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FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Raises a Collective Total of $7M in 2011
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc., a company specializing in the development of breakthrough diagnostic imaging products that utilize positron emission tomography (PET) technology to detect and assess pathology before clinical manifestation of diseases, announced this morning that they have secured an additional $1.010 million, bringing the total to more than $7 million over the course of 2011 from institutional and accredited investors.
“We are excited by the opportunities this additional working capital creates for FluoroPharma to significantly accelerate development of our pipeline,” stated Thijs Spoor, FluoroPharma’s President and CEO. “The funding will allow us to further advance our most promising portfolio of diagnostic imaging products, providing healthcare professionals with new products that expand and improve their diagnostic capabilities and contribute to earlier, more accurate diagnosis and treatment of disease– even before symptoms appear.”
Dr. David Elmaleh, Chairman of FluoroPharma’s Board of Directors added, “We are pleased that we have the resources to advance our clinical plans and achieve significant development milestones.”
Further details of the additional funds raised are available in the company’s most recent 8k.
FPMI Raises a Collective Total of $7M in 2011
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc., a company specializing in the development of breakthrough diagnostic imaging products that utilize positron emission tomography (PET) technology to detect and assess pathology before clinical manifestation of diseases, announced this morning that they have secured an additional $1.010 million, bringing the total to more than $7 million over the course of 2011 from institutional and accredited investors.
“We are excited by the opportunities this additional working capital creates for FluoroPharma to significantly accelerate development of our pipeline,” stated Thijs Spoor, FluoroPharma’s President and CEO. “The funding will allow us to further advance our most promising portfolio of diagnostic imaging products, providing healthcare professionals with new products that expand and improve their diagnostic capabilities and contribute to earlier, more accurate diagnosis and treatment of disease– even before symptoms appear.”
Dr. David Elmaleh, Chairman of FluoroPharma’s Board of Directors added, “We are pleased that we have the resources to advance our clinical plans and achieve significant development milestones.”
Further details of the additional funds raised are available in the company’s most recent 8k.
Noble Financial Capital Markets BOCEMb 2012 Annual Equity Conference Held January 17-18, 2012
Noble Financial Capital Markets will be presenting its eighth annual BOCEMb equity conference at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood (Ft. Lauderdale), Florida, January 17-18, 2012. The conference will feature approximately 140 public companies, as well as a few near-public companies, with an emphasis on healthcare, technology, software, defense and media / entertainment sectors.
Noble Financial’s senior equity research team evaluates nearly 1,000 potential presenters before deciding on the line-up. They target quality companies that may be undiscovered, underfollowed or perhaps orphaned; companies that may represent outstanding value for investors.
For additional information, contact Mark Pinvidic, Managing Partner, via email at mpinvidic@noblefcm.com or call (561) 994-5742.
Genetic Technologies Ltd. (GENE) Appoints Dr. Mel Bridges as New Chairman Replacing Sid Hack
Genetic Technologies Ltd., a leading-edge genetic testing and fertility services business from Australia that has an extensive range of international patents and allied research activities aimed at uncovering the impact of DNA on health, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Mel Bridges as their new Chairman and non-executive director of the Company. Dr. Mel Bridges has an extensive healthcare and diagnostic resume including the founding and managing of leading major diagnostics, therapeutics and medical device businesses like ASX listed Panbio Ltd. and ImpediMed Ltd. During his 30 year career, he has also served in prominent roles as director and chairman at other public healthcare companies, including Alcehmia Ltd., ImpediMed Ltd. Campbell Brothers, Benitec Ltd. and Peptech Ltd.
“Genetic Technologies has been one of the most compelling turnaround stories on the ASX and NASDAQ this year, and looks especially poised for growth as we head into 2012,” said Dr. Mel Bridges, new Chairman, Genetic Technologies, in a press release. “The Company’s progress to commercialization and recent US expansion is a credit to the existing Board and management. I am excited to utilize my experience in the sector to build on this trajectory.”
Dr. Bridges replaces Sid Hack who is retiring from the company where he has served as Director since November 2008 and Chairman since November 2009. Hack guided the company during restructuring and created a strategy for future growth that increased shareholder value.
“I am delighted that Mel has agreed to join the Board. His substantial and direct experience in the commercialization of diagnostics products globally will add tremendous value to the Company. In particular, his knowledge of the breast cancer diagnostics market in North America will help to accelerate the Company’s cancer diagnostics business in the USA,” said Sid Hack, retiring Chairman, Genetic Technologies, in the recent press release.
Over the past twenty years, Genetic Technologies has been granted patents in 24 countries for its uses of non-coding DNA in genetic analysis and gene mapping in all species. The company started offering paternity testing in 1997 and in 2004 became Australia’s largest privately owned forensic laboratory testing crime scent materials for the police. In 2004, the company became Australia’s first test for breast cancer and today is one of the largest providers in Australia for the private medical market. The corporate goal is to develop a portfolio of cancer management products and services on a global scale.
BI-LO to Pay Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (WINN) Shareholders a Premium Price as Companies Announce Merger
Today, private company BI-LO, LLC, operator of some 207 supermarkets and 116 in-store pharmacies in the US SE market, and Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (WINN), with their fleet of some 480 supermarkets/380 in-store pharmacies, announced a merger, resulting in an extremely formidable organization.
Terms of the agreement stipulate that:
• BI-LO acquires all outstanding WINN shares via a transaction ($560M value) not subject to any financing conditions
• WINN shareholders receive $9.50 in cash per common share (75% premium over the Dec. 16 closing price)
Transaction closure is projected within 60-120 days (subject to customary closing conditions and WINN shareholder approval), and until the merger is complete, both companies will continue normal operations under their respective structures/banners. Post-merger BI-LO and Winn-Dixie anticipate no closures of currently operating locations.
The transaction will essentially transform Winn-Dixie into a privately-held and wholly-owned subsidiary of BI-LO, with the stock being removed from the NASDAQ exchange. A bold and powerful move by BI-LO and WINN that consolidates into a real southeastern supermarket and in-store pharmacy juggernaut, capable of and thoroughly expecting to continue operating under both readily recognized and serviceable banners.
Chairman of BI-LO, Randall Onstead, underscored the absence of overlap, with BI-LO holding territory in NC, SC, TN and GA, and WINN holding FL, AL, LA, MI, and GA (solid territorial GA integration). Similar heritage for companies, similar brand presence and market dynamics, as well as the strength of each brand regionally, underpinned by the vast community extending out from what will be a 630-store and 36k employee cultural footprint – these are the qualities that make the resulting entity such a force to be reckoned with in the US SE.
Chairman, CEO and President of WINN, Peter Lynch, echoed the enthusiasm of BI-LO resoundingly, confident that not only will this significant cash premium for shareholders be an ideal fit for them, but the combined company will be much stronger than before, making it an ideal fit for the Company’s own infrastructural future as well. Lynch pointed to the continued advancement of mutual interests and abundant cross-pollination of people and ideas which span both organizations, explaining that the long-term benefit to everyone involved, from customers and suppliers to team members and the communities served.
The resulting executive management team and HQ location will shake out between the existing Greenville, SC (BI-LO), and Jacksonville, FL (WINN) locations, with a presence likely being maintained at both. This incredible strategy was negotiated by a special committee of the WINN Board, assembled from eight independent directors and an outstanding team of independent financial and legal advisors:
WINN Financial Team
• Exclusively provided by Goldman, Sachs & Co.
WINN Legal Team
• Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP advising the special committee
• King & Spalding LLP and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. acting as legal advisors to the Company
BI-LO Financial Team
• William Blair, Citi, The Food Partners, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. and Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group
BI-LO Legal Team
• Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Hunton & Williams LLP
Vermillion, Inc. (VRML) Purchases Correlogic Systems’ Assets for $435,000
Leading molecular diagnostics company, Vermillion, Inc., announced today that it has completed purchasing almost all of the assets associated with Correlogic Systems, Inc., the ovarian cancer diagnostics business.
Before filing for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in 2010, Correlogic pioneered the use of pattern recognition technologies in the development of proteomic, metabolomic and genomic-based clinical diagnostic tests. The company’s technology possessed a wide range of applications for creating disease classification models, biomarker discovery and new drug discovery processes. These initiatives led to cancer and non-cancer disease research, drug discovery, drug response monitoring, bio-security and other applications as published in 17 peer-reviewed journals.
Vermillion paid approximately $435,000 in cash for Correlogic’s assets, which included more than 1,000 diagnostic samples from ovarian tumor studies, three pending U.S. patents, proprietary software and other intellectual property. Vermillion will use these assets to advance its ovarian cancer franchise, including developing its next-generation ovarian cancer test, OVA2™. The company intends to use OVA2 to expand its ovarian cancer market opportunities by addressing unmet medical needs and additional indications for testing. Ultimately, by gaining Correlogic’s patient samples, Vermillion will enhance its strategic position as an industry leader.
“While Vermillion notes the loss of a substantial competitor, the acquisition of these assets will enhance our development efforts, and offers significant savings in terms of time and cost,” remarked Vermillion’s CEO, Gail Page. “Further, the acquisition adds to our growing IP portfolio.”
Noble Financial Capital Markets is a Full Service Investment Banking Boutique
Noble Financial Capital Markets, with offices around the country, defines itself as a full-service investment banking boutique, focused on private, micro-cap and small-cap emerging growth companies, with a special emphasis on Healthcare and Technology sectors. The company is known for identifying attractive growth companies and providing high quality capital markets coverage, using 10 senior research analysts covering 120 companies. In addition, Noble is a market maker in over 200 securities, with 16 senior sales and sales traders in 9 locations across the U.S. for focused institutional sales and trading.
Noble Financial’s services cover 5 primary areas:
• Investment Banking - IPOs, PIPEs & Registered Directs, Debt Offerings, Secondary Offerings, Private Equity Placements, and Recapitalizations
• Equity Research – Institutionally Driven, Fundamental Research, with access to company management and a sector focus on high-quality, under-valued, emerging growth companies with limited sponsorship
• Sales & Trading – Institutional Equity Sales, Equity Trading, Market Maker, Offices in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, St. Louis, San Francisco, and Boca Raton Florida
• Advisory – Mergers & Acquisitions, Fairness Opinions, General Advisory Services
• Merchant Banking – Principal Investments, Value Creation, Strategic Development
Healthcare represents Noble’s single largest industry focus, with equity research analysts covering the following main verticals:
• Biotechnology & Specialty Pharmaceuticals (antivirals, biosimilars, biobetters & orphan biologics, infectious disease, female health, neurology, pediatric health, stem cells, vaccines)
• Medical Technology/Devices (aesthetics, biologics, cardiology, orthopedics/spine)
• Healthcare Services (ambulatory surgery centers, chronic disease/wellness, disease management, pharmacy/PBM, care management solutions)
Current healthcare research coverage includes the following companies:
- Achillion Pharmaceuticals (ACHN)
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (ACOR)
- Adcare Health Systems Inc.(ADK )
- Aeolus Pharmaceuticals (AOLS)
- Amarin Corporation (AMRN)
- American CareSource (ANSI)
- Anadys Pharmaceuticals (ANDS)
- Ardea Biosciences (RDEA)
- Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AUXL)
- BioMimetic (BMTI)
- BioScrip (BIOS)
- BioSpecifics Technologies Co. (BSTC)
- BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BCRX)
- Catalyst Health Solutions (CHSI)
- Catalyst Pharmaceutical (CPRX)
- Cephalon, Inc. (CEPH)
- Cynosure (CYNO)
- Cytori Therapeutics (CYTX)
- DexCom (DXCM)
- Echo Therapeutics (ECTE)
- Edwards Lifesciences (EW)
- Exactech (EXAC)
- GenVec (GNVC)
- Hanger Orthopedic (HGR)
- Healthstream (HSTM)
- Healthways (HWAY)
- iBio, Inc. (IBIO)
- Idera Pharmaceuticals (IDRA)
- Inhibitex (INHX)
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals (INO)
- Nabi Biopharmaceuticals (NABI)
- Neuralstem, Inc. (CUR)
- Novamed (NOVA)
- Pernix Therapeutics (PTX )
- Pharmassett (VRUS)
- PharmAthene (PIP)
- PharMerica (PMC)
- PolyMedix (PYMX)
- Protalix BioTherapeutics (PLX)
- Providence Service Corp (PRSC)
- QRxPharma (QRX.AX)
- Res-Care (RCSR)
- Res-Care (RCSR)
- SIGA Technologies (SIGA)
- US Physical Therapy (USPH)
- Vical (VICL)
- Wright Medical (WMGI)
- XenoPort, Inc. (XNPT)
Other sectors covered include Business Services, Cleantech Energy, Defense Technology, Media & Entertainment.
For more information, see the company website at www.NobleFCM.com
Wizzard Media Corp. (WZE) Moves Closer to Finalizing Acquisition of China’s Largest Digital Music Distributer FAB
Wizzard Media, a Pittsburgh based company that provides podcast publishers with distribution and monetization services, announced they are nearing completion of the acquisition of China’s leading digital entertainment products provider, FAB. The companies are working through the last due diligence issues and creating the final closing agreements. Once the deal is deemed to meet all regulatory requirements and approved by each company’s shareholders, the plan is for the U.S. management team of Wizzard Media, including the CEO and CFO, to remain with the addition of the CEO of FAB, Hongchung Zhang, as Chairman of the Board.
John Busshaus, CFO Wizzard Media, and I just returned from Beijing last week where we met with FAB management as well as their attorneys and auditors,” said Chris Spencer, Wizzard Media CEO in a press release. “We were very happy with the progress of the FAB team as they work hard to prepare to be a publicly listed company. Additionally, we toured FAB retail stores, franchise stores and saw several new kiosk models. FAB is growing rapidly and is a leader in the distribution of copyright protected media in China. Their fiscal 2011 results have been outstanding and we look forward to finalizing our business relationship very soon.”
FAB is the fastest growing outlet for the comprehensive distribution of media in China in terms of sales revenue and operational scope. Revenue in 2009 was $39 million and in 2010 it was $55.5 million. FAB distributes products and services by three channels including traditional retail and wholesale, a network of over 4,000 Kiosks across China and online sales of the latest in music and films. At FAB retail outlets, Chinese consumers purchase CDs, DVDs, blue-ray disks, games, magazines and books. Massive crowds appear for weekly Chinese celebrity signings and promo events.
“The best way to describe FAB is – Best Buy meets iTunes meets Redbox. We believe FAB has the opportunity to dominate mobile digital media distribution throughout China,” said Chris Spencer.
For more information about Wizzard Media, please visit www.wizzardsoftware.com
China North East Petroleum Holdings Ltd. (NEP) Expands Oilfield Production Footprint in Jilin, Moves to Acquire Qian 122
Today, China North East Petroleum, already well positioned in the Chinese oil production market via agreements with PetroChina for the extraction of crude oil at five oilfields in Jilin, reported entry into a share transfer agreement to purchase exclusive exploration and drilling rights to the Qian 122 oilfield in Jilin Province, with China Kinwa High Technology Co., Ltd., and its wholly-owned subsidiary Beijing Shixin Taide Investment Consultancy Co., Ltd.
This strategic acquisition expands an already solid footing in Jilin for private oilfield production and services industry adept NEP. This pioneering independent oil company is the first non-state-owned Chinese firm of its kind and has rapidly accrued the momentum and architecture to secure this acquisition effectively.
CEO of NEP, Jingfu Li, spoke confidently of the capacity for 250 more wells at Q122, in addition to the existing and producing 50 wells. The logistically beneficial location of Q122, in close proximity to NEP’s largest existing field in Jilin, Q112, in addition to the exceptional production from Q122 (compared to any other fields in Jilin thus far), creates powerful operational synergies for the Company.
The 3,756-acre Qian122 oilfield’s 42 oil producing wells and 8 water injection wells scratch the surface of, according to PetroChina’s geological reserve report, some 47.6MM barrels.
Jingfu Li pointed to the closing of the acquisition, at which time Q122 is expected to “immediately contribute to revenue, profitability and cash flow” and underscored the Company’s strong cash position, enough to develop both Q122 and the recently acquired exploration and drilling rights at the Durimu oilfield simultaneously. NEP anticipates paying for the acquisition with cash on hand and closing in 1Q 2012.
Details of the agreement are as follows:
• NEP to pay cash consideration totaling $26.7M
• NEP will acquire 100% equity interest in Kinwa’s subsidiary which holds the exploration and drilling rights to Q122
• Three tranche payment structure for the purchase price consisting of an initial $5.3M deposit (payable upon execution of the share transfer agreement), with subsequent payments of approximately $18.2M (due in five business days from transaction approval by Kinwa’s shareholders and satisfaction of certain conditions) and $3.1M (due 180 days thereafter)
Like other oilfields operated by NEP in Jilin, Q122 is owned by PetroChina, to whom the output is also sold. The 20-year oil lease agreement signed in 2004 by Kinwa’s subsidiary with PetroChina entitles the operator to 80% of production until the start of 4Q 2014 and 60% thereafter for the term of the agreement. With some 110k barrels output by Q122 in 2010 and projected 2011 production exceeding this figure by 10%, NEP is gearing up to hit Q122 hard, drilling 25-335 wells annually.
For more information on the Company, or on developing news regarding the acquisition, please visit the China North East Petroleum Holdings Ltd. website at: www.CNEPetroleum.com
Chelsea Therapeutics (CHTP) Awarded Patent Protection for Lead Investigational Drug, Northera
Biopharmaceutical company Chelsea Therapeutics International Ltd. today announced it has received allowance from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) for its patent application “Threo-DOPS Controlled Release Formulation.” This marks the second major milestone for the company’s intellectual patent portfolio this year.
The new claim relates to certain oral, controlled release formations of Northera™, the company’s lead investigational agent for the treatment of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) in patients with primary autonomic failure, which includes Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA) and pure autonomic failure (PAF).
The patent offers protection for a once-a-day Northera from date of issuance through the year 2026. This extends the company’s current seven-year marketing exclusivity via its orphan designation in the U.S.
“This patent allowance notice from the USPTO provides key support for the intellectual property protection we are building for Northera,” Dr. Simon Pedder, president and CEO of Chelsea Therapeutics stated in the press release. “This latest patent could provide significant growth opportunities for Chelsea, as we investigate additional, potential therapeutic applications of Northera which is currently under review at the FDA for the treatment of symptomatic, neurogenic orthostatic hypotension and has a PDUFA date of March 28, 2012.”
In August 2011, the USPTO awarded the company a patent claim titled “Droxidopa and pharmaceutical composition thereof for the treatment of fibromyalgia” for methods of pain reduction in patients with fibromyalgia.
For more information visit: www.chelseatherapeutics.com
Aging Population in U.S. Bodes Well for Future of Senior Living Management Firms
In 2010, 13 percent, or about 40.1 million, of the 308.7 million people in the United States were 65 years of age or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s about 15 percent higher than the 35 million people in the same age bracket in 2000, which grew by 12 percent from the number in 1990. As baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) continue to age, it is estimated that there should be a leveling point of about 20 percent of the total U.S. population being over age 65 by 2030, by the account of AgingStats.gov. As a result of better health management and treatments allowing people to live longer in general, the Census Bureau projects that the population age 85 and over could grow from 5.7 million in 2008 to 19 million by 2050.
What this means to investors is exponential growth potential in many arenas, including healthcare for seniors. Many companies specializing in senior living management are making prescient moves to bolster their portfolio of properties during a depressed economic and real estate climate in expectations of greater demand over the coming decades. Early this year, privately-held Mid-Atlantic Health Care, LLC, a firm which owns and operates senior care facilities throughout Maryland and Delaware, acquired five skilled nursing centers in Philadelphia from The NewCourtland Network; giving Mid-Atlantic a 25 percent control of the market in Philadelphia.
AdCare Health Systems, Inc. (AMEX: ADK) has been on a similar path with a bevy of acquisitions throughout 2011. The Springfield, Ohio-based company has been a developer, owner and manager of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and providing home health care services for nearly a quarter of a century. AdCare’s employs over 3,200 employees throughout the 31 facilities that they manage (twenty-three of skilled nursing centers, seven assisted living facilities and one Independent senior living community). AdCare outright owns seven of the skilled nursing centers and six of the assisted living facilities.
Showcasing their aggressive merger and acquisition model, some highlights from 2011 for AdCare included:
• Closed Acquisition of Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Center in Arkansas (December 2, 2011)
• Signed Definitive Agreement to Acquire Five Skilled Nursing Facilities in Oklahoma (October 17, 2011)
• Closed Acquisition of Four Skilled Nursing Facilities in Arkansas (September 8, 2011)
• Signed Definitive Agreement to Acquire Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Center in Ohio (September 19, 2011)
• Signed Definitive Agreement for 15 Skilled Nursing Centers Across South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee (June 28, 2011)
• Closed Acquisition of Skilled Nursing Center in Georgia (June 1, 2011)
• Closed Acquisition of Two Skilled Nursing Centers in Georgia (May 2, 2011)
• Signed Agreement for Five Skilled Nursing Facilities in Arkansas and Missouri (March 15, 2011)
The acquisition activity is showing an immediate benefit to the financial statements for AdCare. In their latest SEC filings, unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011 showed that revenue for the quarter surged 208 percent to a record $40.9 million from $13.3 million in the same quarter of 2010. Income from operations in the third quarter of 2011 was $1.7 million, a $2.5 million turnaround from a $0.8 million loss for the year prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was a record $4.7 million compared to $579,000 in Q3 2010.
AdCare may not be in the flashiest of industries, but it is well-positioned in an essential part of our economy that appears positioned to continue to experience non-linear growth for the foreseeable future. Because of its diversification within the industry and expanding geographical footprint, AdCare could easily be aligned to garner far greater investor attention as it continues to execute its business model.
VistaGen Therapeutics Inc. (VSTA) Gains Major Benefits from Key Collaboration
Of all the factors contributing to the success of VistaGen Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing human pluripotent stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, perhaps the most important is the company’s long-term Sponsored Research Collaboration Agreement with Toronto’s University Health Network and key researcher, Dr. Gordon Keller, co-founder of VistaGen. The agreement, recently extended through at least September of 2017, covers a number of programs designed to advance and support VistaGen’s core drug rescue activities as well as its potential cell therapy and drug discovery applications.
VistaGen is best known for its revolutionary approach to early drug candidate safety testing, allowing drug companies to save millions or even billions of dollars by providing accurate drug safety testing earlier than ever before possible. The company’s core drug rescue activities are currently centered on heart and liver toxicity:
• CardioSafe 3D™ is a human heart cell-based bioassay system focused on “rescuing” (generating new, safer small molecule variants of) once-promising small molecule drug candidates discontinued in preclinical development due to heart toxicity.
• LiverSafe 3D™ is a new liver cell-based bioassay system being developed for rescuing small molecule drug candidates discontinued in preclinical development due to liver toxicity or metabolism issues.
VistaGen has strategic relationship with Dr. Keller who, together with Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, the company’s President and CSO, founded VistaGen. Dr. Keller still serves as the Chairman of the company’s Scientific Advisory Board. VistaGen has exclusive licenses to patented stem cell technologies originally discovered and developed by Dr. Keller.
The goal of VistaGen’s collaboration with Dr. Keller and UHN is the development of mature and functional heart cells for multiple therapeutic and commercial applications, including drug rescue and cell therapy. The company has expanded its mission to include a range of potential therapeutic and commercial applications involving liver, cartilage, beta-islet and blood cells. VistaGen recently licensed important stem cell technology from UHN as a result of the collaboration, and anticipates additional license agreements in the years to come.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.VistaGen.com
VistaGen Therapeutics Inc. (VSTA) Gains Major Benefits from Key Collaboration
Of all the factors contributing to the success of VistaGen Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing human pluripotent stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, perhaps the most important is the company’s long-term Sponsored Research Collaboration Agreement with Toronto’s University Health Network and key researcher, Dr. Gordon Keller, co-founder of VistaGen. The agreement, recently extended through at least September of 2017, covers a number of programs designed to advance and support VistaGen’s core drug rescue activities as well as its potential cell therapy and drug discovery applications.
VistaGen is best known for its revolutionary approach to early drug candidate safety testing, allowing drug companies to save millions or even billions of dollars by providing accurate drug safety testing earlier than ever before possible. The company’s core drug rescue activities are currently centered on heart and liver toxicity:
• CardioSafe 3D™ is a human heart cell-based bioassay system focused on “rescuing” (generating new, safer small molecule variants of) once-promising small molecule drug candidates discontinued in preclinical development due to heart toxicity.
• LiverSafe 3D™ is a new liver cell-based bioassay system being developed for rescuing small molecule drug candidates discontinued in preclinical development due to liver toxicity or metabolism issues.
VistaGen has strategic relationship with Dr. Keller who, together with Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, the company’s President and CSO, founded VistaGen. Dr. Keller still serves as the Chairman of the company’s Scientific Advisory Board. VistaGen has exclusive licenses to patented stem cell technologies originally discovered and developed by Dr. Keller.
The goal of VistaGen’s collaboration with Dr. Keller and UHN is the development of mature and functional heart cells for multiple therapeutic and commercial applications, including drug rescue and cell therapy. The company has expanded its mission to include a range of potential therapeutic and commercial applications involving liver, cartilage, beta-islet and blood cells. VistaGen recently licensed important stem cell technology from UHN as a result of the collaboration, and anticipates additional license agreements in the years to come.
VSTA Gains Major Benefits from Key Collaboration
Of all the factors contributing to the success of VistaGen Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing human pluripotent stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, perhaps the most important is the company’s long-term Sponsored Research Collaboration Agreement with Toronto’s University Health Network and key researcher, Dr. Gordon Keller, co-founder of VistaGen. The agreement, recently extended through at least September of 2017, covers a number of programs designed to advance and support VistaGen’s core drug rescue activities as well as its potential cell therapy and drug discovery applications.
VistaGen is best known for its revolutionary approach to early drug candidate safety testing, allowing drug companies to save millions or even billions of dollars by providing accurate drug safety testing earlier than ever before possible. The company’s core drug rescue activities are currently centered on heart and liver toxicity:
• CardioSafe 3D™ is a human heart cell-based bioassay system focused on “rescuing” (generating new, safer small molecule variants of) once-promising small molecule drug candidates discontinued in preclinical development due to heart toxicity.
• LiverSafe 3D™ is a new liver cell-based bioassay system being developed for rescuing small molecule drug candidates discontinued in preclinical development due to liver toxicity or metabolism issues.
VistaGen has strategic relationship with Dr. Keller who, together with Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, the company’s President and CSO, founded VistaGen. Dr. Keller still serves as the Chairman of the company’s Scientific Advisory Board. VistaGen has exclusive licenses to patented stem cell technologies originally discovered and developed by Dr. Keller.
The goal of VistaGen’s collaboration with Dr. Keller and UHN is the development of mature and functional heart cells for multiple therapeutic and commercial applications, including drug rescue and cell therapy. The company has expanded its mission to include a range of potential therapeutic and commercial applications involving liver, cartilage, beta-islet and blood cells. VistaGen recently licensed important stem cell technology from UHN as a result of the collaboration, and anticipates additional license agreements in the years to come.
AdCare Health Systems, Inc. (ADK) is “One to Watch”
AdCare Health Systems, Inc. is a recognized innovator in senior living and health care facility management. AdCare focuses on developing and managing assisted living facilities, nursing homes and retirement communities. Since its inception in 1988, AdCare’s mission has been to provide the highest quality of healthcare services to the elderly.
Prior to becoming a publicly traded company in November of 2006, AdCare operated as a private company for 18 years in Ohio. The company’s 3,200 employees provide high-quality care for patients and residents residing in the 31 facilities that they manage, twenty-three of which are skilled nursing centers, seven assisted living facilities and one Independent senior living community. In addition, AdCare has lease agreements on eleven skilled nursing centers.
Earlier this month it was reported that Ladenburg Thalmann analysts initiated coverage on shares of Adcare, setting a “buy” rating and $7.50 price target on the stock. The stock is currently trading at $4.05 with a market cap of approximately $49 million. Combining its current annualized run-rate with transactions currently in the process of closing, AdCare’s estimated annualized revenue run-rate is anticipated to exceed $300 million.
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) CEO Provides Special Shareholder Address
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc., a company specializing in the development of breakthrough diagnostic imaging products that utilize positron emission tomography (PET) technology to detect and assess pathology before clinical manifestation of diseases, today released a company overview as presented by FluoroPharma’s President and CEO, Thijs Spoor. This “State of the Union” address provided shareholders with a complete picture of the company, its evolution and future potential.
Mr. Spoor began the communication by stating, “Our company vision, financial position and management team are strong, and our product portfolio holds great promise.
“As we advance our business model, we recognize the importance of keeping shareholders informed, and it is with this intention that I present before you today. To understand where we are going, it is important to understand where we have come from. And to understand our founding principles, it is helpful to look at the evolution of the Imaging industry.
“Doctors at a community hospital review x-ray films to better understand the cause of a patient’s symptoms… a cardiologist completes an angiography to diagnose the severity of disease involving her patient’s heart… a man awaits his discharge from the hospital outpatient center having completed the procedure that may help him beat prostate cancer with a minimum of side effects… using a special camera and injected radioactive imaging agent, a nuclear radiologist evaluates blood flow in the heart of a patient who has been experiencing chest pain.
“These cases represent only a few of millions where we believe innovative diagnostic imaging has changed the way internal medicine is practiced by providing the healthcare industry with a safe, minimally invasive, and cost effective means to rapidly diagnose and treat patients.”
Evolution to more effective and efficient care:
Mr. Spoor continues, “Looking beyond today’s successes, the future for diagnostic imaging procedures with higher sensitivity and specificity is extremely promising as they provide early and more accurate information to enable more effective treatment and follow-up of its efficacy. Early treatment means saving the patient from long and expensive hospital stays, which results in less time away from family and work. That’s not just cost-effective medicine, that’s better medicine.”
Focus on advancing personalized medicine and personalized care:
“Looking ahead, patients will see medical diagnostic products matched closely to therapeutics, such that they are more likely to be prescribed the exact treatment for their condition,” states Mr. Spoor. “This will improve chances for cure and reduce unnecessary costs and side effects. As we look forward to advances in science and medicine, FluoroPharma’s goal is to enable personalized medicine by enabling the physician to prescribe the right medicine, for the right person, at the right time for the right outcome. This is only possible with the right diagnostics.
“Just imagine a day when therapies are tailored to an individual’s genetic and cellular makeup. Imagine the ability to detect disease before it becomes apparent. At FluoroPharma, we are working to become an important player in the rapidly changing face of medicine worldwide. We are working on diagnostics that will make the invisible, visible.”
High growth market provides burgeoning opportunities:
“Our future is defined by the potential of the market, and that too is strong and growing,” notes Mr. Spoor. “According to a report issued by the Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA), ‘The world imaging agents market is projected to cross $15 billion by 2015, primarily driven by the growing volume of diagnostic examinations and widening applications… the market for molecular imaging agents currently exceeds $1.7 billion annually and promises rapid growth for the foreseeable future.’ The report further supports this by acknowledging the increasing focus on diagnostic examinations that help in the early identification of disease in order to enable more effective treatment.”
Our initial focus is on cardiology, the largest segment of the nuclear medicine market:
“Molecular imaging fulfills numerous unmet diagnostic needs by enabling visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular level,” emphasizes Mr. Spoor. “Unlike the traditional imaging modalities of MRI, CT and ultrasound, which reveal anatomical abnormalities, PET provides insight into physiology and can detect disease before anatomical manifestation is identified. The combination of both modalities is becoming a more powerful tool.
“FluoroPharma’s proprietary molecules labeled with the radioactive isotope of fluorine combined with PET scanning provide non-invasive, highly specific and efficient assessment of heart metabolism and physiology. CardioPET, our metabolic cardiac PET imaging agent that has completed Phase 1 testing, may be an accurate alternative to standard treadmill stress-testing. This could be especially valuable in patients who are unable to exercise. BFPET, which also completed Phase 1 testing, is a cardiovascular blood flow imaging agent that concentrates in healthy myocardial cells. This agent will be used to detect presumptive coronary artery disease (CAD) in combination with stress-testing and enables improved detection of CAD multi-vessel disease. According to Frost & Sullivan, more than 10 million Americans undergo myocardial perfusion imaging each year. Our VasoPET product is in preclinical development and could represent the first PET cardiac product to reliably image inflamed or ‘vulnerable’ atheromatous plaque, an ominous condition and precursor to myocardial infarction and possibly death. And AZPET, for imaging of Alzheimer’s disease, is in the very early phase of discovery.
“Our comprehensive technology platform was developed by scientists at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and to date the company has been issued four U.S. patents and has seven applications pending. We have also secured strong patent protection overseas.”
In summary, Mr. Spoor states, “Our business is to support early diagnosis. If imaging equipment were used to capacity, we believe more patients could be diagnosed earlier. This would lead to better clinical outcomes through prevention or more effective tailored and personalized therapy. We believe earlier diagnosis also benefits global health services financially by minimizing the expensive, aggressive, late and often ineffective therapies prescribed to patients as a result of diagnosis later in disease progression. Clinical trials have confirmed that our technologies are safe and we are now establishing their efficacy. We also have intellectual property in place to protect our proprietary innovations around the world and intend to accelerate a business strategy that targets multiple, multimillion dollar healthcare markets with unmet needs.”
“With a clear vision, solid strategy, experienced management team and the necessary resources to advance clinical development, FluoroPharma is well positioned to capitalize on its superior imaging technology in 2012 and beyond,” Mr. Spoor concludes.
Results of IRIDEX Corp. (IRIX) 10-Year Study Shows MicroPulse Laser Therapy Safe and Efficient for Treating Diabetic Macular Edema
IRIDEX Corp., a worldwide leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and versatile laser-based medical systems and delivery devices, today announced that a 10-year study has proven the safety and efficacy of the MicroPulse Laser Therapy Technology for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. The California study showed that the laser therapy has durable therapeutic effects without causing the harmful damage to the retina that leads to blindness associated with conventional laser therapy. A total of 252 eyes were tracked for the 10 year study.
“The 10-year study is an excellent validation of our work toward creating a new durable therapy for eye conditions associated with diabetes,” said Dominik Beck PhD., IRIDEX President and CEO in a press release. “Our goal is to create a paradigm shift in the way physicians treat retinal diseases. Considering the durable clinical benefits, the safety of the procedure and the economic benefits to the healthcare system, leading physicians are beginning to conclude that MicroPulse can be used earlier in the disease progression and can be, at least, incorporated into any treatment regimen – either alone or in conjunction with drug therapy.”
MicroPulse Technology enhances the physician’s ability to precisely aim the laser by using trains of microsecond pulses to more precisely target the treatment and cause less collateral damage to the surrounding area
“MicroPulse laser therapy is an ideal first-line treatment for retinal vascular macular edema because of its unique safety profile,” said Dr. Jefftery Luttrull, ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon with the Ventura County Retina Vitreous Medial Group in California who led the study. “Because of its unique ability to produce the desired therapeutic effect without any measurable inflammation or damage to functional retinal tissue, treatment can be initiated earlier, possibly improving long-term outcomes.”
For more information, please visit www.iridex.com
AdCare Health Systems, Inc. (ADK) on Target for Another Year of Strong Revenue Growth
Ohio-based AdCare Health Systems is an expanding national leader in the development, ownership, and management of care facilities, including:
• Nursing homes
• Assisted living facilities
• Independent living facilities
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s units
• Sub-acute units
• Retirement communities
In addition, the company provides a variety of home health care services.
AdCare currently employees over 3,000 workers, supporting a growing list of facilities in Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina. The company also has lease agreements covering eleven skilled nursing centers.
The company’s mission is to provide the finest in care facilities, and has a history of success in their development as well as management. In particular, the senior living facilities market is considered to be one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors within the healthcare arena. Changing demographics, coupled with the limited supply of senior living facilities, clearly supports this growth. AdCare is exploiting these trends by growing both internally and through strategic acquisitions.
AdCare’s business operates under four general segments:
• Skilled Nursing Facilities – AdCare has facility ownership or lease interests, and collects fees from residents.
• Home Health – AdCare collects monthly fees, with profits/losses based on the extent by which fees exceed costs for services.
• Management & Development – AdCare receives fees for providing development, consulting, and accounting services for facilities owned by third parties.
• Assisted Living Facilities – AdCare has facility ownership or lease interests, and collects fees from residents.
One of AdCare’s greatest strengths is in facility management assessment. When the company undertakes an assessment, they are quick to point out that it is never a cookie-cutter process. They focus on the uniqueness of each facility, and develop a solution that best deals with the concerns of regulatory compliance, reimbursement challenges, and census issues.
The company has a seasoned senior management team, with substantial senior living, healthcare, and real estate industry experience. The senior management team is incentivized to continue to grow the business through their combined ownership of approximately 25.6% of the common stock.
The resulting numbers underline AdCare’s growth strategy, with revenues showing steady growth for the last 9 years, and now in line for another record breaking year in 2011.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.AdCareHealth.com
BioLineRx (BLRX) to Develop Drug Candidates Discovered by Compugen
BioLineRx is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical development company focused on identifying, licensing and developing promising therapeutic drugs. The company’s current pipeline consists of drugs that help patients with central nervous system diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.
The company announced today that it has entered into a collaboration agreement for the purpose of developing and commercializing mutually selected, Compugen-discovered drug candidates for the treatment of various diseases. According to the agreement, Compugen will provide drug candidates, primarily peptides, which were identified as promising using its predictive drug discovery platforms.
BioLineRx will develop these drug candidates through Phase II clinical trials, with the goal of ultimately licensing them to pharmaceutical companies for advanced clinical development and commercialization.
The joint venture has been initialized with the selection of three Compugen-discovered peptides. Two of the peptides named CGEN-855 and CGEN-856 have already undergone animal studies and will enter BioLine’s main product pipeline as VL-7070. These peptides focus on preventing and treating cardiovascular disease by controlling inflammation and reducing hypertension.
The third peptide, CGEN-25017, has also undergone animal studies and will enter BioLine’s pipeline as BL-8010, and is intended for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive growth of new blood vessels, such as cancer.
For additional information about BioLineRx and its exciting drug pipeline, please visit the company’s website at www.biolinerx.com
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) CEO Provides Special Shareholder Address
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc., a company specializing in the development of breakthrough diagnostic imaging products that utilize positron emission tomography (PET) technology to detect and assess pathology before clinical manifestation of diseases, today released a company overview as presented by FluoroPharma’s President and CEO, Thijs Spoor. This “State of the Union” address provided shareholders with a complete picture of the company, its evolution and future potential.
Mr. Spoor began the communication by stating, “Our company vision, financial position and management team are strong, and our product portfolio holds great promise.
“As we advance our business model, we recognize the importance of keeping shareholders informed, and it is with this intention that I present before you today. To understand where we are going, it is important to understand where we have come from. And to understand our founding principles, it is helpful to look at the evolution of the Imaging industry.
“Doctors at a community hospital review x-ray films to better understand the cause of a patient’s symptoms… a cardiologist completes an angiography to diagnose the severity of disease involving her patient’s heart… a man awaits his discharge from the hospital outpatient center having completed the procedure that may help him beat prostate cancer with a minimum of side effects… using a special camera and injected radioactive imaging agent, a nuclear radiologist evaluates blood flow in the heart of a patient who has been experiencing chest pain.
“These cases represent only a few of millions where we believe innovative diagnostic imaging has changed the way internal medicine is practiced by providing the healthcare industry with a safe, minimally invasive, and cost effective means to rapidly diagnose and treat patients.”
Evolution to more effective and efficient care:
Mr. Spoor continues, “Looking beyond today’s successes, the future for diagnostic imaging procedures with higher sensitivity and specificity is extremely promising as they provide early and more accurate information to enable more effective treatment and follow-up of its efficacy. Early treatment means saving the patient from long and expensive hospital stays, which results in less time away from family and work. That’s not just cost-effective medicine, that’s better medicine.”
Focus on advancing personalized medicine and personalized care:
“Looking ahead, patients will see medical diagnostic products matched closely to therapeutics, such that they are more likely to be prescribed the exact treatment for their condition,” states Mr. Spoor. “This will improve chances for cure and reduce unnecessary costs and side effects. As we look forward to advances in science and medicine, FluoroPharma’s goal is to enable personalized medicine by enabling the physician to prescribe the right medicine, for the right person, at the right time for the right outcome. This is only possible with the right diagnostics.
“Just imagine a day when therapies are tailored to an individual’s genetic and cellular makeup. Imagine the ability to detect disease before it becomes apparent. At FluoroPharma, we are working to become an important player in the rapidly changing face of medicine worldwide. We are working on diagnostics that will make the invisible, visible.”
High growth market provides burgeoning opportunities:
“Our future is defined by the potential of the market, and that too is strong and growing,” notes Mr. Spoor. “According to a report issued by the Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA), ‘The world imaging agents market is projected to cross $15 billion by 2015, primarily driven by the growing volume of diagnostic examinations and widening applications… the market for molecular imaging agents currently exceeds $1.7 billion annually and promises rapid growth for the foreseeable future.’ The report further supports this by acknowledging the increasing focus on diagnostic examinations that help in the early identification of disease in order to enable more effective treatment.”
Our initial focus is on cardiology, the largest segment of the nuclear medicine market:
“Molecular imaging fulfills numerous unmet diagnostic needs by enabling visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular level,” emphasizes Mr. Spoor. “Unlike the traditional imaging modalities of MRI, CT and ultrasound, which reveal anatomical abnormalities, PET provides insight into physiology and can detect disease before anatomical manifestation is identified. The combination of both modalities is becoming a more powerful tool.
“FluoroPharma’s proprietary molecules labeled with the radioactive isotope of fluorine combined with PET scanning provide non-invasive, highly specific and efficient assessment of heart metabolism and physiology. CardioPET, our metabolic cardiac PET imaging agent that has completed Phase 1 testing, may be an accurate alternative to standard treadmill stress-testing. This could be especially valuable in patients who are unable to exercise. BFPET, which also completed Phase 1 testing, is a cardiovascular blood flow imaging agent that concentrates in healthy myocardial cells. This agent will be used to detect presumptive coronary artery disease (CAD) in combination with stress-testing and enables improved detection of CAD multi-vessel disease. According to Frost & Sullivan, more than 10 million Americans undergo myocardial perfusion imaging each year. Our VasoPET product is in preclinical development and could represent the first PET cardiac product to reliably image inflamed or ‘vulnerable’ atheromatous plaque, an ominous condition and precursor to myocardial infarction and possibly death. And AZPET, for imaging of Alzheimer’s disease, is in the very early phase of discovery.
“Our comprehensive technology platform was developed by scientists at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and to date the company has been issued four U.S. patents and has seven applications pending. We have also secured strong patent protection overseas.”
In summary, Mr. Spoor states, “Our business is to support early diagnosis. If imaging equipment were used to capacity, we believe more patients could be diagnosed earlier. This would lead to better clinical outcomes through prevention or more effective tailored and personalized therapy. We believe earlier diagnosis also benefits global health services financially by minimizing the expensive, aggressive, late and often ineffective therapies prescribed to patients as a result of diagnosis later in disease progression. Clinical trials have confirmed that our technologies are safe and we are now establishing their efficacy. We also have intellectual property in place to protect our proprietary innovations around the world and intend to accelerate a business strategy that targets multiple, multimillion dollar healthcare markets with unmet needs.”
“With a clear vision, solid strategy, experienced management team and the necessary resources to advance clinical development, FluoroPharma is well positioned to capitalize on its superior imaging technology in 2012 and beyond,” Mr. Spoor concludes.
FPMI CEO Provides Special Shareholder Address
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc., a company specializing in the development of breakthrough diagnostic imaging products that utilize positron emission tomography (PET) technology to detect and assess pathology before clinical manifestation of diseases, today released a company overview as presented by FluoroPharma’s President and CEO, Thijs Spoor. This “State of the Union” address provided shareholders with a complete picture of the company, its evolution and future potential.
Mr. Spoor began the communication by stating, “Our company vision, financial position and management team are strong, and our product portfolio holds great promise.
“As we advance our business model, we recognize the importance of keeping shareholders informed, and it is with this intention that I present before you today. To understand where we are going, it is important to understand where we have come from. And to understand our founding principles, it is helpful to look at the evolution of the Imaging industry.
“Doctors at a community hospital review x-ray films to better understand the cause of a patient’s symptoms… a cardiologist completes an angiography to diagnose the severity of disease involving her patient’s heart… a man awaits his discharge from the hospital outpatient center having completed the procedure that may help him beat prostate cancer with a minimum of side effects… using a special camera and injected radioactive imaging agent, a nuclear radiologist evaluates blood flow in the heart of a patient who has been experiencing chest pain.
“These cases represent only a few of millions where we believe innovative diagnostic imaging has changed the way internal medicine is practiced by providing the healthcare industry with a safe, minimally invasive, and cost effective means to rapidly diagnose and treat patients.”
Evolution to more effective and efficient care:
Mr. Spoor continues, “Looking beyond today’s successes, the future for diagnostic imaging procedures with higher sensitivity and specificity is extremely promising as they provide early and more accurate information to enable more effective treatment and follow-up of its efficacy. Early treatment means saving the patient from long and expensive hospital stays, which results in less time away from family and work. That’s not just cost-effective medicine, that’s better medicine.”
Focus on advancing personalized medicine and personalized care:
“Looking ahead, patients will see medical diagnostic products matched closely to therapeutics, such that they are more likely to be prescribed the exact treatment for their condition,” states Mr. Spoor. “This will improve chances for cure and reduce unnecessary costs and side effects. As we look forward to advances in science and medicine, FluoroPharma’s goal is to enable personalized medicine by enabling the physician to prescribe the right medicine, for the right person, at the right time for the right outcome. This is only possible with the right diagnostics.
“Just imagine a day when therapies are tailored to an individual’s genetic and cellular makeup. Imagine the ability to detect disease before it becomes apparent. At FluoroPharma, we are working to become an important player in the rapidly changing face of medicine worldwide. We are working on diagnostics that will make the invisible, visible.”
High growth market provides burgeoning opportunities:
“Our future is defined by the potential of the market, and that too is strong and growing,” notes Mr. Spoor. “According to a report issued by the Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA), ‘The world imaging agents market is projected to cross $15 billion by 2015, primarily driven by the growing volume of diagnostic examinations and widening applications… the market for molecular imaging agents currently exceeds $1.7 billion annually and promises rapid growth for the foreseeable future.’ The report further supports this by acknowledging the increasing focus on diagnostic examinations that help in the early identification of disease in order to enable more effective treatment.”
Our initial focus is on cardiology, the largest segment of the nuclear medicine market:
“Molecular imaging fulfills numerous unmet diagnostic needs by enabling visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular level,” emphasizes Mr. Spoor. “Unlike the traditional imaging modalities of MRI, CT and ultrasound, which reveal anatomical abnormalities, PET provides insight into physiology and can detect disease before anatomical manifestation is identified. The combination of both modalities is becoming a more powerful tool.
“FluoroPharma’s proprietary molecules labeled with the radioactive isotope of fluorine combined with PET scanning provide non-invasive, highly specific and efficient assessment of heart metabolism and physiology. CardioPET, our metabolic cardiac PET imaging agent that has completed Phase 1 testing, may be an accurate alternative to standard treadmill stress-testing. This could be especially valuable in patients who are unable to exercise. BFPET, which also completed Phase 1 testing, is a cardiovascular blood flow imaging agent that concentrates in healthy myocardial cells. This agent will be used to detect presumptive coronary artery disease (CAD) in combination with stress-testing and enables improved detection of CAD multi-vessel disease. According to Frost & Sullivan, more than 10 million Americans undergo myocardial perfusion imaging each year. Our VasoPET product is in preclinical development and could represent the first PET cardiac product to reliably image inflamed or ‘vulnerable’ atheromatous plaque, an ominous condition and precursor to myocardial infarction and possibly death. And AZPET, for imaging of Alzheimer’s disease, is in the very early phase of discovery.
“Our comprehensive technology platform was developed by scientists at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and to date the company has been issued four U.S. patents and has seven applications pending. We have also secured strong patent protection overseas.”
In summary, Mr. Spoor states, “Our business is to support early diagnosis. If imaging equipment were used to capacity, we believe more patients could be diagnosed earlier. This would lead to better clinical outcomes through prevention or more effective tailored and personalized therapy. We believe earlier diagnosis also benefits global health services financially by minimizing the expensive, aggressive, late and often ineffective therapies prescribed to patients as a result of diagnosis later in disease progression. Clinical trials have confirmed that our technologies are safe and we are now establishing their efficacy. We also have intellectual property in place to protect our proprietary innovations around the world and intend to accelerate a business strategy that targets multiple, multimillion dollar healthcare markets with unmet needs.”
“With a clear vision, solid strategy, experienced management team and the necessary resources to advance clinical development, FluoroPharma is well positioned to capitalize on its superior imaging technology in 2012 and beyond,” Mr. Spoor concludes.
Careview Communications, Inc. (CRVW) is “One to Watch”
CareView Communications has developed a proprietary high-speed data network system for use throughout all types of hospitals, nursing homes, adult living centers and selected outpatient care facilities domestically and internationally. Able to be deployed via existing cable television infrastructure, this network supports CareView’s complementary suite of software applications.
The CareView System™ brings the information technology of the 21st century directly to patients, families and healthcare providers by connecting them through one easy-to-install and simple-to-use system. In addition to providing convenient in-room entertainment with video conferencing, CareView also provides continual observation and monitoring for use by staff and family.
Real-time bedside and point-of-care video monitoring and recording improve efficiency while limiting liability, and entertainment packages and patient education enhance the patient’s quality of stay. The CareView System™ also enables facilities to run their own private cable network, allowing for hospital advertisements, pre-procedure and condition education videos, and special broadcasts.
The CareView System™ is fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and can be deployed using existing cable television infrastructure. The company’s solutions enable healthcare providers to enhance patient satisfaction, generate additional revenue, increase hospital-to-patient communications and create a safe, well-protected environment for patients, families and staff.
Glowpoint Inc. (GLOW) Receives Approval to Begin Trading on NYSE Amex Stock Exchange
Glowpoint Inc., a provider of cloud-based managed video services for telepresence and video conferencing to the business community worldwide, announced that it has been approved to trade its common stock on the NYSE Amex stock exchange.
The company expects the shares of its common stock to begin trading on the NYSE Amex at the opening bell on December 15, 2011, under the stock ticker symbol “GLOW”. At the commencement of trading on the NYSE Amex exchange, the stock will no longer be available for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) Market.
“We are excited to be part of the NYSE Amex and believe that this transition provides Glowpoint with increased exposure to the global investment community,” stated Joe Laezza, President and Chief Executive Officer of Glowpoint. “The up-listing of our public equity is a natural step in the evolution of our company, as we continue to maintain a market leading position for cloud managed video services. We look forward to announcing other key milestones to a more expansive investment audience in the near future.”
“We welcome Glowpoint to the NYSE Euronext family of listed companies and to NYSE Amex,” said Scott Cutler, Co-Head of U.S. Listings and Cash Execution, NYSE Euronext. “Glowpoint and its shareholders will benefit from superior market quality and technology, a broad array of issuer and investor services, and a partnership with the Company and its shareholders.”
The Company also recently announced that Afilias is using Glowpoint Cloud Managed Video Services to drive its growth in its new Internet Top Level Domain (TLD) business.
In order to showcase the benefits of the new Internet Top Level Domains, Afilias came together with a panel of experts from Columbia Business School, Deloitte, and Landor to present objective and credible information to customers in a live video webcast event that was viewed around the world. The webcast was recorded using Glowpoint’s webcasting services and was made available on the Columbia School of Business website.
“Working with Glowpoint on this opportunity felt more like a partnership than working with a vendor,” said Roland LaPlante , Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Afilias. “Not only did they help us demonstrate the technology and build the case for an interactive webcast internally, they also came to us with a complete solution that addressed all of the risks associated with an event of this magnitude. Simply put – we could not have pulled this off in a short period of time without an experienced and committed cloud managed services provider like Glowpoint.”
“Glowpoint is pleased to support Afilias with this innovative use of visual communication,” said Stephen Vobbe , Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Glowpoint. “While travel reduction is still the number one driver for companies to invest in this technology, more and more we are seeing advanced uses of video. This is a great example of using video to open up new revenue channels.”
Glowpoint, Inc. provides cloud-based managed video services for telepresence and video conferencing to the business community worldwide. The company offers Open Video, a technology platform that provides telepresence, video, and unified collaboration users a way to meet and communicate across various hardware/software platforms and carrier networks. The company markets and sells its services directly, as well as through numerous indirect sales channels, including video conferencing equipment manufacturers, unified communication providers, integration service providers, equipment resellers, and network operators. Glowpoint, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is based in Hillside, New Jersey.
For more information on Glowpoint Inc., visit www.glowpoint.com
Drop in Unemployment Applications Points to Improving Job Market
For the first time in 9 months, the Labor Department reported on Thursday that the number of applications for unemployment benefits fell to a seasonally adjusted 381,000, a drop of 23,000. It was the lowest the number has been since February, and further indication that the overall job market is slowly getting better. In addition, the four week average for applications dropped to 393,250, its lowest point since April.
All of this strengthens the optimism generated in November when the government announced that the unemployment rate had decreased dramatically from 9.0% to 8.6%, its lowest point since mid-2009, although the official rate is often criticized for not reflecting the number of people who have simply given up looking or are grossly underemployed. Another concern is that people dependent upon extended unemployment benefits may soon lose them, putting a drag on spending.
Perhaps the more important fact is that the economy continues to generate jobs at a rate not seen in over five years. The private sector has been operating at skeleton levels, and any upturn in business puts pressure on companies to hire. The relatively strong holiday season, both for brick-and-mortar stores and online vendors, has clearly been an important factor, fueled in part by increased consumer confidence. A stronger job market is seen as a key underpinning of consumer confidence, and at least some economists are scaling up their economic growth predictions.
The biggest issues dampening some of the enthusiasm are the debt problems still facing Europe and the U.S. Progress in Europe is still viewed as tentative, with the threat of a sluggish Europe negatively affecting both business and credit in the U.S. In the meantime, government debt problems at both the state and federal level in the U.S. point to tightening benefits and government employment reductions, the latest coming from the U.S. Post Office, employer of over half a million postal workers.
Rubicon Minerals (RBY) Issues Update on Canadian Mining Project
Rubicon Minerals Corp. issued an operational update on its mining activities in Canada, where the company is exploring and developing gold resources.
Rubicon Minerals has an active exploration and development program at the Phoenix Gold Project located in Red Lake, Ontario. The company is currently progressing on a $55 million drilling program at the property. The program is expected to last twelve months and result in production from the Phoenix Gold Project in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Rubicon Minerals has completed various infrastructure projects at the site to enable future production. These projects include a grid power and hoist system along with various other electrical projects. The company is also planning to resume construction of a mine shaft at the property with a goal of reaching a depth of 610 meters.
Rubicon Minerals has conducted drilling in the southern extension of the Phoenix Gold Project at both shallow and moderate depths. The company reported that an analysis of samples taken from this drilling indicates gold mineralization at these levels.
Rubicon Minerals has more than one hundred square miles of exploration areas in the Red Lake gold district in Canada.
For more information on the company, go to www.rubiconminerals.com
Lantronix (LTRX) Launches EDS-MD™ Medical Device Aggregator
Today, Lantronix announced the global launch and availability of EDS-MD™, a next generation medical device aggregator based on the company’s award-winning EDS product family. Lantronix is a global provider of connectivity solutions that enable electronic devices and machines to communicate and share data with business and technology professionals.
“With the average hospital using hundreds of common medical devices, there is a significant need for the medical community to rapidly embrace device connectivity solutions. Our new EDS-MD is the first flagship product designed in connection with medical customers, specifically for their niche market,” said Mak Manesh, vice president of product management at Lantronix. “EDS-MD is uniquely designed to solve the challenges faced by the medical industry today, which will ultimately result in improved patient care, reduced costs, and increased efficiency through real-time access to data.”
Lantronix developed EDS-MD specifically for the medical industry. The device aggregator facilitates the secure access and management of medical devices in hospitals, laboratories and other healthcare environments, enabling equipment such as patient monitoring systems, glucose analyzers, EKG machines, ventilators and infusion pumps. EDS-MD plays a crucial role in delivering life-saving and crucial patient information to any location, device or healthcare information system.
“As long time customers, we have found Lantronix products to be extremely reliable and easy-to-use,” said Ivo Milani, Quality Manager for medical equipment manufacturer and reseller, Moelca. “Our healthcare customers are under pressure to deliver high-quality patient care — which means collecting and delivering clinical data to wherever and whatever device necessary. EDS-MD should prove to be an exciting product to address these critical challenges.”
For further details, pricing, and ordering information on EDS-MD, please visit http://www.lantronix.com
First Titan Corp. (FTTN) Moves to Exploit Global Energy Demand, Seeks Oil and Gas Leases in North America
Today, First Titan Corp. wholly-owned subsidiary, First Titan Energy, LLC, reported entry into the rapidly evolving North American oil and gas industry via start of talks to acquire key acreage leases/exploratory wells.
Looking to position the Company ahead of growing global demand for energy inputs, CEO of FTTN, Robert Federowicz, pointed to emergent drilling technologies that have placed NA oil and gas previously viewed as not economically viable to exploit. Federowicz also explained that many of the associated challenges presented by developing such resource bases overseas weren’t present in the domestic wells/leases currently under consideration.
Federowicz further explained that, while FTTN was still actively engaged in pursuing a variety of shale gas opportunities, the strategic timeline for global developments has opened up a nice window to make simultaneous exploration of NA resources healthy to the bottom line. Furthermore, rising demand that is projected to continue at an astounding rate, primarily from Asian and European markets, has created a tsunami of demand forces in the market – Federowicz wants to get in ahead of major energy companies, who are now similarly eyeing US energy resources for development.
Such an agile flanking maneuver by FTTN to position the Company ahead of the curve will exploit upstream innovations in the fundamental technologies of the business. US DOE data shows petroleum exports have doubled since three years ago, placing the US again on the frontier of oil and gas exploration with net energy exporter status in tow. Global demand isn’t flagging and with massive growth predicted over the next few decades for oil and gas inputs, FTTN is moving to get infrastructure producing before larger players like Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and Exxon Mobil solidify.
FTTN’s energy subsidiary will be seeking to develop oil and gas resources, emphasizing strategic partnering, analysis of unconventional plays and emerging advanced technologies that are safer, cleaner and more efficient. The superb engineering and design for which FTTN is known translates very well into overseeing energy production roll out and the vast experiential knowledge gained across manufacturing, project management, technical design and analysis in several fields may serve investors well.
For more information on First Titan Corp., or on First Titan Energy, LLC, please visit the Company’s websites: http://firsttitancorp.com and http://firsttitanenergy.com
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. (VSTA) Enters Strategic Collaboration with Synterys to Strengthen Drug Rescue Initiatives
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company applying stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, and Synterys, Inc., a medicinal chemistry and collaborative drug discovery company, today jointly announced a strategic medicinal chemistry services agreement signed between the two companies. The collaboration will further VistaGen’s stem cell technology-based drug rescue initiatives with the support of Synterys’ medicinal chemistry expertise.
VistaGen’s drug rescue activities involve the combination of its human pluripotent stem cell technology platform, Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube™, with modern medicinal chemistry to generate new chemical variants (drug rescue variants) of once-promising small molecule drug candidates that pharmaceutical companies, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) or university laboratories discontinued during preclinical development due to toxicity issues. VistaGen’s drug rescue model leverages prior investment and preclinical development completed by others as well as the predictive toxicology and drug development capabilities of its stem cell technology platform.
“Our collaboration with Synterys directly supports the drug rescue applications of our Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube™ platform,” stated Shawn Singh, VistaGen’s Chief Executive Officer. “This strategic collaboration represents another important link in the ecosystem we are building around our cutting-edge technologies and innovations from industry and academia focused on transforming drug development.”
“After evaluating several high quality candidates, we are happy to have selected Synterys as the medicinal chemistry partner of choice for our drug rescue programs,” added Ralph Snodgrass, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of VistaGen. “Synterys’ scientists bring significant experience in medicinal and synthetic organic chemistry to our collaboration, as well as the skills and infrastructure necessary to drive our programs forward successfully and cost effectively.”
“We are very pleased to be entering into this collaborative relationship with VistaGen,” commented John Kincaid, Synterys’ founder. “Our company anticipates great success to result from the combination of VistaGen’s stem cell technology platform and our decades of combined experience advancing compounds from early preclinical development into human clinical trials.”
In addition to providing flexible, real-time medicinal chemistry services in support of VistaGen’s drug rescue programs, the new agreement anticipates collaborations through which VistaGen and Synterys will identify novel drug rescue opportunities and drive them through preclinical development.
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. (VSTA) Enters Strategic Collaboration with Synterys to Strengthen Drug Rescue Initiatives
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company applying stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, and Synterys, Inc., a medicinal chemistry and collaborative drug discovery company, today jointly announced a strategic medicinal chemistry services agreement signed between the two companies. The collaboration will further VistaGen’s stem cell technology-based drug rescue initiatives with the support of Synterys’ medicinal chemistry expertise.
VistaGen’s drug rescue activities involve the combination of its human pluripotent stem cell technology platform, Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube™, with modern medicinal chemistry to generate new chemical variants (drug rescue variants) of once-promising small molecule drug candidates that pharmaceutical companies, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) or university laboratories discontinued during preclinical development due to toxicity issues. VistaGen’s drug rescue model leverages prior investment and preclinical development completed by others as well as the predictive toxicology and drug development capabilities of its stem cell technology platform.
“Our collaboration with Synterys directly supports the drug rescue applications of our Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube™ platform,” stated Shawn Singh, VistaGen’s Chief Executive Officer. “This strategic collaboration represents another important link in the ecosystem we are building around our cutting-edge technologies and innovations from industry and academia focused on transforming drug development.”
“After evaluating several high quality candidates, we are happy to have selected Synterys as the medicinal chemistry partner of choice for our drug rescue programs,” added Ralph Snodgrass, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of VistaGen. “Synterys’ scientists bring significant experience in medicinal and synthetic organic chemistry to our collaboration, as well as the skills and infrastructure necessary to drive our programs forward successfully and cost effectively.”
“We are very pleased to be entering into this collaborative relationship with VistaGen,” commented John Kincaid, Synterys’ founder. “Our company anticipates great success to result from the combination of VistaGen’s stem cell technology platform and our decades of combined experience advancing compounds from early preclinical development into human clinical trials.”
In addition to providing flexible, real-time medicinal chemistry services in support of VistaGen’s drug rescue programs, the new agreement anticipates collaborations through which VistaGen and Synterys will identify novel drug rescue opportunities and drive them through preclinical development.
VSTA Enters Strategic Collaboration with Synterys to Strengthen Drug Rescue Initiatives
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company applying stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, and Synterys, Inc., a medicinal chemistry and collaborative drug discovery company, today jointly announced a strategic medicinal chemistry services agreement signed between the two companies. The collaboration will further VistaGen’s stem cell technology-based drug rescue initiatives with the support of Synterys’ medicinal chemistry expertise.
VistaGen’s drug rescue activities involve the combination of its human pluripotent stem cell technology platform, Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube™, with modern medicinal chemistry to generate new chemical variants (drug rescue variants) of once-promising small molecule drug candidates that pharmaceutical companies, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) or university laboratories discontinued during preclinical development due to toxicity issues. VistaGen’s drug rescue model leverages prior investment and preclinical development completed by others as well as the predictive toxicology and drug development capabilities of its stem cell technology platform.
“Our collaboration with Synterys directly supports the drug rescue applications of our Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube™ platform,” stated Shawn Singh, VistaGen’s Chief Executive Officer. “This strategic collaboration represents another important link in the ecosystem we are building around our cutting-edge technologies and innovations from industry and academia focused on transforming drug development.”
“After evaluating several high quality candidates, we are happy to have selected Synterys as the medicinal chemistry partner of choice for our drug rescue programs,” added Ralph Snodgrass, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of VistaGen. “Synterys’ scientists bring significant experience in medicinal and synthetic organic chemistry to our collaboration, as well as the skills and infrastructure necessary to drive our programs forward successfully and cost effectively.”
“We are very pleased to be entering into this collaborative relationship with VistaGen,” commented John Kincaid, Synterys’ founder. “Our company anticipates great success to result from the combination of VistaGen’s stem cell technology platform and our decades of combined experience advancing compounds from early preclinical development into human clinical trials.”
In addition to providing flexible, real-time medicinal chemistry services in support of VistaGen’s drug rescue programs, the new agreement anticipates collaborations through which VistaGen and Synterys will identify novel drug rescue opportunities and drive them through preclinical development.
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Bases Success on Unique Management Team Mix
In the developing high tech world of advanced medical technology, company leaders require a unique combination of technical vision, business acuity, and an in-depth knowledge of the special requirements associated with human health care. FluoroPharma Medical, developer of advanced diagnostic imaging products used in PET scanning, has based its future on the embodiment of this principle, sporting a management team comfortable with the industry’s diverse aspects.
• David Elmaleh, PhD (Chairman, Director, Chief Scientific Advisor) – The Scientific Founder of FluoroPharma, an Associate Professor of Harvard Medical School, and Director of Contrast Media Chemistry at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Elmaleh is the inventor of three drugs currently in use or in late stage clinical trials. He’s done extensive research on imaging compounds, and is a co-author of over 120 publications, as well as being an inventor of more than 40 issued and pending patents. He is also the Scientific Founder of Biostream, now Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, and other start-ups.
• Thiis Spoor, MBA (Director, CEO, and President) – Previously the CFO for Sunstone BioSciences, Mr. Spoor holds a degree in Nuclear Pharmacy, and an MBA from Columbia with concentrations in Finance and Accounting. He’s been a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School, Kings College in London, and the University of Newcastle in Australia. He has extensive experience in helping pharmaceutical and medical device companies evaluate their global revenue potential, given the complex interplay of regulatory approvals and other factors. He has also performed equity research analysis for JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, covering the Biotechnology and Medical Device industries.
• Bovan Goumnerov, MD (COO & VP Clinical Trials) – Dr. Goumnerov has held executive level positions in healthcare and biomedical research, including as President of VasoStent, Inc., and as Managing Director of CardioVas, Inc., both medical device start-ups in cardiac imaging and therapy. He’s done research in surgery and molecular biology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and The Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Boston, where he held academic appointments with Harvard Medical School. He is co-author of many scientific publications.
For more information, see the company website at www.FluoroPharma.com
MissionIR Features VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. (VSTA) in Exclusive Interview with CEO Shawn Singh
MissionIR today announces that its interview with Shawn Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of VistaGen Therapeutics, is now available online. The complete interview can be heard at http://www.vsta.missionir.com/vsta-12-11.mp3.
Mr. Singh provided a brief overview of the company, its drug rescue business model, collaborations in place, milestones achieved this year as well as plans for 2012, which include listing on a higher exchange. He also discussed the background of the company’s executive management team and advisory board.
“Since our inception about thirteen years ago, we have obtained and carefully employed more than $42 million of capital,” Mr. Singh stated in the interview. “We have been tremendously resourceful in very challenging times, developing a portfolio of technologies with incredible therapeutic commercial potential across a wide range of applications. In 2012 and beyond, we look to achieve a number of milestones that will advance our company to new heights.”
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Bases Success on Unique Management Team Mix
In the developing high tech world of advanced medical technology, company leaders require a unique combination of technical vision, business acuity, and an in-depth knowledge of the special requirements associated with human health care. FluoroPharma Medical, developer of advanced diagnostic imaging products used in PET scanning, has based its future on the embodiment of this principle, sporting a management team comfortable with the industry’s diverse aspects.
• David Elmaleh, PhD (Chairman, Director, Chief Scientific Advisor) – The Scientific Founder of FluoroPharma, an Associate Professor of Harvard Medical School, and Director of Contrast Media Chemistry at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Elmaleh is the inventor of three drugs currently in use or in late stage clinical trials. He’s done extensive research on imaging compounds, and is a co-author of over 120 publications, as well as being an inventor of more than 40 issued and pending patents. He is also the Scientific Founder of Biostream, now Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, and other start-ups.
• Thiis Spoor, MBA (Director, CEO, and President) – Previously the CFO for Sunstone BioSciences, Mr. Spoor holds a degree in Nuclear Pharmacy, and an MBA from Columbia with concentrations in Finance and Accounting. He’s been a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School, Kings College in London, and the University of Newcastle in Australia. He has extensive experience in helping pharmaceutical and medical device companies evaluate their global revenue potential, given the complex interplay of regulatory approvals and other factors. He has also performed equity research analysis for JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, covering the Biotechnology and Medical Device industries.
• Bovan Goumnerov, MD (COO & VP Clinical Trials) – Dr. Goumnerov has held executive level positions in healthcare and biomedical research, including as President of VasoStent, Inc., and as Managing Director of CardioVas, Inc., both medical device start-ups in cardiac imaging and therapy. He’s done research in surgery and molecular biology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and The Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Boston, where he held academic appointments with Harvard Medical School. He is co-author of many scientific publications.
FPMI Bases Success on Unique Management Team Mix
In the developing high tech world of advanced medical technology, company leaders require a unique combination of technical vision, business acuity, and an in-depth knowledge of the special requirements associated with human health care. FluoroPharma Medical, developer of advanced diagnostic imaging products used in PET scanning, has based its future on the embodiment of this principle, sporting a management team comfortable with the industry’s diverse aspects.
• David Elmaleh, PhD (Chairman, Director, Chief Scientific Advisor) – The Scientific Founder of FluoroPharma, an Associate Professor of Harvard Medical School, and Director of Contrast Media Chemistry at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Elmaleh is the inventor of three drugs currently in use or in late stage clinical trials. He’s done extensive research on imaging compounds, and is a co-author of over 120 publications, as well as being an inventor of more than 40 issued and pending patents. He is also the Scientific Founder of Biostream, now Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, and other start-ups.
• Thiis Spoor, MBA (Director, CEO, and President) – Previously the CFO for Sunstone BioSciences, Mr. Spoor holds a degree in Nuclear Pharmacy, and an MBA from Columbia with concentrations in Finance and Accounting. He’s been a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School, Kings College in London, and the University of Newcastle in Australia. He has extensive experience in helping pharmaceutical and medical device companies evaluate their global revenue potential, given the complex interplay of regulatory approvals and other factors. He has also performed equity research analysis for JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, covering the Biotechnology and Medical Device industries.
• Bovan Goumnerov, MD (COO & VP Clinical Trials) – Dr. Goumnerov has held executive level positions in healthcare and biomedical research, including as President of VasoStent, Inc., and as Managing Director of CardioVas, Inc., both medical device start-ups in cardiac imaging and therapy. He’s done research in surgery and molecular biology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and The Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Boston, where he held academic appointments with Harvard Medical School. He is co-author of many scientific publications.
MissionIR Features VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. (VSTA) in Exclusive Interview with CEO Shawn Singh
MissionIR today announces that its interview with Shawn Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of VistaGen Therapeutics, is now available online. The complete interview can be heard at http://www.vsta.missionir.com/vsta-12-11.mp3.
Mr. Singh provided a brief overview of the company, its drug rescue business model, collaborations in place, milestones achieved this year as well as plans for 2012, which include listing on a higher exchange. He also discussed the background of the company’s executive management team and advisory board.
“Since our inception about thirteen years ago, we have obtained and carefully employed more than $42 million of capital,” Mr. Singh stated in the interview. “We have been tremendously resourceful in very challenging times, developing a portfolio of technologies with incredible therapeutic commercial potential across a wide range of applications. In 2012 and beyond, we look to achieve a number of milestones that will advance our company to new heights.”
MissionIR Features VSTA in Exclusive Interview with CEO Shawn Singh
MissionIR today announces that its interview with Shawn Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of VistaGen Therapeutics, is now available online. The complete interview can be heard at http://www.vsta.missionir.com/vsta-12-11.mp3.
Mr. Singh provided a brief overview of the company, its drug rescue business model, collaborations in place, milestones achieved this year as well as plans for 2012, which include listing on a higher exchange. He also discussed the background of the company’s executive management team and advisory board.
“Since our inception about thirteen years ago, we have obtained and carefully employed more than $42 million of capital,” Mr. Singh stated in the interview. “We have been tremendously resourceful in very challenging times, developing a portfolio of technologies with incredible therapeutic commercial potential across a wide range of applications. In 2012 and beyond, we look to achieve a number of milestones that will advance our company to new heights.”
ChinaCache International Holding (CCIH) Opens Doors of New North America R&D Center
Today, ChinaCache International Holding, Ltd. announced the opening of its North American-based R&D center, located in Silicon Valley. In addition to providing additional resources for ChinaCache’s North American customer base, the facility will be developing next-gen content-aware network services.
ChinaCache is a provider of content delivery network services and is associated with networks on every Chinese telcom, including major non-carriers and local ISPs. ChinaCache is focused on delivering an excellent end-user experience for customers of online services and applications. The company has over a decade of experience working with China’s internet infrastructure.
Dr. Alexi G. Tumarkin will head up the new R&D center as ChinaCache’s Chief Architect. Before serving at ChinaCache, Tumarkin was the head of product R&D at Cisco System, as well as VP of Engineering and Technology at CDNetworks, and co-founder and VP of R&D at Netli. Tumarkin has developed seven patents in the field of content distribution.
Song Wang, the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of ChinaCache, said, “Our newly established North America R&D center in Silicon Valley provides substantial geographical and technological advantages. By allowing us to maintain close communications with international clients, the new center strengthens our ability to provide services overseas while also supporting the international business development goals of Chinese companies. The next-generation network services will enable ChinaCache to analyze the network environment faced by customers in order to provide the highest-quality solutions from the cloud to the end-users. To support this emerging trend, our new North America R&D center will focus on technological developments in mobile internet, cloud computing and network safety and reliance.”
GlobalSCAPE, Inc. (GSB) Strengthens Offerings through Strategic Acquisition of TappIn
GlobalSCAPE Inc., a leading developer of secure information exchange solutions for businesses and consumers, today announced it has completed its acquisition of privately held mobile file sharing innovator TappIn Inc., formerly known as HomePipe Networks Inc.
TappIn allows users to access and securely share all files stored on a computer from any Web browser and Internet-enabled mobile device. GlobalSCAPE CEO Jim Morris said that by integrating GlobalSCAPE’s expertise with TappIn’s convenience, the companies create an innovative synergy that he expects will generate solid consumer demand.
“Combining GlobalSCAPE’s leadership in secure information exchange with TappIn’s strength in secure digital content mobility allows us to deliver a powerful solution for consumers and businesses,” Morris stated in the press release. “Through this acquisition, GlobalSCAPE continues to remove barriers between users and their content, stored in multiple locations, while maintaining privacy and security regardless of the device being used. There has been explosive growth in tablet and smartphone sales in recent years, and we expect this trend to continue, driving strong market demand for the TappIn solution.”
The TappIn service allows users to store their data where they want vs. moving it to a central location, as cloud computing requires. Morris said this allows users to focus on what they want to do rather than the technology driving it.
“We are excited to join with a strong, global market leader like GlobalSCAPE,” TappIn President Chris Hopen stated. “We share a common vision that people need a trusted solution for securely accessing and sharing digital content, regardless of where their content resides. GlobalSCAPE is a great fit for TappIn, and I’m confident this relationship puts the company in an excellent position for continued growth.”
Per the agreement, GlobalSCAPE purchased TappIn for $9 million in cash. TappIn’s shareholders may receive an additional $8 million over the next three years, contingent on achieving specific revenue and solution development targets.
For more information visit www.globalscape.com
VistaGen Therapeutics Inc. (VSTA) Science Advisory Board Taps Big Pharma Expertise
VistaGen, a biotechnology company applying human pluripotent stem cell technology to drug rescue and cell therapy, is able to take advantage of a science advisory board with a wealth of experience in dealing with the pharmaceutical industry. It’s a critical asset as the company introduces its revolutionary approach for early drug candidate safety testing, potentially saving major drug companies millions or even billions of dollars over traditional approaches. With an intimate knowledge of the commercial criteria driving Big Pharma, the board is able to apply both scientific expertise and commercial insight into the challenges and opportunities involved in bringing new drugs to the marketplace.
• Gordon Keller, Ph.D., was recently named a “Top 25 Transformational Canadian” for his stem cell research. He’s Director of UHN’s McEwen Centre, and Professor at the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario. He is considered a world leader in the field of hematopoietic development with more than 100 publications relating to blood development and stem cells.
• Peter Backx, Ph.D., D.V.M., has more than 200 publications in electrophysiology, ion channels biochemistry, and heart disease. He has served on several NIH grant study sections, is a reviewer for 69 multiple scientific journals, and has been a past Chair of multiple committees for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
• George Clay, Ph.D., is the retired COO of Kyowa Pharmaceuticals, and has 13 years of experience in the worldwide registration of drugs and biologics. He also has many years in preclinical research in neuronal and gastroenterology, as well as drug development and regulatory affairs.
• Arthur Fetter, Ph.D., D.V.M., is the retired Sr. VP of Worldwide Drug Safety for Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, and has over 20 years of veterinary pathology/toxicology and senior management experience in preclinical safety assessment of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
• Jack Gauldie, Ph.D., is Director at the Centre for Gene Therapeutics, McMaster University, and is recognized internationally for his work in defining the molecular regulation of the acute phase inflammatory response. He is considered a world expert in cytokine biology and the molecular regulation of inflammation and immunity.
• John Lowe, Ph.D., is a retired Sr. Research Fellow of Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery for Pfizer Global R&D, and has authored 88 publications in chemistry, pharmacology, and drug design. He is the inventor or co-inventor on over 60 patents.
• James Sanders, Ph.D., D.V.M., is the retired Sr. Director and Preclinical Development Leader for Johnson & Johnson, and has over 30 years of experience in toxicology, safety assessment, drug development and regulatory affairs in senior global positions at world-leading pharmaceutical companies.
• Ron Wester, Ph.D., is the retired VP of Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery for Pfizer Global R&D, and has nearly 25 years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug development, with strategic leadership responsibilities for drug discovery technologies across chemistry, biology and computational disciplines.
For additional information on VistaGen Therapeutics, visit the company’s website at www.VistaGen.com
VistaGen Therapeutics Inc. (VSTA) Science Advisory Board Taps Big Pharma Expertise
VistaGen, a biotechnology company applying human pluripotent stem cell technology to drug rescue and cell therapy, is able to take advantage of a science advisory board with a wealth of experience in dealing with the pharmaceutical industry. It’s a critical asset as the company introduces its revolutionary approach for early drug candidate safety testing, potentially saving major drug companies millions or even billions of dollars over traditional approaches. With an intimate knowledge of the commercial criteria driving Big Pharma, the board is able to apply both scientific expertise and commercial insight into the challenges and opportunities involved in bringing new drugs to the marketplace.
• Gordon Keller, Ph.D., was recently named a “Top 25 Transformational Canadian” for his stem cell research. He’s Director of UHN’s McEwen Centre, and Professor at the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario. He is considered a world leader in the field of hematopoietic development with more than 100 publications relating to blood development and stem cells.
• Peter Backx, Ph.D., D.V.M., has more than 200 publications in electrophysiology, ion channels biochemistry, and heart disease. He has served on several NIH grant study sections, is a reviewer for 69 multiple scientific journals, and has been a past Chair of multiple committees for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
• George Clay, Ph.D., is the retired COO of Kyowa Pharmaceuticals, and has 13 years of experience in the worldwide registration of drugs and biologics. He also has many years in preclinical research in neuronal and gastroenterology, as well as drug development and regulatory affairs.
• Arthur Fetter, Ph.D., D.V.M., is the retired Sr. VP of Worldwide Drug Safety for Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, and has over 20 years of veterinary pathology/toxicology and senior management experience in preclinical safety assessment of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
• Jack Gauldie, Ph.D., is Director at the Centre for Gene Therapeutics, McMaster University, and is recognized internationally for his work in defining the molecular regulation of the acute phase inflammatory response. He is considered a world expert in cytokine biology and the molecular regulation of inflammation and immunity.
• John Lowe, Ph.D., is a retired Sr. Research Fellow of Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery for Pfizer Global R&D, and has authored 88 publications in chemistry, pharmacology, and drug design. He is the inventor or co-inventor on over 60 patents.
• James Sanders, Ph.D., D.V.M., is the retired Sr. Director and Preclinical Development Leader for Johnson & Johnson, and has over 30 years of experience in toxicology, safety assessment, drug development and regulatory affairs in senior global positions at world-leading pharmaceutical companies.
• Ron Wester, Ph.D., is the retired VP of Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery for Pfizer Global R&D, and has nearly 25 years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug development, with strategic leadership responsibilities for drug discovery technologies across chemistry, biology and computational disciplines.