. Hence, fungal infections are already a global threat that is becoming increasingly severe. In this article, we underline the importance of more and effective research to counteract fungal infections and their consequences."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7278517/

"Climate changes in temperature and rainfall are enabling the spread of certain fungal lung diseases beyond their traditional geographic hot spots in the United States, and doctors commonly miss the diagnosis."

https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2022/11/21/fungal-infections-climate-change-study/1171669045633/

As temperatures rise, fungi can develop tolerance for warmer environments — including the bodies of humans and other mammals, whose naturally high temperatures typically keep most fungal pathogens at bay. Over time, humans may lose resistance to these climate-adapting fungi and become more vulnerable to infections. Some researchers think this is what is happening with C. auris.

https://grist.org/health/candida-auris-infections-spread-us-climate-change/

GLTA Farrell

"Shell and TotalEnergies have discovered at least 11 billion barrels of light #oil and up to 8.7 trillion cubic feet of #gas in Namibia’s prolific Orange basin over the last 18 months, according to top petroleum officials in the country."

Upstream

Looks like penny flippers have discovered our stock running the price up and down for a few hundred dollars.

I am not interested in playing.

GLTA Farrell

Thanks for the reminder.
Subhash Dhawan is an impressive individual with the right experience,credentials and background to advance Brilacidin and his device to a clinical trial.

JMHO, Farrell

Thanks for posting

2023:

BASILEA HALF-YEAR REPORT 202318
OUTLOOK:
BASILEA HALF-YEAR REPORT 202318
OUTLOOK pg 18

Upcoming milestones
H2 2023
In-licensing or acquisition of novel anti-infectives
to complement clinical pipeline
H1 2024
In-licensing or acquisition of novel anti-infectives
to complement clinical pipeline

Interesting they are making announcing corporate goal to acquire or license novel, complementary antiinfectives.

I do not know Basilea well enough to outline all the drugs they may be evaluating, but it is a sure bet Brilacidin is one of them.

JMHO, Farrell

Another recent outbreak of Marburg virus is causing concern. Currently no antiviral treatment is available for Marburg virus. The death rate is as high as 80%.

Marburg virus is a Filovirus. "The Filoviridae consists of 2 genera: Ebolavirus (consisting of 5 species) and Marburgvirus (consisting of 2 species). The specific vectors of these viruses have not been confirmed, but fruit bats are the prime candidates; thus, Filoviridae are not arboviruses. Human-to-human transmission of Ebola virus and Marburg virus occurs readily."

https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/arboviruses,-arenaviridae,-and-filoviridae/overview-of-arbovirus,-arenavirus,-and-filovirus-infections

Brilacidin may have activity against Filoviruses: "...earlier NIH/NIAID-affiliated research of Brilacidin in other acutely infectious virus families, including coronaviruses, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses, with a corresponding scientific paper being prepared for publication."
https://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2022/8/5/innovation-pharmaceuticals-announces-nihniaid-affiliated-researchers-to-evaluate-brilacidins-treatment-potential-against-monkeypox

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/marburg-virus-disease
https://www.cdc.gov/locs/2023/04-06-2023-Lab-Advisory-CDC_Issues_CDC_Issues_Health_Alert_Marburg_Disease_Outbreaks.html
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/deadly-virus-turns-sufferers-into-30520661
cnn.com/2023/04/06/health/cdc-alert-marburg/index.html

"In summary, we identified five molecules,
Hayatinine, Bedaquiline, Brilacidin, Curine, and MMV688271 that completely blocked invasion/schizont rupture at IC50"

Thanks for posting. This finding is consistent with Polymedix's lab findings that some of their small molecule mimetic of defensin, a type of host defense proteins/peptides (HDPs) or antimicrobial peptides had an inhibitory affect against malaria.

This study confirms Brilacidin also possesses antimalarial inhibitory effects. Brilacidin is truly a multifaceted compound with proven antibacterial,antiviral,antifungal and now antiparasitic antimalarial effects.

GLTA Farrell

Sorry I missed your reply.

By focusing on the mortality numbers you ignored a number of significant complications of viral encephalitis plus you did not bother to mention the fact that Brilacidin has been shown to have activity against other viral disorders and other strains of encephalitis.

"Across multiple cell lines and under different testing conditions, research showed Brilacidin inhibited viral replication in a statistically significant manner in encephalitic alphaviruses, including Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV), and Sindbis Virus (SINV). Brilacidin also was shown to inhibit Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVRF), a contagious bunyavirus that can lead to blindness, liver failure, and hemorrhagic fever in infected individuals. Moreover, anti-inflammatory activity was observed, indicating intracellular events are modulated by Brilacidin treatment. Brilacidin is thus able to exert a combined protective effect by decreasing viral and inflammatory load.

The in vitro evaluation of Brilacidin’s antiviral activity was expanded to Echovirus, a non-enveloped picornavirus, to assess Brilacidin’s effect on early viral entry in contrast to its ability to disrupt the lipid membranes of enveloped viruses. Brilacidin was shown to inhibit Echovirus, suggesting Brilacidin possesses additional antiviral mechanisms beyond its ability to directly impact viral envelopes."

https://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2022/9/14/new-in-vitro-data-supporting-the-broad-spectrum-antiviral-activity-of-innovation-pharmaceuticals-brilacidin-presented-at-2022-military-health-system-research-symposium

Below are some facts relating to Eastern equine encephalitis
No vaccine
No antiviral treatment
41% death rate
50% neurological complications such as: psychosis, memory loss,seizures

"Several complications have been described, more frequently involving the central nervous system resulting in cognitive, motor, or sensory deficits. Associated neurological sequelae include most commonly seizures (63%), but also paralysis, intellectual disability, and behavioral changes. Late diagnosis and intervention can result in multiorgan failure and autonomic dysfunction, and ultimately death.[20][21] A rare case reported hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a 5 month-old infant secondary to EEE.[22] Behavioral changes are also described, specifically psychosis."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557692/

Venezuiian equine encephalitis can occur as large outbreaks affecting thousands of individuals. It is more common in Central and South America While it is rarely reported in the US. It should be of concern to travelers to endemic areas. One outbreak in South America record 13,000 individual infections.
The disease has a lower death rate and neurological complication rate than EEE, but shares many clinical features.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559332/



:

The FDA process for approving medical devices can be much less stringent than pharmaceuticals.

BeaMedical Technologies {IPIX' has about a 40% position} has received clearance fro the Manta family of surgical lasers
11/2022
"BT BeaMedical Technologies (“BeaMed”), a private company developing a next-generation laser-based platform for epilepsy and cancer surgery, has notified Innovation Pharmaceuticals (OTC: IPIX) (the “Company”) that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance (K222701) for its MANTA surgical laser family. The clearance is an important milestone for BeaMed in its development of an advanced laser technology with respect to shaping energy and matching it to patient specific anatomy, a novel concept that BeaMed is proving a reality. Innovation Pharmaceuticals made a strategic investment to acquire a minority stake in BeaMed in June 2022."

"he MANTA surgical laser family was cleared by the FDA including five different wavelengths (810nm, 980nm, 1064nm, 1470nm and 1940nm) and soft tissue use in a very wide set of clinical specialties, including Neurosurgery, Spinal Surgery, Urology, Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonary Surgery, Gynecology, General Surgery, ENT/Head and Neck, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedics, Arthroscopy, Ophthalmology, Radiology, and Oral Surgery."

The next approval is for the fiber optic delivery system and integration with MRI imaging.

2/2023
"Having already obtained FDA clearance for the laser component of the StingRay
System, BeaMed expects soon to make additional requisite submissions to the
FDA for clearance of its fiber optics and its software integration package
with Siemens and GE imaging systems."

ttps://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2023-02-23/innovation-pharmaceuticals-visits-beamed-new-stingray-laser-system-for-epilepsy-and-brain-tumors-moving-toward-fda-submission

In addition Beamed has signed an agreement with Shina Systems to facilitate development and regulatory approval:

1/2023
"BT BeaMedical Technologies (“BeaMed”), a private company minority-owned by Innovation Pharmaceuticals (OTC: IPIX) (the “Company”) developing a next-generation laser based platform for epilepsy and cancer surgery, has notified the Company that it has entered into a definitive strategic agreement with Shina Systems Ltd. (“Shina”), a company specializing in medical imaging software platforms, in order to build on unique capabilities of Shina and accelerate the development, regulatory clearance, and commercial deployment of BeaMed’s StingRay Laser System for brain surgery."

“This agreement provides us with two key strategic advantages,” said Gil Shapira, Chief Executive Officer of BeaMed. “The first is immediate access to decades of experience and knowledge regarding design and implementation of high end medical imaging platforms including MRI access, 3D image processing and visualization, and superlative usability. The second is acceleration of our development timeline to get through FDA clearance and market launch quickly. This path underscores the execution-focused strategy of BeaMed to successfully bring its innovation to the market efficiently and expeditiously.”

"Shina Systems Ltd. develops and markets clinical image management, PACS and medical imaging analysis application software for almost 3 decades. Shina is recognized for its unique tools and intuitive, clinician-friendly application workflow. Clinically effective and technologically distinguished, Shina’s software is installed in thousands of clinical sites worldwide, including OEM partners from the top 10 global medical imaging and equipment companies."

My guess is that approval could come within months.

GLTA, Farrell

Very interesting. Thanks for posting . More evidence to support Brilacin's anti -infective possibilities...antiviral, anti fungal, antibacterial.

Good luck,

Farrell

Polymedixs performed a great deal of basic research on Brilacidin and its other related compounds . On page 10 of the link below malaria is listed as one of its possible research targets.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1341843/000114420413013653/v337514_fwp.htm

In addition Polymedix received a government grant to study its compounds against malaria.

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/polymedix-receives-nih-grant-to-develop-new-antimicrobials-for-treatment-of-malaria

Farrell

Sintana energy partner ,Galp Energia , has sign a drilling rig for PEL 83 for 2 wells.

https://www.energyvoice.com/oilandgas/africa/rigs-vessels-africa/500815/galp-signs-ojfell-rig-orange-basin-test/

https://sintanaenergy.com/projects/offshore-africa/pel-83/

GLTA,Farrell

Galp has signed up a harsh environment semi-submersible rig for two wells offshore Namibia.

SFL Corp. announced the contract today, worth $50 million, for the Hercules rig. The drilling company reported the contract covered two wells, plus optional well testing.

It expects work to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, and run for 115 days including mobilisation.

The Hercules is undergoing a special survey in Norway ahead of mobilisation to Canada. After Canada, it will re-cross the ocean and head to Namibia.

Galp entered Namibia in 2012 and now holds the PEL 83 area in the Orange Basin. The operator shot 3D seismic on the block in 2019. Galp relinquished another area, PEL 82 in the Walvis Basin, in 2021.

Galp has an 80% stake in PEL 83, which is next to Shell’s three discoveries at Graff, La Rona and Jonker.

Sintana Energy, partner on PEL 83, has said the licence is thought to hold “mature, oil-prone source rock intervals of Barremian-Aptian (Kudu) shale and Cenomanian-Turonian ages”. The main source rock is a “very thick Barremian-Aptian” of around 300 metres, covering the whole basin, the minnow said.
Must be Hercules

“We are pleased to announce this follow-on contract for the Hercules, which will keep the rig continuously employed until the end of the first quarter of 2024,” said SFL CEO Ole Hjertaker.

“The new contract illustrates the attractiveness and versatility of the Hercules as a harsh environment oil exploration and development rig for the international market. With increasing demand and few available drilling rigs with Hercules’ capabilities, we see additional upside in day rates and contract term from 2024 onwards.”

Odjfell Drilling manages the rig on behalf of SFL. Odjfell CEO Kjetil Gjersdal said the company had been working “tirelessly” to prepare the rig for work in Canada since taking over management and marketing.

“Agreeing this contract with Galp Energia, the third contract for work in Namibia we have agreed within the last year, is very exciting for our company and we look forward to working with SFL and Galp Energia to meet expectations safely and efficiently,” Gjersdal said.

ExxonMobil and SFL signed a contract for the Hercules in November 2022. The rig will begin work in Canada in the second quarter. It has a firm duration of 135 days and an optional extension for another 60 days.

Odjfell also manages the Deepsea Bollsta and Deepsea Mira, which are working in Namibia for Shell and TotalEnergies respectively. The drilling company has cited recent discoveries in Namibia as creating interest in “securing long-term contracts in the area”.
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It's a good point, the risks of fungal diseases increases the closer one is to the equator. I would not be surprised to see a upcoming country such as Brazil, India or Indonesia to be very interested in a new treatment for fungal diseases. The incidence of fungal diseases is increasing in the United States too.

Glta Farrell

Plus the incidence of Candida auris is spreading across the country and the incidence of drug resistance is also spreading.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/antimicrobial-stewardship/

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-fungal-infection-candida-auris-alarming-spread-rcna75477

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0320-cauris.html

https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/cdc-issues-warning-about-increase-of-drug-resistant-candida-auris-infections/2023/03

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/03/20/candida-auris-fungus-infection/

https://www.statnews.com/2023/02/09/fungal-crisis-is-here-past-time-to-address-it/

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/HAN/2023-687-3-31-UPD-C_Auris_update.pdf

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2803271

It is a big enough of a problem for the Nevada congressional delegation to petition Congress, CDC and GailWilensky for help:

https://susielee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-leads-nevada-del

https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/health/fatal-fungus-outbreak-worries-nevada-lawmakers-more-help-wanted-2765479/

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/04/25/kkkq-a25.html

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/261-politics/80420852

GLTA,

Farrell

That is correct. IPIX does not currently have funds for a clinical trial.

What do you think the Nevada congressional group is going request from their colleagues in Washington? My bet is they will ask for research funding, expedited clinical trials and new drugs to treat pan resistant Candida auris.

I believe they will be successful because of the nationwide spread of Candida auris, the high death rate [30-60%] and the lack of effective treatments in patients infected with the pan resistant form.

Plus all the reasons the CDC outlines below:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting

General Information about Candida auris
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Candida Auris pathogen

Healthcare facilities in several countries have reported that a type of yeast called Candida auris has been causing severe illness in hospitalized patients. In some patients, this yeast can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, causing serious invasive infections. This yeast often does not respond to commonly used antifungal drugs, making infections difficult to treat. Patients who have been hospitalized in a healthcare facility a long time, have a central venous catheter, or other lines or tubes entering their body, or have previously received antibiotics or antifungal medications, appear to be at highest risk of infection with this yeast.

Specialized laboratory methods are needed to accurately identify C. auris. Conventional laboratory techniques could lead to misidentification and inappropriate management, making it difficult to control the spread of C. auris in healthcare settings.

Because of these factors, CDC is alerting U.S. healthcare facilities to be on the lookout for C. auris in their patients.

CDC and partners continue to work closely; click here for the latest information on Candida auris. To learn more about Candida auris, read the Q&A below and:

Fact sheet on Candida auris – Download pdf icon[PDF – 2 Pages]
Recommendations for Laboratorians and Health Professionals
Information for Patients and Family Members
Questions and Answers for Healthcare Personnel

Why is CDC concerned about C. auris infections?

CDC is concerned about C. auris for three main reasons:

It is often multidrug-resistant, meaning that it is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs commonly used to treat Candida infections.
It is difficult to identify with standard laboratory methods, and it can be misidentified in labs without specific technology. Misidentification may lead to inappropriate management.
It has caused outbreaks in healthcare settings. For this reason, it is important to quickly identify C. auris in a hospitalized patient so that healthcare facilities can take special precautions to stop its spread.

What types of infections can C. auris cause?

C. auris has caused bloodstream infections, wound infections, and ear infections. It also has been isolated from respiratory and urine specimens, but it is unclear if it causes infections in the lung or bladder.
How is C. auris infection diagnosed?

Like other Candida infections, C. auris infections are usually diagnosed by culture of blood or other body fluids. However, C. auris is harder to identify from cultures than other, more common types of Candida. For example, it can be confused with other types of yeasts, particularly Candida haemulonii. Special laboratory tests are needed to identify C. auris. For more information, please see the Recommendations for Laboratorians and Health Professionals.
Who is at risk for infection from C. auris?

People who have recently spent time in nursing homes and have lines and tubes that go into their body (such as breathing tubes, feeding tubes and central venous catheters), seem to be at highest risk for C. auris infection. Limited data suggest that the risk factors for Candida auris infections are generally similar to risk factors for other types of Candida infections. These risk factors include recent surgery, diabetes, broad-spectrum antibiotic and antifungal use. Infections have been found in patients of all ages, from preterm infants to the elderly. Further study is needed to learn more about risk factors for C. auris infection.
When was C. auris first reported?

C. auris was first identified in 2009 in Japan. Retrospective review of Candida strain collections found that the earliest known strain of C. auris dates to 1996 in South Korea. CDC considers C. auris an emerging pathogen because increasing numbers of infections have been identified in multiple countries since it was recognized.
How did C. auris get its name?

Auris is the Latin word for ear. Despite its name, C. auris can also affect many other regions of the body and can cause invasive infections, including bloodstream infections and wound infections.
Where have C. auris infections occurred globally?

C. auris infections have been reported from over 30 countries, including the United States. Because identification of C. auris requires specialized laboratory methods, infections likely have occurred in other countries but have not been identified or reported. Click here for a map of countries with reported cases.
How did C. auris infection spread globally?

CDC conducted whole genome sequencing of C. auris specimens from countries in the regions of eastern Asia, southern Asia, southern Africa, and South America. Whole genome sequencing produces detailed DNA fingerprints of organisms. CDC found that isolates within each region are quite similar to one another, but are relatively different across regions. These differences suggest that C. auris has emerged independently in multiple regions at roughly the same time.
Would someone be likely to get a C. auris infection if they travel to any of these countries?

It is unlikely that routine travel to countries with documented C. auris infections would increase the chance of someone getting sick from C. auris. Infections have occurred primarily in patients who were already in the hospital for other reasons. People who travel to these countries to seek medical care or who are hospitalized there for a long time may have an increased risk for C. auris infection.
Have C. auris infections occurred in the United States?

Cases of C. auris infections have been reported in the United States. As laboratories continue to look for this fungus, it is likely that more cases will be reported. Click here for a map of cases in the United States.
What should someone do if they suspect they have a C. auris infection?

CDC recommends that anyone who believes they have any fungal infection or healthcare-associated infection see a healthcare provider.
Are C. auris infections treatable?

Most C. auris infections are treatable with a class of antifungal drugs called echinocandins. However, some C. auris infections have been resistant to all three main classes of antifungal medications, making them more difficult to treat. In this situation, multiple classes of antifungals at high doses may be required to treat the infection. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider experienced in treating patients with fungal infections.
Can a person die from infection with C. auris?

Yes. Invasive infections with any Candida species can be fatal. We don’t know if patients with invasive C. auris infection are more likely to die than patients with other invasive Candida infections. Based on information from a limited number of patients, 30–60% of people with C. auris infections have died. However, many of these people had other serious illnesses that also increased their risk of death.
How does C. auris spread?

C. auris can spread in healthcare settings through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces or equipment, or from person to person. More work is needed to further understand how it spreads.
How can the spread of C. auris be prevented?

Please see the Recommendations for Laboratorians and Health Professionals.
What is CDC doing to address C. auris?

CDC is providing guidance for clinicians and infection control personnel. For more information, please see the Recommendations for Laboratorians and Health Professionals. CDC also is working with state and local health agencies, healthcare facilities, and clinical microbiology laboratories to ensure that laboratories are using proper methods to detect C. auris and know the limitations of certain tests for detecting C. auris.



JMO but things are looking up for Brilacidin

Good luck,

Farrell

I am sure you noted in my post I placed clinical trial before the mention of compassionate use.

" Could a clinical trial be coming? Compassionate use? "

FYI below is IPIX's description of compassionate use


"Expanded Access and Compassionate Use

Innovation Pharma is dedicated to developing innovative therapies in areas of unmet need.

To learn more about our clinical trials, including possible opportunities to participate in ongoing or upcoming studies, visit ClinicalTrials.gov—a government-run database listing private and publicly-funded clinical studies conducted around the world.

As part of drug development, the FDA allows for potential Expanded Access/Compassionate Use of an Investigational New Drug before any regulatory approval might be achieved. This opportunity applies only to patients with serious or life-threatening conditions who are unable to participate in a clinical trial and have exhausted alternative treatment avenues.

For FDA regulations on Expanded Access/Compassionate Use, please visit the FDA website."

Patients and physicians should refer to the following information before contacting us about potential Expanded Access/Compassionate Use opportunities."

Expedited clinical trials can happen quickly when the current treatments for infectious disease are ineffective leading to contagion, severe illness, disability or even death.

The Nevada politicians are right to be very concerned.

Farrell

Farrell

Resistant Canidida auris is spreading in Las Vegas ,Florida and California

From the CDC:

"Combination antifungal treatment yielded promising results in laboratory testing but has not been evaluated in clinical settings. Investigational drugs have been tried against C. auris and may be considered for patients with echinocandin-resistant "

Brilacidin in combination with other antifungals may prove to be a key medication for Candida auria. Could a clinical trial be coming? Compassionate use?

The situation with panresistant Candida auris sounds desperate.

"Brilacidin converted CAS from a fungistatic into a fungicidal drug, enabling it to overcome both drug resistance and biofilm formation. Brilacidin exerted, to a lesser degree, synergistic effects with VOR in A. fumigatus. Further in vitro testing showed Brilacidin synergized with CAS in C. albicans, C. auris and C. neoformans. In an A. fumigatus immunosuppressed mouse model in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, Brilacidin plus CAS cleared infection in the lungs by almost 95 percent, compared to ~50 percent when each compound was administered individually."

https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/innovation-pharmaceuticals-announces-publication-

CDC Recommendations for treatment of Candida auris infections

"Consultation with an infectious disease specialist is highly recommended when caring for patients with C. auris infection.

Even after treatment for invasive infections, patients generally remain colonized with C. auris for long periods, and perhaps indefinitely. Therefore, all recommended infection control measures should be followed during and after treatment for C. auris infection.
Adults and children ≥ 2 months of age

Based on the limited data available to date, an echinocandin drug at a dose listed below is recommended initial therapy for treatment of C. auris infections.
Dose information for Adults and Children ≥ 2 months of age
Dose information for Adults and Children ≥ 2 months of age
Echinocandin Drug Adult dosing Pediatric dosing
Anidulafungin loading dose 200 mg IV,
then 100 mg IV daily not approved for use in children
Caspofungin loading dose 70 mg IV,
then 50 mg IV daily loading dose 70mg/m2/day IV, then 50mg/m2/day IV
(based on body surface area)
Micafungin 100 mg IV daily 2mg/kg/day IV with option to increase to 4mg/kg/day IV in children at least 40 kg

Most strains of C. auris found in the United States have been susceptible to echinocandins although reports of echinocandin—or pan-resistant cases are increasing. This organism appears to develop resistance quickly. Patients on antifungal treatment should be carefully monitored for clinical improvement. Follow-up cultures and repeat susceptibility testing should be conducted. Both recurrent and persistent C. auris bloodstream infections have been documented.

Switching to a liposomal amphotericin B (5 mg/kg daily) could be considered if the patient is clinically unresponsive to echinocandin treatment or has persistent fungemia for >5 days.

Data are lacking about the most appropriate therapy for pan-resistant strains. Combination antifungal treatment yielded promising results in laboratory testing but has not been evaluated in clinical settings. Investigational drugs have been tried against C. auris and may be considered for patients with echinocandin-resistant ."

https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candida-auris/c-auris-treatment.html

GLTA Farrell

The FDA has the ability to sponsor public/private studies for serious infectious diseases.

https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/activ

I agree, compassionate use of Brilacidin would be appropriate in the sick patients not responding to standard care.

IMO an urgent FDA study is needed with the death rate for the standard treatment being so high.

Farrell

CDC page regarding Candidia auris

https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candida-auris/tracking-c-auris.html

Brilacidin for Candidia auris would be a good study for the George Mason and Rutgers biodefense labs.

GLTA, Farrell

If anyone wants to see the whole article you can by paying $6.00 US.

https://www.africaintelligence.com/