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GlobalSCAPE, Inc. (GSB) Bundles New Highly-Intuitive Mobile Capability from TappIn Acquisition into Secure File Access Platform
Today, GlobalSCAPE®, well-established provider of a host of secure information exchange platforms and SaaS solutions (which first made a name for itself back in 1996 with the popular CuteFTP® product), implemented a new feature for their proven Enhanced File Transfer (EFT) Server™ platform that allows easy, secure access to business files from any popular smartphone/mobile device.
The Secure Mobile Access™ module, combined with EFT Server, represents a powerful incorporation of technology developed by TappIn™, Inc. and acquired by GSB during the 2011 acquisition of the Seattle-based mobile file sharing innovator.
A solution now exists for businesses/IT departments to easily enable employees to simply use their own mobile device. The implications are obvious and the potential benefits to a business are immediate. Allowing employees to stay connected to the business, accessing and sharing files in a secure environment via their own mobile, is a silver-bullet to problems emerging in the constantly evolving, always-on modern workspace.
Since just December when the acquisition was completed, GSB has managed to successfully integrate the convenient, mobile file access capabilities of TappIn’s technology, with the rock-solid security envelope of the EFT Server. This allows the comprehensive, full-spectrum control for managing user access that administrators have come to love about EFT Server, to be extended rapidly via the initiation of a TappIn account activation by the user. Because the files are not stored in the cloud, there is no upload required before accessing.
Direct access to infrastructure-resident corporate data in a secure environment from any mobile device, in an intuitive, easy to use, and easy to manage interface: this kind of anytime, anywhere connectivity with advanced, yet convenient management functionality is impressive and there is significant buzz building about GSB’s aggressive, pioneering strategy.
CEO of GSB, Jim Morris, hailed the convenience this powerful integration brings forth as a perfect solution for delivering enterprise-grade secure file transfer. The expertise brought to the table by TappIn has been instrumental in developing the kind of advanced, highly-effective mobile access solution the market demands and Morris was keen to emphasize this advantage to customers.
A recent report on smartphone adoption shows that although only 17% of American’s own a smartphone, small business owners’ usage is as high as 49% (Forrester Research). More and more devices are emerging into the category thanks to rapidly changing software/hardware relationships, expanding bandwidth, and secure file access and management solutions like those offered by GSB. As the proliferation of smartphones increases the rate of demand for intuitive, powerful solutions to everyday file access and transfer requirements, the market for precisely such capabilities as today’s announcement heralds will continue to grow.
GSB has over a decade and a half of experience bringing businesses and consumers everything from secure FTP servers and managed hosting services endpoint security to workflow automation. For more information on the San Antonio, Texas-based GlobalSCAPE, Inc. please visit the company’s website at: www.GlobalScape.com
GBS Enterprises, Inc. (GBSX) Provides Shareholder Update, Q3 and Nine Months Financial Results
GBS Enterprises is a 50 percent parent company of GROUP Business Software AG (GBS), a global software and services company specializing in application modernization and cloud automation. GBS Enterprises today provided a shareholder update and financial results for the three and nine months ended Dec. 31, 2011.
Joerg Ott, CEO of GBS Enterprises, said the company grew year-over-year revenue by 53.5 percent during the 2011 third quarter, reflecting revenue generated through its core software and services business. Despite this growth, Ott said the company is focusing on the “much larger” opportunity with its Transformer technology and Cloud Automation capabilities, which he said will position the company for strong growth going forward.
“Transformer is already demonstrating a significant impact helping companies to gain insight into their business applications and enabling them to formulate and execute a strategy to modernize those applications,” Ott stated in the press release. “We have already completed pilot projects with large financial services organizations in New York and are in the process of beginning large engagements with these and other enterprise level customers both in North America and Europe. The demand and need for our technology and application expertise is significant and going forward we anticipate a rapid expansion of our business pipeline.”
The company highlighted several other 2011 business updates, including its acquisition of IDC Global, GroupWare and Pavone AG, and announced third quarter and nine months financial results.
GBS Enterprises reported revenue for the third quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011, at approximately $8.2 million, an increase of 53.5 percent as compared to approximately $5.4 million for the same period the year prior. Revenue for the nine-month period ended Dec. 31, 2011, totaled approximately $21.3 million, an increase of approximately 18.7 percent, as compared to approximately $18 million for the same period the year prior.
Gross profit for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011, totaled approximately $3.5 million, a 33.8 percent increase compared to approximately $2.6 million for the same period the year prior. Gross profit margin during the 2011 period was approximately 43 percent as compared to approximately 49.3 percent for the 2010 period. Gross profit for the nine months ended Dec. 31, 2011, totaled approximately $10.5 million, an increase of approximately 13 percent, as compared to approximately $9.3 million for the first nine months of 2010. Gross profit margin for the 2011 nine-month period was approximately 49.1 percent as compared to approximately 51.6 percent the prior year.
The company was cash flow positive from operations through the first nine months of 2011. During the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011, certain warrant holders exercised their warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,020,000 shares of common stock for a total purchase price of $3,030,000 before fees.
As of Dec. 31, 2011, GBS Enterprises had approximately $3.5 million in cash and cash equivalents; and total current assets and total assets at approximately $10.2 million and approximately $86.7 million, respectively.
For more information visit www.gbsx.us
The FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Edge
The positive report just released by Zacks Small-Cap Research on FluoroPharma Medical, developer of advanced medical diagnostic imaging tracer products for use with positron emission tomography (PET), highlights the principal advantages of FluoroPharma in the healthcare market. Although healthcare itself is a steadily rising sea, with aging baby boomers continuing to feed the market, the distinctive advantages of FluoroPharma give the company a unique edge.
FluoroPharma is developing specialized tracer chemicals that are able to integrate themselves into subtle bodily processes, allowing sophisticated PET technology to detect biological events at the cellular and molecular level, long before the manifestation of disease symptoms. As such, PET technology represents an internal detection resolution unmatched by other diagnostic imaging approaches, and FluoroPharma’s focus on PET provides the company’s first key advantage in the healthcare marketplace.
In addition, FluoroPharma’s main radiopharmaceutical products target the extensive coronary artery disease (CAD) market. CAD remains a major global killer and is the subject of massive funding for the development of associated products. FluoroPharma has three tracer products directly related to CAD. CardioPET helps identify patients that will benefit from PCI or revascularization and guide intervention, and can evaluate CAD in patients that cannot go through stress tests. BFPET can be used for the detection of presumptive CAD in combination with stress testing, as well as for the improved detection of CAD related to multi-vessel disease. VasoPET can be used for evaluating patients experiencing Acute Coronary Syndrome or a risk of stroke, or for evaluating therapy following an acute cardiac event or stroke.
Yet another advantage for FluoroPharma is the unmatched capabilities of their particular tracers. Current CAD related PET tracers carry an unusually high cost, and have also experienced safety issues and availability shortages. As a result, there is a significant demand for new approaches, as offered by FluoroPharma.
For more information, see the company website at www.FluoroPharma.com
The FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Edge
The positive report just released by Zacks Small-Cap Research on FluoroPharma Medical, developer of advanced medical diagnostic imaging tracer products for use with positron emission tomography (PET), highlights the principal advantages of FluoroPharma in the healthcare market. Although healthcare itself is a steadily rising sea, with aging baby boomers continuing to feed the market, the distinctive advantages of FluoroPharma give the company a unique edge.
FluoroPharma is developing specialized tracer chemicals that are able to integrate themselves into subtle bodily processes, allowing sophisticated PET technology to detect biological events at the cellular and molecular level, long before the manifestation of disease symptoms. As such, PET technology represents an internal detection resolution unmatched by other diagnostic imaging approaches, and FluoroPharma’s focus on PET provides the company’s first key advantage in the healthcare marketplace.
In addition, FluoroPharma’s main radiopharmaceutical products target the extensive coronary artery disease (CAD) market. CAD remains a major global killer and is the subject of massive funding for the development of associated products. FluoroPharma has three tracer products directly related to CAD. CardioPET helps identify patients that will benefit from PCI or revascularization and guide intervention, and can evaluate CAD in patients that cannot go through stress tests. BFPET can be used for the detection of presumptive CAD in combination with stress testing, as well as for the improved detection of CAD related to multi-vessel disease. VasoPET can be used for evaluating patients experiencing Acute Coronary Syndrome or a risk of stroke, or for evaluating therapy following an acute cardiac event or stroke.
Yet another advantage for FluoroPharma is the unmatched capabilities of their particular tracers. Current CAD related PET tracers carry an unusually high cost, and have also experienced safety issues and availability shortages. As a result, there is a significant demand for new approaches, as offered by FluoroPharma.
The FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Edge
The positive report just released by Zacks Small-Cap Research on FluoroPharma Medical, developer of advanced medical diagnostic imaging tracer products for use with positron emission tomography (PET), highlights the principal advantages of FluoroPharma in the healthcare market. Although healthcare itself is a steadily rising sea, with aging baby boomers continuing to feed the market, the distinctive advantages of FluoroPharma give the company a unique edge.
FluoroPharma is developing specialized tracer chemicals that are able to integrate themselves into subtle bodily processes, allowing sophisticated PET technology to detect biological events at the cellular and molecular level, long before the manifestation of disease symptoms. As such, PET technology represents an internal detection resolution unmatched by other diagnostic imaging approaches, and FluoroPharma’s focus on PET provides the company’s first key advantage in the healthcare marketplace.
In addition, FluoroPharma’s main radiopharmaceutical products target the extensive coronary artery disease (CAD) market. CAD remains a major global killer and is the subject of massive funding for the development of associated products. FluoroPharma has three tracer products directly related to CAD. CardioPET helps identify patients that will benefit from PCI or revascularization and guide intervention, and can evaluate CAD in patients that cannot go through stress tests. BFPET can be used for the detection of presumptive CAD in combination with stress testing, as well as for the improved detection of CAD related to multi-vessel disease. VasoPET can be used for evaluating patients experiencing Acute Coronary Syndrome or a risk of stroke, or for evaluating therapy following an acute cardiac event or stroke.
Yet another advantage for FluoroPharma is the unmatched capabilities of their particular tracers. Current CAD related PET tracers carry an unusually high cost, and have also experienced safety issues and availability shortages. As a result, there is a significant demand for new approaches, as offered by FluoroPharma.
Seeking Alpha Publishes Article Featuring VistaGen Therapeutics
Today, Seeking Alpha published the following article featuring VistaGen Therapeutics: http://seekingalpha.com/article/394361
The article titled “VistaGen Therapeutics: A Hidden Stem Cell Opportunity” reviews the largely overlooked application of stem cells in the early stage testing of drug candidates. Using advanced stem cell technology, VistaGen has produced functional human cardiac cells that can be used early on in the drug development process to test for cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity has been a factor in over 30% of drug withdrawals, and addressing it is seen as a major market. The use of real human heart cells in pre-clinical testing offers important advantages over traditional testing methods, such as animal testing.
First of all, it can be performed at the earliest stages of development, reducing the risks of developing the wrong drug. It's also more accurate, since traditional testing involving animals can fail to detect potential risks in humans. And it's far easier than the large number of patients and lengthy testing required in human trials. By identifying cardiotoxicity issues early in the process, drug developers can take steps to rescue the drug candidate, developing variants that are both functional and safe. Given that stem cells, including non-embryonic stem cells, can be pointed in many different directions, their potential to transform drug development has no clear limit.
VistaGen sees itself as essentially transforming drug development by bring human biology to the front end of the process, attacking cardiotoxicity issues early in the cost curve, and removing much of the risk and uncertainty typically involved in bringing new drugs to market. Perhaps more importantly, it lessens the chance that patients will be asked to play the role of unsuspecting guinea pig, taking drugs that may cause them far more harm than good.
Yes, they began trading February 14, 2012.
Here are some resources you can use for your due diligence:
Company Website
http://globalwiseinvestments.com
Latest Press Releases
http://globalwiseinvestments.com/news
Investor Fact Sheet
http://globalwiseinvestments.com/factsheet
PowerPoint Presentation
http://globalwiseinvestments.com/assets/presentation
Investor Relations Kit
http://gwiv.missionir.com/ir
North American Palladium Ltd. (PAL) Appoints Peck as Head of Exploration
North American Palladium Ltd., an established precious metals producer, has announced that Dr. David C. Peck has been appointed as the company’s head of exploration. Dr. Peck will begin his new position on March 1.
Peck is a professional geoscientist and has almost 30 years of experience in exploration, as well as extensive research experience focused on magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE (nickel, copper, platinum group of elements) ore deposits. Peck is recognized as a worldwide expert in PGE exploration and has served as a senior technical and strategic consultant for many public and private companies; he has also worked on exploration and mining projects in more than a dozen countries. Peck was additionally involved in several noteworthy magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE discoveries in Canada and also overseas.
Dr. Peck most recently served as the president and senior technical and strategic consultant at Revelation Geoscience, a geoscience and exploration consulting company that he helped found. He has also served as the global nickel commodity leader at Anglo American plc, overseeing both the technical and strategic aspects of its global nickel exploration programs, and as a senior geologist for Falconbridge Ltd., overseeing project generation in western North America. Dr. Peck has additionally worked as a senior mineral deposits geologist for the Manitoba Geological Survey, as an adjunct professor at two Canada universities, as a graduate course instructor in mineral exploration at Laurentian University, and as the technical lead for a multi-year mineral potential study sponsored by the Ontario Geological Survey. Dr. Peck has authored many public presentations and government and academic publications relating to his specialization area.
North American Palladium anticipates that Peck’s expertise will significantly enhance the company’s efforts to achieve its organic growth initiatives, as the company has merely begun to scratch the surface of delineating future increases to its palladium resources at the company’s Lac des Iles (LDI) mine and adjacent properties. Worldwide, few available palladium exploration opportunities are as technically attractive and have such a low risk profile as LDI. The company’s current project pipeline promises great potential for continued resource expansions and new discoveries.
North American Palladium has been operating LDI – its flagship mine – in Ontario, Canada, since 1993. One of only two primary producers of palladium on earth, LDS is presently undergoing a large expansion to increase production and lessen cash costs per ounce. The company additionally operates the Vezza gold mine, which is located in the Abitibi region of Quebec.
For further information about North American Palladium, visit www.nap.com
Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ACCP) Partner Receives China Regulatory and Marketing Approval for MuGard
Access Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biopharm company focused on the development of treatments in the areas of oncology, diabetes, and RNAi, today announced that its MuGard partner in China, Rhei Pharmaceuticals HK Ltd., has received regulatory approval from the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) to market MuGard in China.
China’s regulatory agency approved MuGard to treat cancer patients afflicted with oral mucositis a debilitating side effect of many anticancer treatments. The approval provides Access the opportunity to tap into an expansive market with a largely unmet medical need. Access will soon begin manufacturing MuGard in the United States to meet demand created by Jian An Ltd., Rhei’s sales and marketing partner in China.
“Receiving final marketing approval from the SFDA of China is a transformative milestone for our global MuGard program. China represents a key target market with its large and increasingly affluent population and its desire for improved oncology care,” Jeffrey B. Davis, president and CEO of Access stated in the press release. “With the approval process now complete, we look forward to moving as quickly as we can to complete manufacturing so Rhei and Jian An can launch MuGard through their well-established sales and marketing infrastructure in China.”
“China is one of the fastest growing oncology markets and cancer supportive care has been improving throughout recent years,” said Sven De Backer, CEO of Rhei. “Rhei and Jian An are proud to bring MuGard to patients and physicians as we believe it is a critical and valuable product that addresses a significant unmet need for a large and growing patient population.”
Access and Rhei last year signed a supply agreement for MuGard, which ensured manufacturing capacity of up to a minimum of $30 million of product in the licensed territories. Access also approved a sub-license agreement between Rhei and Jian designed to leverage Jian An’s sales, marketing, and regulatory infrastructure for the launch of MuGard in China and Taiwan.
For more information visit www.accesspharma.com
Charles & Covard Ltd. (CTHR) Announce Fourth Quarter 2011 Results
Charles & Covard Ltd. is the sole global source of moissanite. This is a unique, nearly colorless created gemstone that is distinct from other gemstones and jewels based on its fire, brilliance, luster, durability, and rarity. This gemstone is incorporated into fine jewelry and sold throughout the world.
The company announced yesterday its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2011, ended December 31. It reported that net sales more than doubled while net income quadrupled in the fourth quarter.
Net sales increased 105% to $7.2 million versus $3.5 million in the same period last year. Loose moissanite gemstone sales increased 149% to $4.8 million versus just $1.9 million last year. Finished jewelry sales rose 50% to $2.4 million versus $1.6 million last year. For the full year, net sales rose by 26% to $16 million versus $12.7 million in 2010. 2011 saw sales of loose moissanite gemstones climb 19% to $12.1 million and sales of moissanite jewelry climb by 57% to $4 million.
Charles & Covard also enjoyed increasing profits. Its net income in the fourth quarter rose to $1.8 million, or 9 cents a share, compared to $410,000, or 2 cents a share, in the year ago period. Net income for the full year was flat versus 2010 at $1.6 million, or 8 cents a share. Notably, the company experienced positive cash flow for the entire year of $3.5 million.
The company, especially in the fourth quarter, benefited from its investments in new sales and marketing initiatives throughout its distribution channels. The company’s sales from its television shopping network customers were particularly strong. The company also expanded its sales efforts overseas, including into emerging markets such as China.
For more information about Charles & Covard and moissanite, please visit the company’s website at www.charlesandcovard.com
First Titan Corp. (FTTN) CEO to Meet with Intrepid Drilling Regarding Partnership
First Titan Corp. CEO, Robert Federowicz, will be meeting with executives from Intrepid Drilling, LLC to review preparations for spudding the partnership’s new oil and gas well at the South Lake Charles Prospect in Calcasieu, La. The meetings are scheduled to take place this week.
At the meeting, Intrepid Drilling will go over drilling plans with Federowicz, including final details. Intrepid Manager William E. Simmons will be on hand to present the project timeline to Federowicz. The company signed an agreement last month that places Intrepid Drilling in charge of drilling and operating the new well. The well’s spud date is currently set for March 1.
An emerging energy company, First Titan will rely heavily on its partner’s drilling and production experience to help make the South Lake Charles Prospect a success. Plans call for the company to drill to a total depth of 15,300 ft. at the project location. The project’s total maximum potential for all categories exceeds 60 billion cubic feet of gas and four million barrels of oil.
For more information on FTTN’s drilling initiative, please visit the company’s website at www.firsttitanenergy.com
MELA Sciences, Inc. (MELA) Device Shown to Improve Melanoma Detection
MelaFind, a non-invasive, multispectral computer vision system developed by MELA Sciences, has been shown to improve melanoma detection in a recent study. The study, involving 179 dermatologists, was published online on Feb. 20 in the Archives of Dermatology.
Before obtaining the MelaFind output, the average sensitivity – or ability to detect disease – of the dermatologists in the study was 69 percent; after obtaining the MelaFind output, the dermatologists’ average sensitivity increased to 94 percent. The percentage of dermatologists detecting all of the present melanomas during the study rose from 13 percent to 70 percent with the aid of MelaFind. Specificity, or the ability to correctly rule out disease when it isn’t present, also increased on MelaFind negative lesions during the study, resulting in a 17 percent reduction of biopsies of the histologically benign lesions.
MelaFind recently received approval from the FDA. The device uses light from visible to near-infrared wavelengths to evaluate skin lesions up to 2.5 mm beneath the skin’s surface. MelaFind analyzes the three-dimensional morphologic disorganization under the surface of the legion, providing an easy-to-interpret and unambiguous output that dermatologists can incorporate into their biopsy decision-making processes.
MELA Sciences is performing a controlled launch of MelaFind in the northeastern U.S. and in several key cities in Germany. MELA Sciences will work with the participating dermatology practices to train and assist them as they incorporate MelaFind. This approach will serve as the basis for a more widespread distribution of MelaFind in the future.
MELA Sciences is a medical device company that focuses on the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive dermatological tools to aid in the detection of melanoma. MelaFind is the company’s flagship product. In addition to its FDA approval for use in the United States, MelaFind has also received the CE Mark and has been approved for use in the European Union.
For further information about the company, visit www.melasciences.com
Vringo, Inc. (VRNG) Receives Notice of Allowance from EPO for Its First International Patent
Vringo, a software platform provider for social and video mobile applications, announced today that the European Patent Office (EPO) has sent a notice of allowance to the company for its first international patent covering aspects of Vringo’s video and mobile personalization technologies. The company anticipates that this patent will further protect Vringo’s video ringtone intellectual property and other applications for personalizing customers’ mobile experience.
The company’s notice of allowance from the EPO relates to the expansion of “Personalization Content Sharing System and Method,” which is patent number 8,041,401 issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. When granted by the EPO, this patent will have potential jurisdiction in approximately 39 countries in the EU. Vringo anticipates the patent will provide the company with a competitive edge as it continues to increase its core mobile video technology worldwide.
About six years ago, before most of the world was aware of the huge market potential of mobile applications, Vringo had already developed its core intellectual property and began filing initial patent applications. Since the company was founded, Vringo has filed more than 20 patent applications in the United States and worldwide.
Vringo’s three patents previously issued in the U.S. cover the core features of the company’s video ringtone sharing capabilities, as well as the personalization of standard compiled and signed software application downloads. Vringo anticipates that the EPO will issue this latest patent within the next six months, after which time the patent won’t expire before January 2027.
Vringo’s award-winning ringtone application and other mobile software platforms – including Facetones, Video Remix, and Fan Loyalty – turn the act of making and receiving mobile phone calls into a social experience that is also highly visual. The company’s video ringtone service allows users to create or take video, images, and slideshows from essentially anywhere and transform them into a personalized video call signature. Vringo has introduced its patented VringForward technology – a first for the mobile industry – which enables users to share video clips with others through a simple call. The company’s Facetones application generates an automated video slideshow using photos from friends’ social media Web sites, and this slideshow is played each time the user communicates with a friend through a mobile device.
Vringo’s Video ReMix application partners with music artists and brands, allowing users to create their own music videos by simply tapping on a smartphone or tablet. Finally, the company’s Fan Loyalty platform allows users to interact, vote, and communicate with contestants on reality TV shows that the company has partnered with, as well as downloading clips from these shows and setting them as video ringtones.
For further information about the company, visit www.vringo.com
Vringo, Inc. (VRNG) Receives Notice of Allowance from EPO for Its First International Patent
Vringo, a software platform provider for social and video mobile applications, announced today that the European Patent Office (EPO) has sent a notice of allowance to the company for its first international patent covering aspects of Vringo’s video and mobile personalization technologies. The company anticipates that this patent will further protect Vringo’s video ringtone intellectual property and other applications for personalizing customers’ mobile experience.
The company’s notice of allowance from the EPO relates to the expansion of “Personalization Content Sharing System and Method,” which is patent number 8,041,401 issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. When granted by the EPO, this patent will have potential jurisdiction in approximately 39 countries in the EU. Vringo anticipates the patent will provide the company with a competitive edge as it continues to increase its core mobile video technology worldwide.
About six years ago, before most of the world was aware of the huge market potential of mobile applications, Vringo had already developed its core intellectual property and began filing initial patent applications. Since the company was founded, Vringo has filed more than 20 patent applications in the United States and worldwide.
Vringo’s three patents previously issued in the U.S. cover the core features of the company’s video ringtone sharing capabilities, as well as the personalization of standard compiled and signed software application downloads. Vringo anticipates that the EPO will issue this latest patent within the next six months, after which time the patent won’t expire before January 2027.
Vringo’s award-winning ringtone application and other mobile software platforms – including Facetones, Video Remix, and Fan Loyalty – turn the act of making and receiving mobile phone calls into a social experience that is also highly visual. The company’s video ringtone service allows users to create or take video, images, and slideshows from essentially anywhere and transform them into a personalized video call signature. Vringo has introduced its patented VringForward technology – a first for the mobile industry – which enables users to share video clips with others through a simple call. The company’s Facetones application generates an automated video slideshow using photos from friends’ social media Web sites, and this slideshow is played each time the user communicates with a friend through a mobile device.
Vringo’s Video ReMix application partners with music artists and brands, allowing users to create their own music videos by simply tapping on a smartphone or tablet. Finally, the company’s Fan Loyalty platform allows users to interact, vote, and communicate with contestants on reality TV shows that the company has partnered with, as well as downloading clips from these shows and setting them as video ringtones.
For further information about the company, visit www.vringo.com
Oragenics, Inc. (ORNI) Clinical Trial Demonstrates Dental Health Benefits of EvorKids® in Cavity-prone Children
Oragenics, a nutraceutical company focused on oral care probiotics for humans and companion pets, today announced the completion of an independently conducted clinical trial for EvorKids®, the company’s branded product designed to support oral health in children ages 3 to 11.
The randomized, double-blind study enrolled 60 six- to 12-year old children prone to tooth decay/cavity (caries). The study evaluated baseline levels of key oral bacterial species mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli, which are recognized as risk factors to the development of caries. After four weeks of treatment of EvorKids®, Oragenis reports that results show a statistically significant decrease from baseline of the levels with no adverse events reported during the trial.
Mark Cannon, DDS, the lead author of this independent study, is a faculty member at Northwestern University, an attending physician at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, and a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cannon said the clinical study demonstrates that caries-prone children may benefit from the use of probiotics as part of a daily dental hygiene regimen.
John N. Bonfiglio, Ph.D., CEO of Oragenics, noted the results impact on the company itself.
“Oragenics is encouraged by the results of this first independent study in children employing the company’s proprietary blend of oral care probiotics,” Dr. Bonfiglio stated in the press release. “These data agree with previous results obtained from animal and adult human studies conducted by both Oragenics and independent investigators such as Dr. Cannon, and reinforce the claim that the active ingredient in EvoraKids, ProBiora3®, promotes oral health by helping to maintain a naturally balanced oral microflora.”
Oragenics said the trial details and results will be presented on March 21, 2012, at the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) Annual Meeting in Tampa, Fla. The study is titled “DNA-PCR and CRT Results in Children after Probiotic Use,” as part of an entire scientific session of clinical studies related to dental cariology.
For more information visit www.iadr.org
SecureAlert, Inc. (SCRA) Reports Record Monitoring Revenues for Fiscal Q1
SecureAlert Inc., an international provider of offender monitoring and electronic tracking solutions used by law enforcement agencies worldwide, today announced record monitoring revenue results for the first fiscal quarter.
“Monitoring revenues continue to show strength at record levels, which are a key indicator of the overall health and progress of SecureAlert,” John L. Hastings, III, CEO of SecureAlert stated in the press release. “Importantly, we are evermore committed to achieving sustainable profitability, while leveraging our core competencies in the rapidly expanding global markets.”
For the first fiscal quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011, SecureAlert reported revenues of $5.5 million, a 51 percent increase compared to revenues of $3.6 million reported for the comparable three months of 2010.
Of these revenues, $4.2 million and $3.4 million were derived from monitoring services for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively, representing a 25 percent increase.
Fiscal first quarter 2011 product revenues increased 393 percent to $1.2 million compared to $256,614 reported for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2010.
Gross profit margins for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011, and 2010 remained flat at 49 percent of revenues for both reported periods.
SecureAlert reported a net loss of $1.6 million, a 22 percent increase compared to $2.0 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2010.
For more information visit www.securealert.com
Synergy Resources Corp. (SYRG) Strengthens DJ Basin Position, Enters Agreement to Acquire 8,700 Acres in Colorado
Today, Synergy Resources announced further strengthening of the company’s Denver-Julesburg Basin (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming) position via entry into an agreement with DeClar Oil & Gas, Inc. and Wolf Point Exploration, LLC covering certain mineral lease interests on some 8,700 undeveloped acres in the DJ Basin.
This is a solid move for SYRG that comes directly after the horizontal Niobrara well participation announcement involving PDC Energy (announced Feb. 21, SYRG owns a 28.75% WI). Synergy Resources has developed an impressive core area of operations in the DJ Basin focusing on the 7th largest domestic oil and gas field, the resource rich Wattenberg (by proved gas reserves, 9th in terms of production).
The acreage covered by today’s agreement falls in Colorado’s Larimer, Morgan and Weld counties, bringing SYRG up to a total of approximately 22.5k acres in the three counties. As per terms of the agreement, SYRG will be required to drill at least two wells in two years on the acreage and closing of the transaction is projected to be March 15 of this year (subject to customary closing conditions including due diligence or adjustments).
President of SYRG, Ed Holloway, detailed the exciting portfolio of leases assembled by DeClar and Wolf Point a little, explaining that well control and take-away capacity parameters for the properties all fell within company guidelines. Holloway indicated that these properties have production potential from multiple pay zones, including targets in the Niobrara, Greenhorn, J-Sand, and D-Sand formations.
Citing the overall organic growth of the company and its position in the DJ Basin, Holloway argued that the agreement strengthens SYRG’s position in what is the heart of an emerging horizontal play in the three-county area. Holloway explained that this agreement offers a great blend of both vertical and horizontal drilling opportunities for the company and pledged to implement the same practices which have been used so far to ensure maximized shareholder value from operations.
Pledging to continue explorative and acquisitive efforts in the DJ Basin on a case-by-case basis as opportunity dictates, Holloway concluded by reaffirming the cost and production strategy which has made SYRG successful.
This is as gas prices continue climbing steadily higher amid clear indicators of a destabilizing global supply chain, fueled in large part by Middle East tensions and outstanding sovereign debt concerns, especially in EU nations. It paints a bright picture for domestic energy production outlooks, as investors all around the world turn towards a rapidly re-emerging North American hydrocarbon boom.
For more information on the agreement, or to stay up to date on the latest developments at Synergy Resources Corp., please visit the company’s website at www.SynergyResourcesCorporation.com
Repligen Corp. (RGEN) Obtains FDA Grant of Priority Review
Yesterday, Repligen Corp. announced that the U.S. FDA has accepted for filing and granted Priority Review to the company’s new drug application (NDA) for their product SecreFlo. The drug will be used to detect pancreatic duct abnormalities in patients with pancreatitis.
Based in Waltham, MA, Repligen is primarily focused on supplying products that aid in the manufacture of biologic drugs, and is using the accumulated expertise in this field to bring their SecreFlow product to market. The company also has two central nervous system rare disease programs in Phase 1 clinical trials. SecreFlow is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring human hormone secretin, produced in the small intestine and necessary during the human digestive process. SecreFlow can be used in patients to improve MRI quality when examining the pancreas.
SecreFlow is being developed as an alternative method of examining the pancreas, as opposed to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), an invasive procedure that has documented mortality risks. By granting SecreFlow priority review, the FDA will reduce the time it takes to deliver a decision on marketing approval from ten months to six months. This is in response to the recognized need for a safer alternative to ERCP. Repligen estimates that approximately 300,000 abdominal MRI procedures conducted in the U.S. and Europe each year may benefit from the use of SecreFlo.
Walter C. Herlihy, Ph.D., president and CEO of Repligen, said, “The commitment made by the FDA to expedite the review of the SecreFlo NDA underscores the need for safer, noninvasive methods for physicians to evaluate their patients with pancreatitis. If approved, we believe SecreFlo has the potential to improve pancreatic imaging and reduce the need for diagnostic endoscopy, to the benefit of patients and payers.”
Socket Mobile, Inc. (SCKT) Announces Barcode Scanner for Apple Products
Socket Mobile, Inc. recently announced the upcoming debut of the Socket Bluetooth® Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) 7Ci, a low-cost barcode scanner for the Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. The CHS 7Ci provides an affordable option for reading 1D barcodes using Apple devices.
Expanding upon Socket Mobile’s popular CHS Series 7 line, the Socket CHS 7Ci is a 1D imager-based barcode reader that can decode printed barcodes and barcodes displayed on device screens. It even features a special authentication chip to enable two-way communications with Apple devices, making SDK support for Apple iOS possible. The CHS 7Ci is also compatible with Android, BlackBerry, and Windows operating systems.
Lasse Styner Rostock, CEO of nSales, a mobile software developer that has deployed iOS applications with a 2D version of the CHS, remarked, “For sales force automation or field service, most of our customers only need to scan 1D barcodes. We welcome the new Socket CHS 7Ci as an economical option that will enable more of our customers to optimize their deployment of our iPad applications with high-performance barcode scanning.”
“Apple developers need a barcode scanner that supports two-way communications with iOS devices in order to enable data parsing, binary data, and other advanced features in their applications,” said Mike Gifford, executive vice president at Socket Mobile. “With the new Socket CHS 7Ci barcode scanner and our updated SocketScan 10 Software Development Kit, Apple developers can better target the vast majority of business barcode applications, which only involve 1D barcodes, while also offering a lower cost solution.”
Inovio Pharmaceuticals (INO) Reports Success in Skin Electroporation Technology Animal Studies
Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc., engaged in the development of vaccines for the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases, today announced that its next-generation surface skin electroporation technology was successfully used to significantly enhance the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules to skin in animal studies. While the company has several ongoing human trials demonstrating the efficacy of its electroporation technology, this study marks the first time that this technology has been applied to the delivery of siRNA molecules.
Both preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated electroporation as an effective physical delivery method with the capability to improve the expression and immunogenicity of DNA vaccines by up to 100-fold.
Inovio said the positive outcome of this study emphasizes the “far-reaching therapeutic potential” for the company’s electroporation technology.
“Perhaps the biggest hurdle in realizing the full potential of RNA-based therapies is the lack of proper and efficient delivery of siRNA molecules. This study supports the idea that Inovio’s proprietary electroporation technology can successfully deliver breakthrough RNA therapies with the same efficacy and safety in which we deliver DNA therapies,” Dr. J. Joseph Kim, president and CEO of Inovio, stated in the press release. “Most important, our delivery platform could pave the way for the development of targeted RNA-based therapies for diseases and conditions that are now considered untreatable.”
Inovio noted that in recent studies, siRNAs have demonstrated potential as novel therapeutics due to their ability to induce robust, sequence specific gene silencing in cells. The method of utilizing siRNA to induce RNA interference (RNAi) has potential as a therapeutic approach to treat many currently untreatable disorders, such as some cancers and many viral and genetic diseases.
Data from today’s announced study was published in the journal Molecular Therapy – Nucleic Acids in a paper titled, “Optimized in vivo transfer of small interfering RNA targeting dermal tissue using in vivo surface electroporation.”
For more information visit www.inovio.com
InVivo (NVIV) Announces Addition of Brian Hess, Award-winning and Seasoned Product Development Specialist
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., focused on polymer technology to develop treatments to improve function in individuals with spinal cord injury, today announced former Stryker biomaterials product development specialist Brian Hess as its director of product development.
In the role of director, Hess is responsible for the management, development, and maintenance of InVivo’s pipeline and portfolio of products. Hess will head the effort to transition InVivo technologies from research and development through clinical trials and into production manufacturing by developing specifications, protocols, and reports.
Hess’ most previous role was his eight-year tenure with Stryker, where he developed biomaterial technologies for the orthopedic market. He has led multiple product development teams through the FDA process, and was instrumental in developing HydroSetTM, an injectable calcium phosphate based bone substitute, from concept to product launch. HydroSet has become the market-leading bone scaffold, and in recognition of his success, Stryker awarded Hess and his team with “Best Technology” and “Best Team Synergy.”
Hess’ resume also includes the achievement of being named “Co-Innovator of the Year” in 2010 at Stryker for his work on a novel bone adhesive technology. Hess and his team spent the past three years demonstrating the technology’s feasibility and safety, growing his team to more than 25 engineers and scientists.
“We believe Brian’s past successes in the medical device industry will lead the commercialization of the three products we intend to have under review at FDA this year, as well as help to bring our portfolio of products for other neurological conditions successfully to the market in the coming years,” InVivo CEO Frank Reynolds stated in the press release.
For more information visit www.invivotherapeutics.com
Tengasco, Inc. (TGC) Shows Strong 2011 Drilling Results and Provides Update on Reserves
Today, Tengasco, the independent oil and gas developer which has made quite a name for itself in the Central Kansas Uplift by employing advanced analytical, developmental, and production technologies, reported 2011 drilling results (period ending Dec. 31), updating reserves and offering a portrait of its logistical operations.
CEO of TGC, Jeff Bailey, was keen to point out the all-time annual company record set for gross production of some 246k barrels in 2011, which eclipsed previous records set in 2008 (238k barrels). Explaining that this feat was not attributable to any periodic records being set (daily, monthly, etc. as those records were all set in 2008), Bailey detailed how TGC was able to bring the reserve replacement percentage up to 137% via generic drilling, as reserve additions outpaced production declines. Reserves have been increased without additional acquisitions and drilling expenses were paid for largely from additional cash flow attributable to rising oil prices.
TGC looks forward to a 10-K filing for FY11 (ending Dec 31) and intends to issue a press release on earnings at the same time, offering a March 30 deadline for the release.
A technology portfolio that ranges from microseismic interpretation-driven 3D seismic imaging to state-of-the-art polymer techniques for increasing production/reserves, while lowering the cost/water requirements and improving overall long-term performance, has made TGC a force to be reckoned with. Of 26 wells drilled in 2011, 16 have come through as producers and 10 were dry holes. Polymer activities have been extremely helpful, delimiting backflow water volume and creating a physical barrier whose fluid dynamics enable increased access for the oil to enter the tubing.
TGC has obtained ($1.7M) requisite casing, tubing, and pump jacks already this year for use on the first 20 of 36 wells to be drilled in 2012, positioning for an aggressive program to be approached via cash flow and minimal use of the borrowing base (no third party drilling partners to be used). A dedicated rig has been contracted for the year with an option to add additional rigs should activity demand it, and the 2012 drilling program, while emphasizing Kansas operations, will also be going after targets on property in Tennessee (where TGC is also headquartered). TGC has already knocked out the first three wells (drilled/completed) in the program in Kansas and begun the fourth, with solid anticipation of the ability to secure a second rig to accelerate the process.
Wholly-owned TGC subsidiary Manufactured Methane Corp. (MMC) began selling electricity generated at its Carter Valley methane extraction site (reported Jan 25, sold under contract through the Tennessee Valley Authority Generation Partners program and including local distributor Holston Electric Cooperative, Inc.). MMC is thus able to gain an additional revenue stream while offsetting facility energy costs as methane production continues alongside electric generation. The added benefit of reduced oxygen input, combined with upgrades in the collection system, have yielded exceptional in-service time since Jan 25 for the facility as well.
Bailey pointed to the ability to simultaneously add reserve growth and gear up for an aggressive 2012 drilling schedule/budget as indicators of the health of TGC, offering the analysis that these 2011 results show a real comeback for the company, after doing no drilling in 2009 and being limited by cash availability in 2010. Bailey cited the benefit to investors of the 36-well drilling program for 2012 being all company-owned wells and shareholders should be very pleased with the upcoming 10-K and financials.
Ongoing tensions over Iran have already pushed some analysts to view this game of brinkmanship as potentially pushing prices at the pump in Europe 25% higher as soon as April, thanks to Iran freezing deliveries (and subsequently setting conditions on future oil sales) to British/French companies amid essentially stalled negotiations and tightening sanction talk. This is an unmistakable gesture from the market for domestic energy producers.
For more information, or to stay up to date with the latest developments at Tengasco, Inc., please visit the company’s website at: www.Tengasco.com
AdCare Health Systems, Inc. (ADK) Draws Additional Attention
Recently, Bert Wilkison of Chicago-based Kinetic Investments, a subsidiary of Wilkison Financial LLC, joined those calling AdCare Health Systems an undervalued buy and hold stock, citing the company’s growth strategy. According to Wilkison, the reason the stock is undervalued is due simply to a “lack of understanding and appreciation of its growth plan and strategic acquisition model.” AdCare’s growth strategy, and the success they’ve had implementing it, has begun to put the company on investment community radar screens. After several years of significantly increasing revenues, the numbers are hard to ignore.
AdCare, owner and operator of skilled nursing homes and other living facilities in at least seven different states, has identified a major unmet need in the care facilities industry, showing itself to be remarkably capable at employing a home-grown approach to filling that need. Realizing that the industry is currently fragmented, consisting largely of independent family-owned operations that are oriented toward low-margin long-term care, AdCare has been able to acquire and transform individual facilities, growing both margins and revenues. By shifting operations away from long-term care to more profitable acute care, AdCare increases profit margins. It also incorporates operating efficiencies, further improving the bottom line.
It’s an approach AdCare has been able to apply repeatedly as it builds revenue and moves toward initial profitability. Although growth is expensive, an investment in the future, Wilkison feels that AdCare has the potential to become profitable perhaps within the next year, emphasizing the positive demographics supporting the growth. In 2010, there were an estimated 40 million U.S. citizens over the age of 65, with 17 million over 75, and 6 million over 85. Under the guidance of Chief Acquisitions Officer, Chris Brogdon, AdCare has targeted most of its acquisitions toward the Southeast, where the elderly population has been growing most quickly.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.AdCareHealth.com
AdCare Health Systems, Inc. (ADK) Draws Additional Attention
Recently, Bert Wilkison of Chicago-based Kinetic Investments, a subsidiary of Wilkison Financial LLC, joined those calling AdCare Health Systems an undervalued buy and hold stock, citing the company’s growth strategy. According to Wilkison, the reason the stock is undervalued is due simply to a “lack of understanding and appreciation of its growth plan and strategic acquisition model.” AdCare’s growth strategy, and the success they’ve had implementing it, has begun to put the company on investment community radar screens. After several years of significantly increasing revenues, the numbers are hard to ignore.
AdCare, owner and operator of skilled nursing homes and other living facilities in at least seven different states, has identified a major unmet need in the care facilities industry, showing itself to be remarkably capable at employing a home-grown approach to filling that need. Realizing that the industry is currently fragmented, consisting largely of independent family-owned operations that are oriented toward low-margin long-term care, AdCare has been able to acquire and transform individual facilities, growing both margins and revenues. By shifting operations away from long-term care to more profitable acute care, AdCare increases profit margins. It also incorporates operating efficiencies, further improving the bottom line.
It’s an approach AdCare has been able to apply repeatedly as it builds revenue and moves toward initial profitability. Although growth is expensive, an investment in the future, Wilkison feels that AdCare has the potential to become profitable perhaps within the next year, emphasizing the positive demographics supporting the growth. In 2010, there were an estimated 40 million U.S. citizens over the age of 65, with 17 million over 75, and 6 million over 85. Under the guidance of Chief Acquisitions Officer, Chris Brogdon, AdCare has targeted most of its acquisitions toward the Southeast, where the elderly population has been growing most quickly.
ADK Draws Additional Attention
Recently, Bert Wilkison of Chicago-based Kinetic Investments, a subsidiary of Wilkison Financial LLC, joined those calling AdCare Health Systems an undervalued buy and hold stock, citing the company’s growth strategy. According to Wilkison, the reason the stock is undervalued is due simply to a “lack of understanding and appreciation of its growth plan and strategic acquisition model.” AdCare’s growth strategy, and the success they’ve had implementing it, has begun to put the company on investment community radar screens. After several years of significantly increasing revenues, the numbers are hard to ignore.
AdCare, owner and operator of skilled nursing homes and other living facilities in at least seven different states, has identified a major unmet need in the care facilities industry, showing itself to be remarkably capable at employing a home-grown approach to filling that need. Realizing that the industry is currently fragmented, consisting largely of independent family-owned operations that are oriented toward low-margin long-term care, AdCare has been able to acquire and transform individual facilities, growing both margins and revenues. By shifting operations away from long-term care to more profitable acute care, AdCare increases profit margins. It also incorporates operating efficiencies, further improving the bottom line.
It’s an approach AdCare has been able to apply repeatedly as it builds revenue and moves toward initial profitability. Although growth is expensive, an investment in the future, Wilkison feels that AdCare has the potential to become profitable perhaps within the next year, emphasizing the positive demographics supporting the growth. In 2010, there were an estimated 40 million U.S. citizens over the age of 65, with 17 million over 75, and 6 million over 85. Under the guidance of Chief Acquisitions Officer, Chris Brogdon, AdCare has targeted most of its acquisitions toward the Southeast, where the elderly population has been growing most quickly.
ADK Continues Fast Growth
The recent positive assessment of AdCare Health Systems by Stonegate Securities was based upon the strength of AdCare’s unique approach to a growing but highly fragmented market. AdCare is an Ohio-based healthcare services provider that owns, operates, and manages skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement communities in several states, largely in the southeast. The company has recognized and is aggressively addressing a major need in the living facilities industry, which today consists largely of independent family owned operations. These facilities are generally oriented toward low-margin long-term care, and also have inherent and costly operational inefficiencies.
AdCare’s successful approach has been to identify and acquire such operations, focusing on certain key parameters, such as targeting locations in states with relatively healthy economies. AdCare then applies a customized improvement program, carefully tailored to each facility’s needs, effectively moving it into a higher-margin acute-care Medicare-based model, as well as introducing a variety of more efficient operational standards and procedures.
The result is a gradual but steadily improving financial picture for both the individual facility and for AdCare. The company’s Medicare census has, for example, increased by over 37% at acquired facilities, and AdCare has also been able to offset recent Medicare cuts. AdCare’s seasoned management team has substantial senior living, healthcare, and real estate industry experience, and is itself incentivized to continue to grow the business through their combined ownership of approximately 25.6% of the common AdCare stock.
AdCare’s revenues continue to show steady growth, as they have for the past several years. With the recent acquisition of a number of skilled nursing centers they expect to close in the first quarter of 2012, AdCare expects its annualized revenue run-rate to exceed $355 million, which would represent an increase of 570% over revenues in 2010.
ADK Refined Strategy Driving Rapid Growth
Relatively few of the most successful business are at the place they are because they came up with a totally new concept or industry. In almost every case, a company is successful because it has simply developed a better way of operating, filling an established need more efficiently than anyone else, bringing a new idea to an existing table.
In the case of AdCare Health Systems, a fast growing developer, owner, and operator of skilled nursing and assisted living communities, success has been based on identifying, acquiring, and transforming existing care facilities, pointing them in a more profitable direction, and incorporating more efficient operations. AdCare realized early-on that the healthcare facilities industry was highly fragmented, made up of largely family owned businesses, generally inefficiently run and weighted toward long-term low-margin markets. On the other hand, they realized that there was a growing need for acute-care high-margin facilities, a need that was not being met.
Through a carefully developed and managed strategy, AdCare has been able to steadily locate and aggressively acquire existing care facilities with just the right mix of needs and location. The company then applies a methodic plan, specifically attuned to the unique assets and requirements of each opportunity, to gradually reposition the operations to higher margin markets while streamlining internal procedures. The result has been a financial engine of increasing revenues and geographical expansion.
In their recent presentation at the 22nd Annual Global Healthcare Services Conference in New York, the company indicated that, with the recent acquisition of a skilled nursing and assisted living community in Ohio, plus 24 additional skilled nursing centers they expect to close in the first quarter of 2012, and the Abington Place skilled nursing facility in Q2 2012, the company expects its annualized revenue run-rate to exceed $355 million, which would represent an increase of 570% over revenues in 2010.
Brightcove, Inc. (BCOV) IPO Success Underscores Sophisticated Video Cloud Implementation, Strong Partnerships
Brightcove, already a global leader in cloud-driven professional digital media publishing and distribution, had a great IPO Feb 17 (despite it being a lackluster year for IPOs), offering 5M shares at $11 each, to close the day at $14.30, up 30%. Brightcove is driven by strong integration of services with adjacent technologies, through shrewd partnering with the likes of content management system provider Drupal, publishing tool developers like Adobe, analytical tool providers like Google AdSense, as well as advertising agencies/serving networks and online branding providers.
Brightcove is well-positioned as a recognized online video platform provider, with customers using the flash-based on-demand Video Cloud service to deliver some 743M video streams per month in 2011. The BCOV solution set is perfect for high-end usage among professional media enterprises and encompasses full lifecycle coverage for the video, from upload/encode through to templates, automatic variety of streaming types, analytics, and easy integration with different advertising technologies/platforms.
Support for multiple devices, secure management, scheduling, and dense analytics have made BCOV a very attractive choice for media professionals and enterprises looking to have total control over the content. New offerings, like the Brightcove App Cloud, create a huge opportunity for open standard-developed apps for iOS or Android smartphones/tablets using HTML5, providing the cloud infrastructure needed to connect to powerful content services.
A host of top-tier customers under its belt and the opportunity to deploy IPO capital, leaves BCOV with the necessary momentum to continue innovating in its space. While the market may be somewhat crowded and larger players threaten to move in on the lower end (where a majority of the potential growth is), BCOV has a well-defined, and more importantly, refined implementation that already has a solid user-base.
A powerful feature set really sets BCOV apart, with everything from extensions and integrations to advertising and monetization tools. The platform has been embraced by the likes of Showtime®, which recently joined with Brightcove and popular streaming player provider Roku to deliver sample clips and other content directly to Roku devices via the Brightcove Video Cloud as part of a new interactive application rolled out for their hit series Shameless and a new comedy series (announced Jan 4, 2012) .
Founder, Chairman and CEO of BCOV, Jeremy Allaire, is widely known for his work developing ColdFusion, which was acquired by Macromedia back in 2001 (now part of Adobe). The company has a serious cloud-based video ecosystem model for professionals and while investors may be talking a lot about entry of larger players like Apple and Google, it is largely because they do not understand the sophisticated execution BCOV has implemented, nor its passion for continued innovation and the genuine enthusiasm of an established user-base.
For more information on Brightcove, Inc. please visit the company’s website at: www.Brightcove.com
MZ Group Partners with The DreamTeam Group to Offer Unprecedented Level of Service to Public Companies
MZ Group (MZ), the world’s largest independent investor relations and corporate communications firm, announced that the MZ North America group has entered a strategic alliance with The DreamTeam Group (DTG), an independent social media relations and web-based marketing services firm. Together the two companies will enable publicly traded companies to reach institutional, high net worth, and retail investors via a complete suite of investor relations services that incorporates both traditional and non-traditional communication strategies.
“We see terrific collaboration opportunities with DTG,” stated Ted Haberfield, President of MZ North America. “The vast majority of our small-cap and micro-cap clients lack the expertise and resources needed to create and maintain an effective social media strategy. We can leverage DTG’s team of social media experts to quickly customize a comprehensive plan that complements MZ’s efforts in corporate branding and investor relations.”
“Social media has become a mandatory component of every public company’s corporate and investor communications program,” commented Michael McCarthy, Managing Director of The DreamTeam Group. “With extensive experience developing and executing integrated social media plans for private and public companies across a variety of industries, we offer a proven, turnkey set of solutions for MZ’s clients. Our joint efforts will result in greater awareness, more direct investor engagement and a stronger corporate brand, all of which will ultimately lead to a larger and more diverse shareholder base for these client companies.”
Pioneer Drilling Company, Inc. (PDC) Reports Financial and Operational Update
Pioneer Drilling Company released an update on the company’s recent financial activities and the operational status of its land rig fleet in the United States.
Pioneer Drilling Company reported sales of $203.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. This represented 9% sequential growth over the previous quarter and 37% growth compared to the fourth quarter of 2010.
Pioneer Drilling Company attributed the growth in sales to higher utilization of the company’s land rig fleet and higher day rates on these units. The company also saw higher revenue in the Production Services segment due to higher pricing and the addition of additional equipment during the quarter.
Pioneer Drilling Company reported that due to the recent acquisition of Go-Coil, a private oil services company, it is now offering coiled tubing services to its customers. The company owns ten units and estimates that this equipment will increase Adjusted EBITDA by $26 million to $29 million in 2012.
Pioneer Drilling Company reported that 80% of the company’s working rigs are operating under term contracts, and that 87% of this equipment is working in plays that produce crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons.
For more information on the company, go to www.pioneerdrlg.com
China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (CSUN) to Sponsor the 2nd India Solar Energy Summit in New Delhi
China Sunergy Co., Ltd., a specialized manufacturer of solar cells and modules and one of the leading Chinese solar module suppliers in India, announced today that it is a platinum sponsor of the 2nd India Solar Energy Summit, which will take place Feb. 23 and 24 in New Delhi.
The 2nd India Solar Energy Summit is a forum for key discussions pertaining to the current needs and future of India. Presentations at the forum will address such topics as India’s path to worldwide solar leadership, energy security, government policy support, India’s early history in the solar industry, operational and technological challenges, financing alternatives, methods of cooperating with overseas governments and suppliers, and optimum national and state practices for promoting solar energy. China Sunergy CEO Stephen Cai will be among speakers at the summit, addressing the audience at noon on Feb. 23. Among those attending the summit will be solar developers, solar solution providers, Indian government agencies, and other key industry players.
Receiving approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine annually – amounting to more than 5,000 trillion Kwh – India offers substantial potential for solar power generation. The solar PV market in India grew 75 percent in 2010 and 50 percent in 2011. India’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, with its strong support and incentive policies, is indicative of the country’s determination to lead the world in adopting solar energy.
Chinese manufacturers like China Sunergy have played a significant role in building up India’s installed solar capacity by supplying the country with modules that are high quality and technologically advanced. China Sunergy has already supplied two of the biggest solar projects in Gujarat, India, with panels.
China Sunergy manufactures solar cells from silicon wafers, which utilize crystalline silicon solar cell technology to convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. The company additionally assembles solar cells into solar modules. China Sunergy sells its solar products to module manufacturers, system integrators, and solar power systems both overseas and in China. These entities use the company’s products in various markets.
For further information about the company, visit www.chinasunergy.com
GlobalWise Investments, Inc. (GWIV) Provides Introduction of Seasoned Management Team
Today before the opening bell, GlobalWise Investments, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Intellinetics, Inc., a leading-edge technology company focused on the design, implementation and management of cloud-based Enterprise Content Management (“ECM”) systems in both the public and private sectors, provided an overview of the company’s new management team. The diverse roster of highly experienced professionals contribute a combined total of more than 150 years in ECM industry experience.
William J. “BJ” Santiago, President and CEO. BJ has more than 20 years of senior executive-level management experience with an emphasis in sales, operations and M&A activities in the public and private sectors. During his previous tenure at Lexmark, BJ was hand selected in 2008 by the Lexmark CEO to launch and lead all operations for the newly formed Content Management Sales Practices for North America, which was using the Intellinetics platform. Through this business venture, Intellinetics recognized his ability as an ECM industry thought leader. From here, he became a natural catalyst for Intellinetics’ business development and strategy. BJ also served eight years as a United States Army Infantry Officer and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.
Matthew Chretien, EVP and Chief Technology Officer. Matthew is a co-founder of Intellinetics and a strategic entrepreneur backed by more than 20 years of experience in technology sales, consulting and software product life cycle management within the aerospace, public safety, government and select commercial markets. After graduating from The Ohio State University with an engineering degree in 1990, he spent two years in the Fisher College of Business Doctoral Program at Ohio State in computer science to work on his Ph.D. During this period, Matthew discovered his research would be far too narrow to satisfy his interests and ultimately co-founded Intellinetics in 1994.
Michael Chretien, VP and Corporate Counsel. Michael is a co-founder of Intellinetics. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in economics in 1961, he joined the United States Marine Corps and retired in 1965 as a 1st Lieutenant. Michael continued to serve his country for 26 years in law enforcement and foreign counter intelligence. After retirement from government service, he continued his career in the law enforcement field by studying for his Juris Doctorate and was awarded a law degree from Capital University Law School in 1991. Michael’s next move was founding Intellinetics with his son Matthew using his law enforcement background as a client resource to consult and assist with document storage and various other IT-related solutions.
Thomas D. Moss, Chief Software Engineer. Tom is a co-founder of Intellinetics and director of the company’s software research and development efforts. He boasts 20 years of expertise in database application design and document imaging software technologies, and has earned both a mathematics degree and a computer science degree at the University of Wisconsin.
Michael A. Beck, Director of Operations. Mike brings to Intellinetics 17 years of IT experience, including IT management, hands on technical experience, departmental management, staff development, budget development and management, network design, large-scale project management, creation of a new IT telecommunications department, contract negotiations, vendor management and technology migrations. Mike has proven his ability to consistently bring projects in on time and within budget.
Neil C. Campbell, Director of Software Products Group. Neil has 16 years of experience in the IT field with an emphasis in infrastructure design, software architecture and productivity improvement solutions. Neil spent 11 years at Abbott Laboratories with focus on manufacturing IT operations and warehouse management systems before he joined Intellinetics as a project manager in fall of 2006. Neil was promoted to Director of Software products in 2008, where he currently contributes visionary leadership, thoughtful interpretation, diagnosis and resolution to complex business issues facing companies today and in the future. Neil holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio University and industry certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, Extreme Networks, HP, Dell, Marathon Technologies and IBM.
Jim Perry, Director of Business Development. Jim has more than 15 years of executive sales and marketing experience providing Electronic Content Management (ECM), workflow and advanced data capture solutions to the healthcare, government and insurance markets. Jim previously served as a Senior Account Executive for ImageSoft, Inc. where he was responsible for developing and selling ECM solutions to the healthcare, government, manufacturing and insurance markets. Jim was personally responsible for innovating and developing a marketing plan for the healthcare vertical market that resulted in ImageSoft being recognized in 2008 as No. 1 of more than 200 reseller integrators of OnBase ECM Software in the United States.
Robert Simmons, Director of Business Development. Robert’s experience in the print and imaging industry spans 15 years. He most recently served as the Director of Enterprise Solution Architecture for Samsung Electronics. Robert has been responsible for creating programs and services that analyze vertical market requirements for document and output solutions, which have resulted in millions of dollars in cost savings and efficiency gains. He has specialized in developing programs and solutions for healthcare, government and education customers in North America. Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lee University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Randy Love, Director of Business Development. Over the past 10 years of his 25-year IT career, Randy’s efforts have been focused on the ECM market. Most recently he worked 4 years as the VP of Sales and Business Development at an Ohio based ECM provider counting a number of complex, multi-million dollar imaging solutions to his team’s credit. He also spent 4 years as a Government Industry Manager at Hyland Software where he was credited with assisting partners on numerous high profile public sector projects as well as leading direct efforts on a statewide SAP integration deal. Prior to focusing on the ECM industry, Randy spent five years marketing mobile data software solutions to criminal justice agencies and 10 years in the commercial sector with a national systems integration firm. Early in his career, Randy worked as a Systems Engineer and Programmer Analyst, which has transcended to the technical aptitude he brings to his current position. He is a Certified Document Imaging Architect (CDIA+), AIIM ECM Practitioner and computer science graduate with a Bachelor of Science from Youngstown State University.
Bob Peterson, Director of Business Development. Bob has over 20 years of senior management experience with an emphasis in channel sales, business development and marketing. Bob has most recently been the Director of Healthcare for Seneca, a market leader with a wide range of products, engineering and software services. At Intellinetics, Bob will continue to partner with Seneca, working together to jointly develop various strategic partners. Bob was a VP of Sales and Marketing at Optio Software, a leader in Electronic Document Management and Information optimization used in healthcare, government and commercial markets. Bob’s team developed and successfully marketed an Electronic Document Management solution that successfully lowered cost and increased efficiency for hospitals and helped meet HIPPA requirements, JACOH standards and enhanced Electronic Medical Record implementations.
VistaGen Therapeutics (VSTA) Announces Engagement of MissionIR’s Investor Relations Services
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company applying stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, has engaged MissionIR, a national investor relations consulting firm, to develop and implement a strategic investor relations campaign. Through a network of investor-oriented online websites and full suite of investor awareness services, MissionIR broadens the influence of publicly traded companies and enhances their ability to attract growth capital and improve shareholder value.
“VistaGen’s work with human stem cell technology is groundbreaking,” said Sherri Snyder, Director of Marketing at MissionIR. “The company’s versatile platform, Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube™, provides clinically relevant predictions of potential heart toxicity of new drug candidates long before they are ever tested on humans. Guided by a management team with decades of experience, VistaGen’s stem cell technology can potentially save billions of dollars in the healthcare industry while recapturing prior R&D investment in once-promising new drug candidates.”
“We are pleased to bring MissionIR on board as our external investor relations partner,” said Shawn Singh, VistaGen’s Chief Executive Officer. “The crucial work our company is doing can fundamentally change the way medicine is developed. Paired with MissionIR’s global presence and sound investor relations programs, we can further grow our shareholder base and accelerate internal initiatives already in place to bring our stem cell technology platform to the forefront of drug development.”
Brightcove, Inc. (BCOV) is “One to Watch”
Brightcove, Inc. is a global leader in providing cloud content services. The company offers a family of products used for publishing and distributing the world’s professional media, including Brightcove Video Cloud and Brightcove App Cloud – the market-leading online video platform and pioneering content app platform, respectively. More than 3,600 customers across 50 countries utilize Brightcove’s cloud content services in building and operating PC, smartphone, tablet, and connected TV media experiences.
With corporate headquarters in Cambridge, Mass., and Tokyo, Japan, and offices from Seattle to Seoul, Brightcove leads the market worldwide. The company is led by a management team comprised of technology and media industry executives from such companies as Macromedia, Discovery, MediaVest, Lycos, ATG, News Corp, and Comcast.
Brightcove’s Video Cloud is a leading video hosting and publishing solution, providing users with everything they need to deliver professional-quality video to audiences. The company’s App Cloud is a complete content app platform, allowing customers to use HTML5 to build iOS and Android apps for smartphones and tablets, and then connect their apps to powerful cloud content services.
Brightcove has an alliance program comprised of a worldwide ecosystem of technology companies, solution providers, and resellers that build upon and expand the company’s platform to accommodate customers’ individual video project needs. Partners associate with Brightcove’s industry-leading products, thereby generating new leads and driving revenue. The company’s technology partners build complementary services and products that can be easily integrated with customers’ online video experiences and backend workflows. Brightcove is also associated with a vast list of solutions partners.
For further information about the company, visit www.brightcove.com
InVivo Therapeutics Corp. (NVIV) is “One to Watch”
InVivo Therapeutics Corp. is a medical device company specializing in the development and commercialization of groundbreaking technologies for the treatment of spinal cord injuries (SCI). The company is based in Cambridge, Mass.
InVivo aims to create a new care paradigm for SCI sufferers, transcending the current treatment options that only focus on the symptoms of SCI rather than the underlying pathology. Rather than focusing solely on regeneration, InVivo takes a unique approach to SCI. The company concentrates on neuroprotection, with products intended to protect the spinal cord by mitigating the bleeding, inflammation, and further cell death that result from the body’s immune response to SCI after primary injury. Curtailing these secondary injury processes and supporting subsequent repair and recovery can lead to neuroplasticity, or the body’s local reorganization toward functional recovery through the spared healthy tissue. This may result in partial functional recovery.
InVivo’s development portfolio is unmatched – composed of platform technologies for treating spinal cord injury and other applications. These technologies incorporate a number of strategies involving biomaterials, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs, growth factors, and human neural stem cells.
InVivo’s affiliations include such illustrious entities as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard Medical School, Washington Brain and Spine Institute, Boston Bruins Foundation, and University of California, Los Angeles, among others.
InVivo’s technological research offers significant market opportunity and lucrative growth potential. It is estimated that 12,000 new cases of SCI occur each year in the United States, and approximately 1,275,000 people currently suffer paralysis due to SCI. The company’s products have substantial growth potential with considerable reward, as risk is allayed as a result of a shorter regulatory approval process for medical devices.
For further information about InVivo, visit www.invivotherapeutics.com
SEC Microcap Stock Guide
To assist investors interested in the unique but challenging market of microcap stocks, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has created a useful guide, describing the special characteristics of microcap stocks, how to evaluate them, and what to watch out for. It also provides a number of handy links to additional information resources.
Below is just some of the information included in the SEC guide to microcaps:
• What Is a Microcap Stock?
The term Microcap Stocks applies to stocks of companies with very low capitalization, meaning the total value of the company’s stock. Such companies may have under a million dollars in net tangible assets.
• Where Do Microcap Stocks Trade?
Many microcap stocks trade in the “over-the-counter” (OTC) market and are quoted on OTC systems, such as the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) or the “Pink Sheets.”
• How Are Microcap Stocks Different Than Other Stocks?
A lack of readily available and dependable information is the biggest difference between microcap and other stocks. In addition, there are no minimum standards for listing a microcap stock, such as a minimum amount of assets or minimum number of shareholders. And, since microcap companies are often small, relatively new, and have low trading volumes, microcap stocks typically involve more volatility and risk.
• Do Microcap Companies File Reports With The SEC?
All but the smallest companies are required to file reports with the SEC. Companies with less than $10 million in assets are generally not required to file with the SEC. Nevertheless, some smaller companies, including microcap companies, may choose voluntarily to register their securities with the SEC. Companies that register with the SEC must file quarterly, annual, and other reports. The more accurate information you can get about a company and its financial status, the less likely the chance of mistakes or fraud.
• What About Other Sources Of Information?
Although the SEC has no way of guaranteeing that a company is filing 100% truthful reports, by law the public reports that companies file with the SEC are expected to be truthful and complete. Such public information is an important resource for investors. There are many other sources of information on microcap and other stocks, but investors need to be wary of non-verifiable information that may be fraudulent. Fraudsters can distribute email spam, spreading false information to thousands of potential investors. Fraudsters can post messages on bulletin boards and chat rooms urging investors to buy microcap stocks based upon “inside” information. Microcap companies may pay stock promoters to recommend the stock in supposedly independent and unbiased investment newsletters even though such payments are not disclosed. Stock telemarketing companies can telephone potential investors to promote a stock which the investor may not realize the company has a direct financial interest in. Fraudsters can publish dishonest press releases with false or misleading information. In short, you have to make sure who you’re dealing with.
• What Are Good Sources Of Information On Microcap Companies?
Check with the company, or call your state securities regulator to see if the company is registered with the SEC. You can also check the SEC’s EDGAR database or their Public Reference Room to get information. The SEC guide provides a number of links to get the information you need.
For additional information, visit www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/microcapstock.htm
Social Media and Investing – Avoiding Fraud
The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy has put together a valuable online report to help protect investors from fraudulent investment schemes that make use of social media and other Internet based communications.
Today, investors, as well as businesses, routinely turn to the Web as a primary means of investment related communication, with a special focus on email and social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn. However, although such technology can be a valuable investor tool, it can also be used for purposes of investment fraud. The ease with which impressive presentations and websites can be created, and millions of potential investors reached, makes it imperative that investors take extra care to verify everything they see or hear on the Internet.
The SEC wants investors to know that the key to avoiding investment fraud on the Internet is to be an educated investor. Here are a few simple steps to avoid getting caught in an investment scheme:
• Be Wary Of Unsolicited Offers To Invest – Social media sites, chat rooms, and bulletin boards can provide an easy way for investment fraud perpetrators to reach victims. Unsolicited investment related communications, such as a new post on your wall, a tweet mentioning you, a direct message, or an e-mail, could represent a fraudulent investment scheme. Unsolicited emails promoting a stock, even if it looks like it came from a personal friend, can in fact be a sign of an investment scheme.
• Be Wary Of Promotions That Sound Too Good To Be True – Any investment promotion that promises unusually high returns should be considered a red flag. Look out for phrases such as “incredible gains,” “breakout stock pick,” “almost no risk,” or any suggestion of guaranteed returns.
• Be Wary Of Affinity Fraud – Avoid making an investment decision based solely upon a recommendation of a member of an organization or online group to which you belong. Fraudsters know that people are more likely to trust fellow members, and can use this as a way to mislead. Even if you feel you know the person, always check out everything independently.
• Be Wary Of Time Pressures – Be careful of promotions that push for a quick decision, precluding any chance of thorough research.
• Be Wary Of Special Information – Watch out for promotions that are based upon any kind of “inside” or “confidential” information.
In addition to being on guard for the above mentioned red flags, learn to be careful when it comes to privacy and security settings. Unprotected information can be used by fraudsters in a variety of ways.
Most importantly, do your own research. Never simply accept the opinions of someone else, whether from an email, a social media site, a newsletter, a press release, or even a friend.
For additional information, visit www.sec.gov/investor/alerts/socialmediaandfraud.pdf
Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. (CCLR) Holds Grand Opening Celebrations for Fourth South Africa Location
Today, Chanticleer Holdings, the business operator spearheading the global expansion of the popular Hooters brand casual dining restaurant, reported its grand opening celebration (held Febuary 16) for the fourth South Africa location in just three years, the Hooters Emperors Palace (www.emperorspalace.co.za), ideally situated next to the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Another prime location diligently arranged by CCLR for the continually evolving Hooters brand, The Hooters Emperors Palace is fully owned and operated by the company, marking a second Johannesburg location.
CEO of CCLR, Michael Pruitt, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to share the opening of this newest Hooters location in South Africa with the people of Johannesburg. The new location will serve the same great menu of food customers have come to know and love, while providing the same experiences, family fun, and atmosphere enjoyed by Hooters patrons everywhere. Hooters has always been known for its world-famous Hooters Girls, who are a kind of local celebrity, acting as liaison to the community both inside the restaurant and out at local events. But the brand is rapidly becoming known as an ideal family fun location where great food and value can be had for all, thanks in large part to the impeccable service, casual ambiance, and in-restaurant displays/entertainment systems.
A James Bond Casino Royale theme was used for the grand opening events and celebrities from across the field of South African sport, including the South African rugby team and tennis champion, and 100 VIPs of the Emperors Palace Casino joined the public for the festivities. The Hooters Emperors Palace location is an impressive facility, offering accommodations, a casino, full health and beauty spa, dining/entertainment options, and conference halls.
Drawing in some 4.7M tourists annually, the Emperors Palace casino is a major area attraction and will provide a solid second-leg for CCLR in Johannesburg as the company continues to ramp-up its international expansion efforts. These efforts mirror continued expansion in Australia via joint venture with the current local franchisee, which has a similarly promising underlying demographic.
Hooters locations also offer a large selection of beers, wines, and spirits to accompany the broad menu of food items available, and as always they feature a selection of their famous spicy chicken wings. Blending a fast-casual and modern sports bar with the gorgeous Hooters Girls has proven to be a success so far for CCLR’s expansion efforts and this new, ideal location should generate the same kind of momentum seen elsewhere.
Bold moves spurred on by a solid offering of the Hooters brand in prepared markets, CCLR is dedicated to driving shareholder returns through execution of their user-centric model and exciting restaurant concepts.
For more information on Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. please visit the company’s website at: www.ChanticleerHoldings.com
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) to Exploit Profitable Niche
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. is a company seeking to develop breakthrough molecular imaging agents for the PET (positron emission tomography) type of 3D medical imaging of the human body to meet critical medical needs.
The company is not involved with the PET machinery, but instead provides the much-needed imaging agents necessary for PET imaging. These agents are designed to improve patient diagnoses and management by evaluating various forms of cardiac disease at the cellular and molecular level.
Each year in the U.S., millions of patients undergo molecular imaging studies to detect and evaluate various forms of coronary artery disease (CAD). These images are helpful to doctors who treat coronary artery disease and, in particular, help doctors diagnose patients with suspected CAD.
This is a very large market. In the United States, there are an estimated 12 million PET imaging procedures done per year. However, the vast majority of these scans are for the diagnosis of cancer. Doctors have traditionally opted for cheaper options such as MRI or CT scans with cardiac patients.
However, that is changing and there is large potential for FluoroPharma as PET scanning becomes more established in the cardiac sector. This market seems to be quickly shifting in favor of increased usage of PET scans for cardiac patients.
FluoroPharma expects to capitalize on this rapidly growing opportunity in this sector. It will do so through the introduction of its novel imaging agents into a market which is forecast to grow by at least 14% annually over the next five years to nearly a $1 billion market for cardiac patients alone.
The company’s focus at the moment is on four separate cardiac molecular imaging agents, two of which are in clinical stage development and are about to enter Phase II clinical trials. The third pharmaceutical candidate is in an early development stage with clinical testing likely to be several years away and the fourth is still in the discovery phase.
The two most-advanced candidates are: CardioPET, which allows assessment of coronary artery disease while patients are at rest; and BFPET, which is a novel cardiovascular blood flow imaging agent that concentrates in healthy myocardial cells and enables improved detection of CAD in cases of multi-vessel disease.
The third candidate is VasoPET, the only PET agent known to selectively target inflamed atheromatous plaque, making it easy for doctors to identify coronary artery plaque. The final candidate – AZPET – includes an approach for directly imaging plague and the compensatory receptor systems in the elderly to help track the progress of treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
The goal of the company’s cardiac products is to improve overall patient care in several ways. The products are expected to provide significantly greater diagnostic accuracy compared to current methods, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
The good news for FluoroPharma is that with the exception of one currently marketed branded cardiac PET tracer, which suffers from some well-known problems, the market for such tracers is basically wide open for the company.
Being one of the main players in a soon-to-be billion dollar market makes FluoroPharma Medical a truly exciting long-term investment opportunity.
University of Pennsylvania Grants ImmunoCellular Therapeutics (IMUC) Worldwide Licensing Rights for Patent Pending Technology
ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company developing immune-based therapies for the treatment of brain and other cancers, today announced it has entered into an agreement with the University of Pennsylvania, under which ImmunoCellular is granted exclusive worldwide licensing for a patent pending technology for the production of high-activity dendritic cells (DCs).
ImmunoCellular said the licensed technology underlies its lead DC-based cancer vaccine candidate, ICT-107, for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. The license covers the application of the technology toward the development of therapeutics for all indications, excluding cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ.
The agreement enhances the value of ImmunoCellular’s intellectual property related to ICT-107, and as stated by Manish Singh, Ph.D., ImmunoCellular’s president and CEO, positions the company to reduce manufacturing costs associated with the vaccine.
“This licensing agreement represents an expansion of our intellectual property surrounding the technology underlying our lead product candidate, ICT-107. In addition to contributing to the powerful immune responses to ICT-107 we have observed to date, this technology also enables the manufacture of multiple vaccine shots from a single production run, allowing us to significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing the vaccine. As we continue advancing our ongoing phase II trial in glioblastoma, we are confident that will continue to realize the benefits of the enhanced efficacy and efficiency of this innovative dendritic-cell production method,” Dr. Singh stated in the press release.
The technology was developed by Brian J. Czerniecki, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of University of Pennsylvania’s Rena Rowan Breast Cancer Center and surgical director of the immunotherapy program at the Abramson Cancer Center.
To learn more about IMUC, please visit www.imuc.com