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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.
Rackwise, Inc. (RACK) Flagship Data Center Infrastructure Management Platform to Embed Device-Level Intel Technology under New Agreement
Rackwise, developers of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software platform RACKWISE®, reported execution of a key, multi-year software integration and license agreement for RACKWISE with tech sector giant Intel®. The agreement calls for integration of real-time data collection and device monitoring capability at the device level from Intel’s own DCM software, directly into RACKWISE to constitute a new powerhouse data aggregation and situational awareness solution offering a reporting envelope hitherto unseen in data center/IT infrastructure management.
Bombshell news for RACK, whose RACKWISE platform is used in over 150 different top companies worldwide (Adobe, GE and FedEx to name but a few) and already prized for its comprehensive tracking, management, planning, optimization, cost analysis and other efficiency-related abilities. Teaming up with an industry superstar like Intel, to embed their winning technology into RACKWISE, will not only allow RACK to present the market with an unprecedented software solution, driving never before seen levels of real-time granularity in data monitoring, but to offer that reporting tool with the brand force of the well-recognized Intel.
Power and thermal monitoring, improved failure analysis capabilities, rigorous analytical tools at every level (from device, through rack and to the entire floor) offers unprecedented drill-down and rigorousness in real-time analytics; RACKWISE with embedded Intel technology is a very attractive platform for IT infrastructure and data center managers.
CEO of RACK, Guy Archbold, extolled the device-level data aggregation capabilities of the combined solution, explaining how RACK’s own revolutionary asset visualization, modeling, and analytics functions fit hand-in-glove with the Intel technology. The operational efficiencies possible under this new platform will be immediately and readily perceptible to data center/IT infrastructure managers throughout the industry. As professionals flock to the new platform for its state-of-the-art toolset, they will also discover its countless other efficiency benefits and the agreement should have significant long term impact for RACK.
Director of Data Center Solutions at Intel, Jeff Klaus, explained the clarity of vision this new platform represents for management, showcasing the situational awareness and environment transparency created by the fusion of RACK and Intel technology into a single, comprehensive management/optimization offering. Being able to rapidly assay energy usage and thermal data at the device level, within the incredible visualization, reporting and analysis environment of RACKWISE, gives front line data center personnel the kind of intelligent access to and control over virtual/physical assets long sought after within the industry as a whole.
Maximizing the cost effectiveness of critical IT infrastructure just became a whole lot easier.
Senior VP of Product Development at RACK, Doug MacRae, concluded by characterizing the new fusion of technology as the surest way for end markets to maximize financial savings and was extremely pleased by this announcement centered on the Company’s flagship product.
For more information about the agreement, or to stay up to date the latest developments at Rackwise, Inc., please visit the Company’s website at: www.RackWise.com
Synergy Resources Corp. (SYRG) Secures $15 Million Line of Credit
Synergy Resources Corp. is a domestic oil and natural gas exploration and production company. The company core area of operations is in the Denver-Julesberg Basin, which encompasses Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska. The Wattenberg field in the Basin is the 7th largest field in the U.S. as far as proved gas reserves and 9th in production.
The company today announced it has increased its $7 million revolving line of credit to a $15 million revolving line of credit from the Bank of Choice. The new borrowing arrangement has a maturity date of November 30, 2014, with all outstanding principal due at maturity. It will have interest at the Prime Rate, subject to a floor of 3.25%. This is an improvement of a full 2% over the prior line of credit.
Approximately $5,342,000 from the line of credit was used to repay Synergy’s loan to Petroleum Exploration and Management LLC, which was required by the terms of the bank note. The remaining proceeds from the line of credit will be invested primarily in Synergy’s development drilling program in the Wattenberg Field, which presently has more than 400 potential drilling locations.
Since October 17th, when the company reported the drilling of 14 wells with a 100% success rate, it has drilled an additional four wells and is on schedule to finish drilling all of the 21 wells in the initial phase of its 2012 drilling program.
For further information about Synergy Resources, please visit its website at www.SYRGinfo.com
AdCare Health Systems (ADK) Acquires 4 Skilled Nursing Facilities, Fifth on the Horizon
AdCare Health Systems, Inc., a nursing home and assisted living company, today announced it has completed the acquisition of four skilled nursing facilities in Arkansas, and in the next 90 days will close on the purchase of one skilled nursing facility in Missouri.
The aggregate purchase price for all five facilities is $20 million, for which the company will have purchased 506 beds that generated more than $25 million in revenues in 2010.
The revenues are expected to be accretive to AdCare’s earnings; combined with previously announced transactions, AdCare’s estimated annualized revenue run-rate is more than $285 million. This growth represents a more than 436 percent increase over 2010 revenues and more than 969 percent increase over revenues achieved in 2009 when AdCare began its current M&A campaign.
“Our M&A strategy is to acquire underperforming skilled nursing facilities, and then assist the facility leadership to improve care, increase post-acute census and optimize payment rate structure,” Boyd Gentry, AdCare’s CEO, stated in the press release. “When we entered into the definitive purchase agreement for these facilities, they had relatively low Medicare utilization of 11.3 percent and an average daily Medicare rate of $427 a day. This optimization opportunity is right in our strategic ‘sweet spot.’”
AdCare financed the asset purchase through a combination of traditional bank financing and loan guarantees by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
For more information visit www.adcarehealth.com
FluoroPharma Medical Due Diligence Summary
Company Website
http://www.fluoropharma.com
FluoroPharma IR Kit
http://fpmi.missionir.com/ir
FluoroPharma Fact Sheet
http://fpmi.missionir.com/factsheet
FluoroPharma Presentation
http://fpmi.missionir.com/presentation
Stock Info
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=FPMI.OB
http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/FPMI/quote
Abbreviated Company Profile
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing patented Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging products to improve patient management by evaluating cardiac disease at the cellular and molecular levels. The company is currently advancing two products in clinical trials to fulfill critical unmet medical needs. The agents will provide clinicians important tools for detecting and assessing pathology before critical manifestations of disease.
Molecular imaging fulfills numerous unmet needs in diagnosis by enabling visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular level. Unlike traditional imaging modalities – MRI, CT, and Ultrasound – that reveal the anatomical abnormalities and cause for disease, PET provides insight into physiology and can detect disease before anatomical manifestation is identified. According to GAI, the market for molecular imaging agents currently exceeds $1.7 billion annually and promises rapid growth for the foreseeable future.
Key Investment Highlights
• Clinical Trials Confirmed Technologies are Safe and are Now
• Establishing their Efficacy
• Intellectual Property in Place to Protect Proprietary Innovations Around the World
• Cash On Hand to Accelerate Business Strategy
• Technology Targets Multiple, Multimillion Dollar Healthcare Markets with Strong / Unmet Medical Needs
Company News
http://www.fluoropharma.com/media-center/company-news
Share Structure
Shares Outstanding 21,094,024 a/o September 30, 2011
Authorized Shares 200,000,000 a/o September 30, 2011
Management
David R. Elmaleh, PhD
Chairman, Director and Chief Scientific Advisor
Dr. Elmaleh, the scientific founder of FluoroPharma Inc., is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Director of Contrast Media Chemistry at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is an inventor of three drugs that are in use in man or in late stage clinical trials including: The radiopharmaceutical preparation of (2FDG) which has been used in over a million PET imaging procedures, Beta-methyl modified fatty acid (BMIPP) a commercially successful cardiac SPECT agent, and Altropane which has completed Phase III clinical trials. His recent work has included extensive research on imaging compounds to improve the speed and effectiveness of cardiovascular disease diagnosis which constitutes the technology licensed from MGH to FluoroPharma. He is a co-author on over 120 publications and an inventor of over 40 issued and pending patents in a range of disciplines, including molecular imaging and pharmaceuticals. Dr. Elmaleh is a recipient of numerous NIH and DOE awards, and has participated as a reviewer for the National Institute of Health (NIH). He is the Scientific Founder of Biostream (changed name to Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals) and several other start-ups. He holds a BSc in Physics and Chemistry, and an MS and PhD in Chemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Thijs Spoor
Director, CEO & President
Mr. Spoor previously held the title of CFO for Sunstone BioSciences. Mr. Spoor holds a Nuclear Pharmacy degree from the University of Toronto as well as an M.B.A. from Columbia University with concentrations in finance and accounting. Mr. Spoor has been a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School, Kings College in London and the University of Newcastle in Australia and has presented at medical grand rounds and psychiatric grand rounds at various hospitals on the role of brain imaging.
Prior to joining Sunstone BioSciences, he worked as a consultant at Oliver Wyman focusing on helping pharmaceutical and medical device companies evaluate their global revenue potential given the complex interplay of regulatory approvals, the reimbursement environment, as well as the impact of physician preference within constantly evolving standards of care. He further specialized on the implications of healthcare reform on new product approval and health insurance reform.
Mr. Spoor has also been an equity research analyst at J.P. Morgan and Credit Suisse covering the Biotechnology and Medical Device industries. Mr. Spoor worked in the pharmaceutical industry spending 10 years with Amersham / GE Healthcare where he worked in 7 countries in a variety of roles including setting up GMP facilities meeting ISO 9001 standards, accountability for the entire nuclear cardiology portfolio and most recently as the Director of New Product Opportunities leading the PET strategic plan.
Boyan Goumnerov, MD
COO & Vice President Clinical Trials
Prior to his appointment with FluoroPharma Dr. Goumnerov has held executive positions in the healthcare and biomedical research fields most recent of which are President of VasoStent, Inc. and managing director of CardioVas Inc.- start-up medical device companies targeting the field of intravascular cardiac imaging and therapy. His academic background includes research within the departments of Surgery and Molecular Biology at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and The Shriners Burn Hospital for Children, Boston, where he held academic appointments with Harvard Medical School. Dr. Goumnerov also did extensive work within the Department of Pathology/Neuropathology at Children's Hospital Boston, in developing image analysis protocols for evaluation of neuromuscular diseases before moving to MGH. He is co-author of numerous scientific publications. Dr. Goumnerov obtained his M.D. from the Medical University of Sofia, Bulgaria, and worked as a clinician prior to relocating to the US.
Auditors
MartinelliMick PLLC
Rock Pointe Tower
316 W Boone, Ste 777
Spokane, WA 99201
T: (509) 443-5749
Transfer Agent
Holladay Stock Transfer
2939 N. 67th Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
T: (480) 481-3940
Company Contact
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc.
Boston, Massachusetts
http://www.fluoropharma.com
T: (617) 456-0633
E: info@fluoropharma.com
IR Contact
Mission Investor Relations
Atlanta, Georgia
http://www.missionir.com
T: (404) 941-8975
E: mir@missionir.net
ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals (ANX) Meets with FDA Regarding Plans for ANX-188 Treatment
Today, ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing proprietary product candidates, announced that it met with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review development plans for ANX-188 (purified poloxamer 188). ANX-188 is the company’s first-in-class treatment for sickle cell patients who experience vaso-occlusive crisis.
At the meeting, ADVENTRX and the FDA discussed topics related to the overall development of ANX-188, in addition to discussions regarding the design of a phase 3 study for the treatment of sickle cell patients experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis.
Brian M. Culley, Chief Executive Officer of ADVENTRX, remarked, “As part of our commitment to a strong relationship with FDA, we have met with the Agency four times in recent months to discuss development plans for our product candidates. In particular, with a complex condition such as sickle cell crisis, it is crucial to have clarity around all aspects of our development plans for ANX-188. We appreciate FDA’s continued involvement and look forward to further dialogue with the Agency, which will allow us to reach agreement on a path to approval for ANX-188 for the benefit of sickle cell patients.”
While ADVENTRX and the FDA reached an understanding regarding certain matters, the entities will communicate over the next several weeks and months to finalize development plans for ANX-188. During that time, the company will continue to make progress on the manufacture of clinical trial material for a phase 3 study to occur sometime in 2012.
GLG Life Tech Corp. (GLGL) Announces Agreement with International Flavors & Fragrances
GLG Life Tech Corp. is a global leader in the supply of high-purity stevia extracts. Stevia is an all-natural, zero calorie sweetener used in food and beverages. The company is involved in all aspects of stevia development, from stevia seeds and plants to distribution of the finished product.
The company announced today the signing of a renewable, five-year product supply agreement with International Flavors & Fragrances for high-purity Rebaudioside C (Reb C) extracts. International Flavors & Fragrances is a global leader in the creation of flavors and fragrances used in a wide variety of consumer products and packaged goods.
The signing of the exclusive agreement by the two companies leverages each company’s strengths to pursue commercialization of Reb C, one of the eleven primary glycosides in the stevia leaf. Reb C has demonstrated its proficiency as a flavor modulator in food and beverage formulations and is expected to provide an exciting market opportunity for both firms.
The chairman and CEO of GLG Life Tech, Dr. Luke Zhang, said, “We are pleased to be working with International Flavors & Fragrances to help develop the market for high purity Reb C.” For further information about GLG Life Tech, please visit the company’s website at www.glglifetech.com
TASER International, Inc. (TASR) Gains Recognition with Chandler PD Order; Upgrades All Officers with New Taser X2 ECD’s
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, TASER has quickly gained a reputation as a global provider of safety technologies that protect life, prevent conflict, and resolve disputes. Today, TASER took a major step towards prominence with the announcement that the Chandler Police Department in Arizona purchased the new TASER X2 electronic control device (ECD) for all of its patrol officers.
TASER CEO Rick Smith commented, “With this purchase, Chandler PD becomes one of the largest deployments of the TASER X2 in Arizona. Taking advantage of our limited-time trade in program provided Chandler an economical means to upgrade all its officers form the TASER X26 to the new TASER X2.”
The order was received from the ProFoce Law Enforcement, a long-time TASER ECD law enforcement distributor for the Western United States. The TASER trade-in program is a special opportunity for law enforcement agencies to upgrade to the latest field-proven TASER ECD technology. Through December 31, 2011, agencies will receive for any ECD, functioning or not, a $300 per unit trade-in credit towards the purchase of a new TASER X2.
Currently, TASER is trading in the $6.04 range. With this breaking news and an array of technology within their corporate pipeline, TASER International, Inc. is a company on the rise.
To learn more about this company as a whole, visit their corporate website at: www.taser.com
China HGS Real Estate, Inc. (HGSH) Expands with $12.43M Land Purchase
Today, China HGS Real Estate, Inc. announced a continuing expansion into the Shaanxi Province via two new land purchases. The combined total of land purchased is 90,776 square meters, at a cost of $12.43 million. The land is located in downtown Yang County.
China HGS is focused on real estate development, with the goal of constructing apartment buildings in third- and fourth-tier Chinese cities, including multilayer, sub-high-rise and high-rise buildings. China HGS has been ranked the #1 property developer in the Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province from 2007 to 2010 in terms of market share.
Under the terms of the purchase agreement, HGS will make a payment of 60% (including applicable taxes) by December 2, 2011, which will be paid from cash reserves and/or potential loans, with the remainder to be paid by January 20, 2012. HGS is authorized to build residential structures on each parcel of land at a ratio of up to 1.95. The plot ratio is the total gross floor area (GFA) divided by the actual land area. This will result in residential structures with a gross floor area of up to 1.9 million square feet.
Ground breaking on these projects is expected to begin in 2012.
Xiaojun Zhu, CEO of China HGS Real Estate, Inc., said, “With the continuing strong demand we see ahead for residential sales in the southern Shaanxi region, we expect to expand our market leadership there with this high quality land resource, while also expanding our footprint outside the region in other third and fourth tier cities where population growth continues to be spurred by the government. We expect to complete the project planning, design, and approvals for this new project in the near future and break ground in 2012. We fully anticipate this project will make an important contribution to our business going forward and we will provide more detailed updates as we progress.”
ARI Network Services Inc. (ARIS) Announces Integration Between FootSteps™ and PartSmart® Solutions
Today, ARI Network Services, a leading provider of technology-enabled business solutions, announced that it has integrated its award-winning FootSteps™ lead management solution with its PartSmart® premier parts lookup software.
ARI identified crucial touch points off of which to base the integration; this gives dealers the opportunity to turn every consumer interaction into a long-term relationship.
“With a simple click of the mouse, dealers can easily capture customer information in FootSteps at the time of a sale or service event, record make and model information, as well as keep track of parts orders and service quotes,” explained Catie Lukas-Ter Horst, Product Manager of eCatalogs at ARI.
Used by more than 50,000 users worldwide, PartSmart offers dealers the broadest and richest library of manufacturer content in the market. The platform is easy to use and aids dealerships in finding the fastest way to the right part on the first try. PartSmart’s Internet Update Service enables users to download and install catalog updates as soon as they become available. It also interfaces with over 90 dealer business management systems.
The FootSteps solution helps users capture and distribute sales opportunities in real time, as well as target and nurture market prospects and customers. Dealers, distributors and manufacturers can build relevant customer relationships and generate more whole goods, parts, accessories and service sales. FootSteps makes it easy for users to track, manage, and report lead management activity. The integration with PartSmart makes it an all-in-one solution with end-to-end automation.
“The integration of FootSteps and PartSmart and the resulting flow of data between these lead management solutions offers dealers a powerful value proposition in that they can now easily automate a consistent and professional series of communications that will keep their brand, products and services at the forefront of their customers’ mind. They can proactively engage targeted customers and suggest seasonal service, recommend or upsell maintenance plans or notify them of special offers and promotions in a highly cost-effective manner,” concluded Lukas-Ter Horst.
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Announces Additional Patent Protection in the U.S. and China
Today before the opening bell, FluoroPharma Medical announced that composition of matter patents covering AZPET, the company’s Alzheimer’s Disease agent, have been issued by the U.S. patent office expiring in 2028. FluoroPharma has also been granted patent rights in China for BFPET, its imaging agent for measuring cardiovascular blood flow. The patents will expand the company’s intellectual property protection in these important growth markets where diagnostic imaging is playing an increasingly significant role in the early detection of disease.
FluoroPharma is developing breakthrough diagnostic imaging products that utilize positron emission tomography (PET) technology, a molecular imaging platform that is growing rapidly due to its inherently superior sensitivity and specificity compared to other imaging options. The company’s imaging products will give clinicians the ability to detect and assess pathology before clinical manifestation of diseases.
“There is an urgent need to encourage fast, early diagnostic intervention and to recognize the advantages that early diagnosis entails for both patients and overall economics of healthcare systems around the globe,” stated Dr. David Elmaleh, FluoroPharma’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and inventor of the technology. “Improved patient outcomes and more appropriate treatments are possible if better, earlier diagnoses are made. Our agents harness the power of PET/CT to give this utility.”
“Strong composition of matter patents in both the U.S. and high growth markets like China are very important to the commercial potential for BFPET and AZPET,” commented Thijs Spoor, FluoroPharma’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “China represents one of the most significant sources for growth of PET technology and therefore PET imaging agents. This patent grant along with the others in our growing patent estate should add to the value of FluoroPharma’s technology and be recognized by potential partners.”
In addition to the United States, Europe and China, patents related to FluoroPharma’s portfolio of imaging compounds have been issued in Japan, Canada, Australia, Finland, Portugal, and Ireland.
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Announces Additional Patent Protection in the U.S. and China
Today before the opening bell, FluoroPharma Medical announced that composition of matter patents covering AZPET, the company’s Alzheimer’s Disease agent, have been issued by the U.S. patent office expiring in 2028. FluoroPharma has also been granted patent rights in China for BFPET, its imaging agent for measuring cardiovascular blood flow. The patents will expand the company’s intellectual property protection in these important growth markets where diagnostic imaging is playing an increasingly significant role in the early detection of disease.
FluoroPharma is developing breakthrough diagnostic imaging products that utilize positron emission tomography (PET) technology, a molecular imaging platform that is growing rapidly due to its inherently superior sensitivity and specificity compared to other imaging options. The company’s imaging products will give clinicians the ability to detect and assess pathology before clinical manifestation of diseases.
“There is an urgent need to encourage fast, early diagnostic intervention and to recognize the advantages that early diagnosis entails for both patients and overall economics of healthcare systems around the globe,” stated Dr. David Elmaleh, FluoroPharma’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and inventor of the technology. “Improved patient outcomes and more appropriate treatments are possible if better, earlier diagnoses are made. Our agents harness the power of PET/CT to give this utility.”
“Strong composition of matter patents in both the U.S. and high growth markets like China are very important to the commercial potential for BFPET and AZPET,” commented Thijs Spoor, FluoroPharma’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “China represents one of the most significant sources for growth of PET technology and therefore PET imaging agents. This patent grant along with the others in our growing patent estate should add to the value of FluoroPharma’s technology and be recognized by potential partners.”
In addition to the United States, Europe and China, patents related to FluoroPharma’s portfolio of imaging compounds have been issued in Japan, Canada, Australia, Finland, Portugal, and Ireland.
FPMI Announces Additional Patent Protection in the U.S. and China
Today before the opening bell, FluoroPharma Medical announced that composition of matter patents covering AZPET, the company’s Alzheimer’s Disease agent, have been issued by the U.S. patent office expiring in 2028. FluoroPharma has also been granted patent rights in China for BFPET, its imaging agent for measuring cardiovascular blood flow. The patents will expand the company’s intellectual property protection in these important growth markets where diagnostic imaging is playing an increasingly significant role in the early detection of disease.
FluoroPharma is developing breakthrough diagnostic imaging products that utilize positron emission tomography (PET) technology, a molecular imaging platform that is growing rapidly due to its inherently superior sensitivity and specificity compared to other imaging options. The company’s imaging products will give clinicians the ability to detect and assess pathology before clinical manifestation of diseases.
“There is an urgent need to encourage fast, early diagnostic intervention and to recognize the advantages that early diagnosis entails for both patients and overall economics of healthcare systems around the globe,” stated Dr. David Elmaleh, FluoroPharma’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and inventor of the technology. “Improved patient outcomes and more appropriate treatments are possible if better, earlier diagnoses are made. Our agents harness the power of PET/CT to give this utility.”
“Strong composition of matter patents in both the U.S. and high growth markets like China are very important to the commercial potential for BFPET and AZPET,” commented Thijs Spoor, FluoroPharma’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “China represents one of the most significant sources for growth of PET technology and therefore PET imaging agents. This patent grant along with the others in our growing patent estate should add to the value of FluoroPharma’s technology and be recognized by potential partners.”
In addition to the United States, Europe and China, patents related to FluoroPharma’s portfolio of imaging compounds have been issued in Japan, Canada, Australia, Finland, Portugal, and Ireland.
Lightbridge Corp. (LTBR) Signs Agreement with Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute for Opportunities in Nuclear Fuel Collaboration
Lightbridge Corp., a company that develops nuclear fuel technology and provides consulting and advisory services worldwide, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to uncover opportunities for nuclear fuel collaboration.
In accordance to the terms of the MOA, Lightbridge and KAERI will be exploring collaborative opportunities in the pre-irradiation examination of the metallic fuel samples designed by Lightbridge, and other areas. As part of the planned loop irradiation experiments in the MIR Research Reactor in Russia and the Advanced Test Reactor located in the U.S., Lightbridge plans to carry out a pre-irradiation examination of metallic fuel samples before they are used in irradiation testing.
“This is an exciting development for Lightbridge as we and KAERI plan to collaborate in a key area,” said Jim Malone, Chief Nuclear Fuel Development Officer of Lightbridge. “KAERI is interested in Lightbridge-designed metallic fuel technology and its potential application to Korean OPR-1000 and APR-1400 reactors.”
KAERI has a distinct history of research and development in numerous nuclear-related fields. The Institute is researching and developing fuel concepts with the objective to reduce the fuel operating temperature and potentially increasing the burn-up. The two companies will be exploring how they will be able to come together and collaborate in order to further enhance Lightbridge’s plans for nuclear fuel testing.
Lightbridge Corp. is a developer of nuclear fuel technology and provides consulting and advisory services worldwide. Its Technology Business Segment operates in the development, promotion, and marketing of nuclear fuel designs for pressurized water reactors. This segment’s fuel products in the development stage include all-metal fuel technology based on a uranium-zirconium alloy; and thorium-based fuel technology that is based on a seed-and-blanket fuel assembly configuration. The company’s Consulting Business Segment provides consulting and strategic advisory services to companies and governments planning to create or expand electricity generation capabilities using nuclear power plants. Lightbridge Corporation has a collaboration agreement with AREVA as well. The company was formerly known as Thorium Power, Ltd. and changed its name to Lightbridge Corporation in September 2009. Lightbridge Corporation was founded in 1992 and is based in McLean, Virginia.
Leading Networking Tech Firm Uses Bridgeline (BLIN) Product Suite to Launch New Web Site
Bridgeline Digital Inc., developer of the iAPPS Web experience management (WEM) platform, today announced that a leading U.S.-based networking technology firm has successfully launched a strategic Web initiative using Bridgeline’s award-winning iAPPS Product Suite.
The newly launched site is based on iAPPS solutions, and leverages the content manager, analyzer and marketier modules of the suite to increase the technology firm’s market presence and to drive increased sales and support contracts, and customer satisfaction.
The iAPPS Product Suite is designed as an easy-to-use tool to build awareness and visibility through multi-channel marketing campaigns. iAPPS Marketier features integrated eMarketing tools that allow the user to plan, create and execute marketing campaigns.
iAPPS Analyzer’s “Smart Recommendation Engine” helps the firm track and report on all campaign channels including display, social, paid search and e-mail, along with additional marketing efforts.
Bridgeline highlighted the iAPPS Content Manager’s ease-of-use design, which by using a single dashboard interface, allows for site content to be maintained by users with even minimal technical expertise.
“Content Manager’s characteristic ease-of-use makes every employee a potential publisher, opening the management of site content to as many locations, employees or departments as the customer requires and providing company-wide delegation of content management duties that are targeted at attracting visitors and improving conversion,” the company stated in the press release.
The iAPPS Product Suite was recently selected as a finalist for two 2011 CODiE Awards, and the iAPPS Content Manager was the 2010 CODiE Award Winner for Best Content Management Solution, globally.
For more information visit www.bridgelinedigital.com
Tekmira Pharmaceuticals (TKMR) Obtains FDA Approval to Initiate TKM-Ebola Phase I Clinical Trial
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tekmira is focused on advancing novel RNAi therapeutics and providing its leading lipid nanoparticle delivery technology to pharmaceutical partners. Today, Tekmira took a major step towards prominence with the announcement that its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for TKM-Ebola has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowing Tekmira to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial.
Tekmira is developing TKM-Ebola, a systemically delivered RNAi therapeutic that utilizes Tekmira’s lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology for the treatment of Ebola virus infection. Currently, there are no approved treatments for Ebola or other hemorrhagic fever viruses. With this approval, Tekmira has an opportunity to become a pioneer within the sector.
Leading the way at Tekmira is Dr. Mark J. Murray whom serves as the company’s President and CEO. In reference to this press release, Dr. Murray stated, “We are pleased to have received the FDA’s approval of our TKM-Ebola IND. With this approval, we remain on track to achieve another significant milestone for the company by initiating the Phase 1 clinical trial of this product in early 2012.” Dr. Murray further added, “TKM-Ebola is being developed under a $140 million contract awarded to us by the U.S. Government’s Transformational Medical Technologies (TMT) Program. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration to drive the TKM-Ebola program forward in clinical development.”
Currently, Tekmira is trading in the in the $1.45 range. To learn more about this press release or the company as a whole, visit the company’s corporate website at www.tekmirapharm.com
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Holds Important Technologies For $1.7 Billion Molecular Imaging Agents Market
Advanced imaging technologies are certainly among the most important developments in modern medicine. They’ve allowed us to view the workings of the human body as never before, allowing increasingly accurate up-front diagnosis without the cost, dangers, and discomfort involved in cutting the patient open. But most imaging tools provide insight only into the anatomical manifestation of disease. By contrast, molecular imaging techniques, such as PET, allow doctors to view developing disease processes at the molecular and cellular level, where disease can be detected before anatomical manifestation is identified. As such, it is a critical and growing part of the modern medical imaging field.
FluoroPharma Medical engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of proprietary medical diagnostic imaging products, currently focused on imaging agents used in positron emission tomography (PET) for the detection of acute and chronic forms of coronary artery disease. The company’s proprietary molecules, labeled with a radioactive isotope of fluorine, combined with PET scanning, provide an efficient non-invasive assessment of heart metabolism and physiology. Agents have been designed to target either the myocardial cells within the heart or the vulnerable plaque within the coronary arteries. It’s a huge market. In the U.S. today, coronary artery disease affects more than 13 million patients, accounting for 30% of all deaths.
Other products in development include agents for detection of inflamed atherosclerotic plaque in peripheral arteries, amyloid plaque in Alzheimer’s disease, and agents for detection of certain types of cancer. In the case of Alzheimer’s, the need is growing rapidly as the population ages. 10 million baby boomers are now expected to develop the disease in their lifetime. There is currently no single diagnostic test that proves a person has the disease. FluoroPharma is developing new options for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s. The company is also developing new compounds for the early and accurate detection of prostate cancer, the second most lethal malignancy among men in the U.S.
Together, the market for molecular imaging agents now exceeds $1.7 billion annually. FluoroPharma has four issued U.S. patents and seven pending applications, in addition to strong international protection.
FPMI Holds Important Technologies For $1.7 Billion Molecular Imaging Agents Market
Advanced imaging technologies are certainly among the most important developments in modern medicine. They’ve allowed us to view the workings of the human body as never before, allowing increasingly accurate up-front diagnosis without the cost, dangers, and discomfort involved in cutting the patient open. But most imaging tools provide insight only into the anatomical manifestation of disease. By contrast, molecular imaging techniques, such as PET, allow doctors to view developing disease processes at the molecular and cellular level, where disease can be detected before anatomical manifestation is identified. As such, it is a critical and growing part of the modern medical imaging field.
FluoroPharma Medical engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of proprietary medical diagnostic imaging products, currently focused on imaging agents used in positron emission tomography (PET) for the detection of acute and chronic forms of coronary artery disease. The company’s proprietary molecules, labeled with a radioactive isotope of fluorine, combined with PET scanning, provide an efficient non-invasive assessment of heart metabolism and physiology. Agents have been designed to target either the myocardial cells within the heart or the vulnerable plaque within the coronary arteries. It’s a huge market. In the U.S. today, coronary artery disease affects more than 13 million patients, accounting for 30% of all deaths.
Other products in development include agents for detection of inflamed atherosclerotic plaque in peripheral arteries, amyloid plaque in Alzheimer’s disease, and agents for detection of certain types of cancer. In the case of Alzheimer’s, the need is growing rapidly as the population ages. 10 million baby boomers are now expected to develop the disease in their lifetime. There is currently no single diagnostic test that proves a person has the disease. FluoroPharma is developing new options for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s. The company is also developing new compounds for the early and accurate detection of prostate cancer, the second most lethal malignancy among men in the U.S.
Together, the market for molecular imaging agents now exceeds $1.7 billion annually. FluoroPharma has four issued U.S. patents and seven pending applications, in addition to strong international protection.
Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (MCZ) Ships New Rock Band 3 Bundles
On November 23, Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced the shipping of a series of new Rock Band 3 bundles for the Xbox 360 game system. These bundles will include specific game hardware along with a copy of the Rock Band 3 game, as well as coupons for downloading songs intended to be played in the game.
Based in San Francisco, Mad Catz is best known in the video game industry for producing gaming peripherals such as joypads and arcade sticks for the Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles, as well as instrument peripherals for various music games. Mad Catz also produces flight simulators under its ThunderHawk Studios brand, and pro gaming peripherals under the Cyborg brand.
The new bundles will include selected Rock Band game instrument peripherals, such as the Wireless Fender Mustang PRO controller, the Wireless Fender Precision Bass controller, and the Wireless Fender Stratocaster controller. The included coupon will allow users to download five songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under The Bridge, Otherside, Californication, By the Way, and The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie.
Darren Richardson, President and CEO of Mad Catz said, “We believe that bundling hardware, software and complementary tracks by the Red Hot Chili Peppers represents superb value for money and further demonstrates our commitment to delivering unique entertainment experiences through software publishing and specialty hardware.”
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) Holds Important Technologies For $1.7 Billion Molecular Imaging Agents Market
Advanced imaging technologies are certainly among the most important developments in modern medicine. They’ve allowed us to view the workings of the human body as never before, allowing increasingly accurate up-front diagnosis without the cost, dangers, and discomfort involved in cutting the patient open. But most imaging tools provide insight only into the anatomical manifestation of disease. By contrast, molecular imaging techniques, such as PET, allow doctors to view developing disease processes at the molecular and cellular level, where disease can be detected before anatomical manifestation is identified. As such, it is a critical and growing part of the modern medical imaging field.
FluoroPharma Medical engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of proprietary medical diagnostic imaging products, currently focused on imaging agents used in positron emission tomography (PET) for the detection of acute and chronic forms of coronary artery disease. The company’s proprietary molecules, labeled with a radioactive isotope of fluorine, combined with PET scanning, provide an efficient non-invasive assessment of heart metabolism and physiology. Agents have been designed to target either the myocardial cells within the heart or the vulnerable plaque within the coronary arteries. It’s a huge market. In the U.S. today, coronary artery disease affects more than 13 million patients, accounting for 30% of all deaths.
Other products in development include agents for detection of inflamed atherosclerotic plaque in peripheral arteries, amyloid plaque in Alzheimer’s disease, and agents for detection of certain types of cancer. In the case of Alzheimer’s, the need is growing rapidly as the population ages. 10 million baby boomers are now expected to develop the disease in their lifetime. There is currently no single diagnostic test that proves a person has the disease. FluoroPharma is developing new options for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s. The company is also developing new compounds for the early and accurate detection of prostate cancer, the second most lethal malignancy among men in the U.S.
Together, the market for molecular imaging agents now exceeds $1.7 billion annually. FluoroPharma has four issued U.S. patents and seven pending applications, in addition to strong international protection.
For more information, see the company website at www.FluoroPharma.com
Xueda Education Group (XUE) Makes Changes to Board of Directors
Today, Xueda Education Group announced that Mr. William Hsu and Mr. Cheung Kin Au-Yueng have joined the Board of Directors. Xueda also announced that Mr. Gongquan Wang has resigned as a director, citing personal reasons for his departure. Xeuda is the leading provider of personalized tutoring services for primary and secondary school students throughout China.
Mr. William Hsu has over 10 years of investment experience in both venture capital and traditional business sectors in China. He currently serves as a general partner at CDH Venture Partners, where he has been since 2007. Prior to joining CDH, Mr. Hsu was a senior vice president from 1996 to 2006 at GIC Special Investments Pte. Ltd. At GIC, Mr. Hsu focused his investment activities on the Greater China market and played an instrumental role in a number of successful investments across a wide range of sectors, including semiconductor, electronics, software, financial services, industrial and consumer products. Mr. Hsu received his bachelor’s degree in 1986 and a master’s degree in 1989 in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
Mr. Cheung Kin Au-Yueng brings over 30 years of general management experience to Xueda, gained through working with the privately-owned Morningside Group and other notable multi-national companies, including Gillette, Revlon, and Hiram Walker. He currently oversees the Morningside Group’s operations as well as its portfolio companies in China. Prior to joining Morningside, he acted as head of Gillette’s operations in China for five years. He also serves as a board director of The9 Limited (NASDAQ: NCTY). Mr. Au-Yueng holds a master’s degree in physics and an MBA from Indiana University.
On the additions and departures to Xueda’s board, Mr. Xin Jin, co-founder and CEO, remarked, “We are very pleased to welcome William Hsu and Tony Au-Yueng to the Xueda Board. They both bring decades of executive management experience and industry leadership across a wide spectrum of industries and companies. We expect their insights will be valuable in helping our Board lead Xueda in the years to come. I would also like to thank Mr. Gongquan Wang for his dedicated service to our company during his time as a director.”
Wizzard Media (WZE) Sees 30% Year-Over-Year Signups
Today, Wizzard Media announced that it has seen a year-over-year 30% increase in weekly signups to their podcasting service so far this year. This has translated to a 29% increase in weekly client account revenue for the same period.
Wizzard Media is the owner of Libsyn.com, a podcast distribution and monetization platform, which includes clients such as Microsoft, National Geographic, Harvard Business Review and NPR among their base of over 13,000 users. Wizzard Media offers products that distribute audio and video podcasts to media consumers, as well as monetizing podcast content via advertising and app sales. During 2010, Wizzard received more than 1.64 billion unique podcast requests through 20 million unique monthly users.
Wizzard attributes this increase to two main sources: a focus on reoccurring revenue via attracting new app customers through marketing and social networks, and podcast producers interested in migrating their podcasts to Wizzard’s Lybsyn services. This second source is achieved through customer satisfaction with Wizzard’s products, such as their Basic Getting Started accounts and App-Enabled accounts, which feature advertising opportunities and obtaining a smartphone app.
Wizzard reports that the average weekly signups for new App-Enabled accounts regularly exceed Getting Started accounts, and that these accounts have grown by 47% year-over-year from 2010 to 2011.
“We are thrilled by the growth we are seeing and confident that efforts like our Facebook integration and the Podcast.com Directory will continue to build upon the ongoing growth of the network,” said Laurie Sims, President of Wizzard Media. “October results are very encouraging with our uniques up over 20 million, downloads requests up substantially and growth in weekly new client sign-ups up 33%. We also saw weekly revenue up 39% in October 2011 compared to October 2010. We are well-positioned to leverage and expand into 2012.”
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6 Noteworthy Small Caps in Traditional Energy
In spite of the precarious nature of the global economy, with still unresolved (some would say unaddressed) debt crises in Europe and the U.S., now joined by a growing concern that China’s real estate market is just the latest bubble about to burst, the energy sector, primarily oil and gas, continues to hold its own. Oil and gas prices remain near record highs, although volatility remains the key. In September, Moody’s had cut the sector’s outlook to “stable” on expectations of softening crude oil prices and tighter refining profit margins, but investors hardly took note. Perhaps of more significance is the ongoing development of shale gas resources, natural gas produced from shale. Shale gas appears destined for a big role in American energy, with major deposits in Canada and the U.S.
How all of these factors will ultimately play out is impossible to say, but energy sector stocks are still considered by many to play a critical part in a healthy stock portfolio. Below are some small caps in traditional energy, each noteworthy for different reasons. As always, due diligence is required to ferret out any weaknesses in the stocks that you may be unwilling to accept.
• China North East Petroleum Holdings Ltd. (AMEX: NEP)
The company, headquartered in Song Yuan City, PRC, engages in the exploration and production of crude oil in northern China, operating, as of December, 2010, 295 producing wells over several oil fields, with proven reserves of nearly 5.5 million barrels. They also provide contract land drilling and other oil field services.
China North East Petroleum stands out for its low debt to equity ratio, with a good free cash record and profit margins.
For additional company and stock information, see the company’s website at www.CNEPetroleum.com
• Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP (AMEX: CLMT)
Calumet, headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, is a leading refiner and processor of specialty hydrocarbon products. The company’s capacity has grown significantly in the last decade, and the company now has 6 plants operating in four states. Calumet has the most diverse specialty hydrocarbon capability in the world, with a full line of naphthenic and paraffinic oils, aliphatic solvents, white mineral oils, petroleum waxes, petrolatum and hydrocarbon gels.
Calumet stands out for its dividend yield, now at over 10%.
For additional company and stock information, see the company’s website at www.CalumetSpecialty.com
• Atwood Oceanics, Inc. (NYSE: ATW)
Houston-based Atwood Oceanics has long been a leader in delivering safe, reliable, and efficient offshore drilling services to clients around the world. The company owns ten drilling rigs operating in many of the world’s major offshore hydrocarbon basins, and maintains offices on six continents, with a multi-national workforce of approximately 1,400 people.
Atwood is just beyond the traditional small cap range, but has an especially strong history of both revenue and earnings growth.
For additional company and stock information, see the company’s website at www.ATWD.com
• Breitburn Energy Partners LP (NASDAQ: BBEP)
Breitburn Energy, headquartered in Los Angeles, is an independent oil and gas limited partnership, focused on the acquisition and development of domestic oil and gas properties in the Los Angeles Basin in California, as well as in central Wyoming, Florida, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Breitburn stands out for its per share cash flow, recently standing at roughly $4 per share.
For additional company and stock information, see the company’s website at www.Breitburn.com
• Apco Oil & Gas International, Inc. (NASDAQ: APAGF)
With headquarters in Tulsa, OK, Apco Oil and Gas is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a focus on properties in Argentina and Columbia in South America. Apco has interests in eight oil and gas producing concessions and two exploration permits in Argentina, and three exploration and production contracts in Colombia.
Apco stands out for its steady revenue growth, coupled with its debt to equity ratio.
For additional company and stock information, see the company’s website at www.ApcoOilAndGas.com
• Legacy Reserves LP (NASDAQ: LGCY)
Based in Midland, TX, Legacy is an independent oil and natural gas limited partnership focused on the acquisition and development of oil and natural gas properties primarily located in the Permian Basin, Mid-Continent, and Rocky Mountain regions of the U.S. As of December 31, 2010, the company’s proved reserves had a standardized measure of $774.8 million.
Legacy stands out for its dividend yield, now at over 8%.
For additional company and stock information, see the company’s website at www.LegacyLP.com
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) is “One to Watch”
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing patented Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging products to improve patient management by evaluating cardiac disease at the cellular and molecular levels. The company is currently advancing two products in clinical trials to fulfill critical unmet medical needs. The agents will provide clinicians important tools for detecting and assessing pathology before clinical manifestations of disease.
The company’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. FluoroPharma’s cardiovascular program targets the historically largest potential market of nuclear medicine.
Molecular imaging fulfills numerous unmet needs in diagnosis by enabling visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular level. Unlike traditional imaging modalities – MRI, CT, and Ultrasound – that reveal the anatomical manifestation of disease, PET provides insight into physiology and can detect disease before anatomical manifestation is identified. The market for molecular imaging agents currently exceeds $1.7 billion annually and promises rapid growth for the foreseeable future.
FluoroPharma’s comprehensive technology platform was developed by scientists at the Massachusetts General Hospital. To date, the company has been issued four US patents and has seven applications pending in addition to strong international protection. With a highly competent management team in place and the necessary resources to advance clinical development, FluoroPharma is well positioned to capitalize on its superior imaging technology.
Key Investment Highlights
• Clinical Trials Confirmed Technologies are Safe and are Now Proving They Are Effective
• Intellectual Property in Place to Protect Proprietary Innovations Around the World
• Strong Cash Position to Accelerate Business Strategy
• Technology Targets Multiple, Multimillion Dollar Healthcare Markets With Strong Unmet Medical Needs
Quadrant 4 Systems Corp. (QFOR) Has a Uniquely Focused Plan
Quadrant 4 Systems is essentially a group of very experienced IT and business professionals that have joined forces for a very specific goal: To acquire key IT assets to meet the needs of targeted industries, and scale up revenue and market capitalization through organic growth and movement into new markets. The company is led by the experience of its principals, who have a successful record of building technology business enterprises from startup, growing the businesses and shareholder value organically and through acquiring, reorganizing and integrating existing operations.
The team now plans to build company assets and then target companies in the financial services, health care, and telecom sectors, providing them with IT consulting as well as industry-specific software products and technology. In particular, the company is acquiring IT assets of up to 100M, including client interfacing consulting and offshore delivery capability, aimed at delivering 10% EBIT. As they grow, acquisitions will become more selective. Eventually the portfolio will be structured to distinct industry verticals, with growing competence in horizontals such as infrastructure management, identity management, product engineering, business intelligence, Internet security, enterprise mobility, business and knowledge process outsourcing.
The company considers their consolidation platform as being unique, in as much as it seeks to build integrated value in a phased manner, providing liquidity and a valuation mechanism that lets its participants move from staffing and consulting up to projects and partnerships. The consolidations are designed to create and build intellectual property and multiple revenue streams.
Quadrant 4 Systems has already identified a number of targets, and is in active dialogue. In March of 2011, the company obtained, through acquisition, business intelligence and enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities involving Microsoft, Oracle, and SAP technologies. Revenues have grown steadily over the past three years, and are on track to continue their growth. According to a recent report by Taglich Brothers, revenues are projected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 8%, barring additional acquisitions. It’s all part of the plan.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.QuadrantFour.com
Increasing FDA Requirements Underline the Importance of VistaGen Therapeutics Inc. (VSTA)
On Thursday last week, when PPD, Inc., a leading global contract research organization, gave a presentation relating to current issues in cardiac safety, and the impact it has on drug development, it was clearly a hot topic for many listeners involved in bringing new drugs to market. An informal poll taken during the online presentation indicated that over 90% of involved listeners felt that cardiac safety was a clear factor in the drug development process.
PPD is known for providing drug discovery, development, and life cycle management services for pharmaceutical and other companies, as well as for government organizations, and has offices in 44 countries around the world. The presentation was given by Rob Dow, VP of Strategic Product Development at PPD, and Robert Kleiman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and VP of Global Cardiology at ERT, an industry leader in cardiac safety drug research.
One of the points emphasized in the presentation was the fact that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now requires cardiovascular outcomes evaluation for non-cardiovascular drugs in several therapeutic areas, all of which can significantly impact drug development. Today, so-called blockbuster drugs can lead to the exposure of millions of patients. Previous high-profile market withdrawals of FDA-approved drugs involving cardiovascular safety issues, and the associated public outcry, fueled major changes in what is required by drug developers to ensure cardiovascular safety. Given traditional testing methods, which are used late in the preclinical development process, it adds another layer of complexity and expense for drug developers.
The issue of cardiovascular safety for new drugs underlines the importance of VistaGen’s developments in clinically relevant cardiovascular toxicity testing before new drug candidates are ever tested in humans. Just when it is needed most, VistaGen’s Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube platform, using advanced stem cell technology, is an important new tool for the pharmaceutical industry, allowing companies to accurately test for potential cardiovascular toxicity in the early preclinical stages of drug development, offering potential far-reaching savings in time and money. Instead of going through the tremendous investments necessary for developing a new drug, only to have it shot down in the last stages by unexpected cardiovascular toxicity issues, the risks can now be identified up front, and steps taken to rescue and re-engineer the drug candidate.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.VistaGen.com
ERF Wireless (ERFB) Posts Q3 Results, 51% Rev Growth
ERF Wireless Inc., a leading provider of enterprise-class wireless and broadband products and services, today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.
The company reported that its quarterly revenues increased 51 percent to $1.3 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, compared to $882,000 in revenues reported for the comparable three months of 2010.
Gross profit margins increased to 33 percent for the current quarter compared to 21 percent for the prior year quarter.
ERF Wireless’ net loss for the third quarter of 2011 was reported at $1.3 million compared to a net loss of $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2010.
Richard Royall, CFO of ERF Wireless, further detailed the company’s financial position for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
“During the third quarter of 2011, we continued to generate substantial growth in the oil and gas sector and have dramatically improved our overall financial condition since fiscal year end, including 182 percent increase in net sales for our oil and gas subsidiary Energy Broadband Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2011,” Royall stated in the press release. “We also achieved a $1.5 million improvement in our liquidity position and a $1.1 million improvement in our Shareholders’ Equity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011. Lastly, we retired some $1.5 million in certain debt and capital leases in the first nine months of 2011, resulting in an overall $1.1 million decrease in current liabilities and an increase of $0.4 million in current assets.”
Dr. H. Dean Cubley, CEO of ERF Wireless, said the company achieved “dramatic improvements” in its financial and operational results, which have positioned the company to continue revenue growth.
“The results have paved the way for our recently announced closing of a $3 million debt financing with Dakota Capital Fund LLC that will allow us to expand our operational footprint in active oil and gas drilling regions in preparation for additional increases being experienced in the oil and gas industry,” Dr. Cubley stated. “Given the foundation that we have put in place during the last two years, along with recent new contract wins with major oil and gas producers, we expect to begin realizing substantially more recurring wireless circuit, construction and services revenues from all of our oil and gas contracts for the balance of calendar year 2011 and into calendar 2012.”
For more information visit www.erfwireless.com
SunSi Energies, Inc. (SSIE) is “One to Watch”
SunSi Energies, Inc., a provider of trichlorosilane (TCS), a chemical compound used to produce polysilicon for the semiconductor/solar industry, recently announced it has submitted its application to list its common stock on the NASDAQ exchange.
“SunSi is ready to list on a larger, high profile exchange and believes that the NASDAQ is the right marketplace for our shares to trade. Listing on the NASDAQ should enable us to broaden our investor reach, increase visibility to the investment community, and add liquidity to our shares,” David Natan, SunSi’s CEO, stated in the press release.
Acceptance to the exchange poses an obvious advantage in the market, but also reflects the company’s stated mission to become one of the world’s largest producers of trichlorosilane, a chemical mainly used in the production of polysilicon, which is an essential raw material in the production of solar cells for PV panels. The plan is for the company to acquire and develop a portfolio of high-quality, scalable TCS production facilities in strategically chosen locations to position the company for future growth and expansion.
U.S.-based SunSi currently controls approximately 55,000 metric tons of TCS production in China, and is taking advantage of trends in the solar market by taking steps to increase its current capacity levels. In fact, according to Natan, SunSi continues to expand its TCS operations in China, and last week announced revenue guidance for fiscal 2012 in the range of $49 million to $52 million, plowing past fiscal 2011 revenue of $15.1 million in revenue.
The company’s most recent major growth initiative took place in March of 2011 when SunSi completed an agreement to acquire 60 percent of Wendeng He Xie Silicon Co. Ltd in Weihai City.
For more information, visit www.sunsienergies.com
Increasing FDA Requirements Underline the Importance of VistaGen Therapeutics Inc. (VSTA)
On Thursday last week, when PPD, Inc., a leading global contract research organization, gave a presentation relating to current issues in cardiac safety, and the impact it has on drug development, it was clearly a hot topic for many listeners involved in bringing new drugs to market. An informal poll taken during the online presentation indicated that over 90% of involved listeners felt that cardiac safety was a clear factor in the drug development process.
PPD is known for providing drug discovery, development, and life cycle management services for pharmaceutical and other companies, as well as for government organizations, and has offices in 44 countries around the world. The presentation was given by Rob Dow, VP of Strategic Product Development at PPD, and Robert Kleiman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and VP of Global Cardiology at ERT, an industry leader in cardiac safety drug research.
One of the points emphasized in the presentation was the fact that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now requires cardiovascular outcomes evaluation for non-cardiovascular drugs in several therapeutic areas, all of which can significantly impact drug development. Today, so-called blockbuster drugs can lead to the exposure of millions of patients. Previous high-profile market withdrawals of FDA-approved drugs involving cardiovascular safety issues, and the associated public outcry, fueled major changes in what is required by drug developers to ensure cardiovascular safety. Given traditional testing methods, which are used late in the preclinical development process, it adds another layer of complexity and expense for drug developers.
The issue of cardiovascular safety for new drugs underlines the importance of VistaGen’s developments in clinically relevant cardiovascular toxicity testing before new drug candidates are ever tested in humans. Just when it is needed most, VistaGen’s Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube platform, using advanced stem cell technology, is an important new tool for the pharmaceutical industry, allowing companies to accurately test for potential cardiovascular toxicity in the early preclinical stages of drug development, offering potential far-reaching savings in time and money. Instead of going through the tremendous investments necessary for developing a new drug, only to have it shot down in the last stages by unexpected cardiovascular toxicity issues, the risks can now be identified up front, and steps taken to rescue and re-engineer the drug candidate.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.VistaGen.com
Increasing FDA Requirements Underline the Importance of VSTA
On Thursday last week, when PPD, Inc., a leading global contract research organization, gave a presentation relating to current issues in cardiac safety, and the impact it has on drug development, it was clearly a hot topic for many listeners involved in bringing new drugs to market. An informal poll taken during the online presentation indicated that over 90% of involved listeners felt that cardiac safety was a clear factor in the drug development process.
PPD is known for providing drug discovery, development, and life cycle management services for pharmaceutical and other companies, as well as for government organizations, and has offices in 44 countries around the world. The presentation was given by Rob Dow, VP of Strategic Product Development at PPD, and Robert Kleiman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and VP of Global Cardiology at ERT, an industry leader in cardiac safety drug research.
One of the points emphasized in the presentation was the fact that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now requires cardiovascular outcomes evaluation for non-cardiovascular drugs in several therapeutic areas, all of which can significantly impact drug development. Today, so-called blockbuster drugs can lead to the exposure of millions of patients. Previous high-profile market withdrawals of FDA-approved drugs involving cardiovascular safety issues, and the associated public outcry, fueled major changes in what is required by drug developers to ensure cardiovascular safety. Given traditional testing methods, which are used late in the preclinical development process, it adds another layer of complexity and expense for drug developers.
The issue of cardiovascular safety for new drugs underlines the importance of VistaGen’s developments in clinically relevant cardiovascular toxicity testing before new drug candidates are ever tested in humans. Just when it is needed most, VistaGen’s Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube platform, using advanced stem cell technology, is an important new tool for the pharmaceutical industry, allowing companies to accurately test for potential cardiovascular toxicity in the early preclinical stages of drug development, offering potential far-reaching savings in time and money. Instead of going through the tremendous investments necessary for developing a new drug, only to have it shot down in the last stages by unexpected cardiovascular toxicity issues, the risks can now be identified up front, and steps taken to rescue and re-engineer the drug candidate.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.VistaGen.com
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. (FPMI) is "One to Watch"
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing patented Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging products to improve patient management by evaluating cardiac disease at the cellular and molecular levels. The company is currently advancing two products in clinical trials to fulfill critical unmet medical needs. The agents will provide clinicians important tools for detecting and assessing pathology before clinical manifestations of disease.
The company’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. FluoroPharma’s cardiovascular program targets the historically largest potential market of nuclear medicine.
Molecular imaging fulfills numerous unmet needs in diagnosis by enabling visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular level. Unlike traditional imaging modalities – MRI, CT, and Ultrasound – that reveal the anatomical manifestation of disease, PET provides insight into physiology and can detect disease before anatomical manifestation is identified. The market for molecular imaging agents currently exceeds $1.7 billion annually and promises rapid growth for the foreseeable future.
FluoroPharma’s comprehensive technology platform was developed by scientists at the Massachusetts General Hospital. To date, the company has been issued four US patents and has seven applications pending in addition to strong international protection. With a highly competent management team in place and the necessary resources to advance clinical development, FluoroPharma is well positioned to capitalize on its superior imaging technology.
Key Investment Highlights
• Clinical Trials Confirmed Technologies are Safe and are Now Proving They Are Effective
• Intellectual Property in Place to Protect Proprietary Innovations Around the World
• Strong Cash Position to Accelerate Business Strategy
• Technology Targets Multiple, Multimillion Dollar Healthcare Markets With Strong Unmet Medical Needs
FPMI is "One to Watch"
FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing patented Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging products to improve patient management by evaluating cardiac disease at the cellular and molecular levels. The company is currently advancing two products in clinical trials to fulfill critical unmet medical needs. The agents will provide clinicians important tools for detecting and assessing pathology before clinical manifestations of disease.
The company’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. FluoroPharma’s cardiovascular program targets the historically largest potential market of nuclear medicine.
Molecular imaging fulfills numerous unmet needs in diagnosis by enabling visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular level. Unlike traditional imaging modalities – MRI, CT, and Ultrasound – that reveal the anatomical manifestation of disease, PET provides insight into physiology and can detect disease before anatomical manifestation is identified. The market for molecular imaging agents currently exceeds $1.7 billion annually and promises rapid growth for the foreseeable future.
FluoroPharma’s comprehensive technology platform was developed by scientists at the Massachusetts General Hospital. To date, the company has been issued four US patents and has seven applications pending in addition to strong international protection. With a highly competent management team in place and the necessary resources to advance clinical development, FluoroPharma is well positioned to capitalize on its superior imaging technology.
Key Investment Highlights
• Clinical Trials Confirmed Technologies are Safe and are Now Proving They Are Effective
• Intellectual Property in Place to Protect Proprietary Innovations Around the World
• Strong Cash Position to Accelerate Business Strategy
• Technology Targets Multiple, Multimillion Dollar Healthcare Markets With Strong Unmet Medical Needs
ProPhase Labs (PRPH) Cold-EEZE Cold Remedy Secures Coveted Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal
ProPhase Labs, developers of leading OTC cold remedies in the homeopathic category, reported reception recently of the coveted Winner’s Seal of Approval for their Cold-EEZE® Cold Remedy, from the massive Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) community, representing North America’s largest volunteer parent testing group, at some 40k plus participants.
That stamp of excellence from the PTPA is a huge boon for PRPH and goes a long ways towards driving sales, as the seal is a widely recognized emblem of quality, effectiveness and value. The proprietary formulation of zinc gluconate in Cold-EEZE has made it the number one zinc-based cold remedy to be recommended by pharmacists and the product has been clinically proven to curb symptoms of the common cold by some 42%, essentially halving the duration and severity of cold conditions.
PTPA Media and the PTPA Seal™ represent an excellent benchmarking system for products that help to enrich family living and as such the field was full of entrants to obtain the seal. Cold-EEZE beat out the competition based on hard data, generated by independent parent volunteers using the products in their own homes. This consumer-based driver in the PTPA Seal award system has super-charged its rise to prominence, bringing in recognition throughout North America and around the world.
Chairman and CEO of PRPH, Ted Karkus, commented on the reception of this widely recognized seal of approval, noting that it clearly underlines the product going into the cough and cold season. Karkus held up the Cold-EEZE product as being a prime example of the Company’s dedicated R&D in diversified natural health and medical sciences, calling the zinc gluconate lozenges, which are manufactured at a wholly-owned subsidiary’s FDA registered manufacturing facility, an extremely safe and effective choice for consumers.
Founder and CEO of PTPA, Sharon Vinderine, has certainly done her due diligence to win the Seal and the organization such wide acclaim, appearing on more than forty morning shows to establish the branding as a trusted source and guide for the latest in family products. Vinderine, clearly proud of the role PTPA Media has come to fill in helping to educate and inform consumers, “certifying innovative products that families can trust.” Vinderine explained that she understands how important it is for families to be able to look to that seal of approval on product packaging and websites with confidence, secure in the knowledge that their peers have vetted the product and that the advertised performance is based on and backed up by real-life performance capabilities.
The Cold-EEZE product just rolled out a great tasting Oral Spray version of the popular lozenge and already sees market penetration to the tune of some 40k retail locations, ranging from food stores to pharmacies and mass retailers. For more information on the product and where to find it locally, consumers are encouraged to logon to the product website at: www.coldeeze.com
For more information on the Company and to stay up to date with the latest news and information surrounding ProPhase Labs, please visit their website at: www.ProPhaseLabs.com
G4S to Implement Calladius Software (CALD) Sales Training Solutions
Today, Callidus Software Inc. announced that G4S, the world’s largest security services provider, selected its ForceLogix Sales Coaching and Litmos Learning Management solutions to assist in the learning and talent development for some of G4S’s European sales organization. The companies signed the agreement in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Callidus’s ForceLogix Sales Coaching solution enables businesses to rank sales professionals and agents based on key performance indicators (KPIs) from multiple data stores. Mainly used in call centers, managers use the information obtained from the ForceLogix system to easily identify the core activities and training that drive top performance. Then, managers can implement the right training and development processes across their sales channels – building a concrete roadmap for their new hires and existing employees to replicate the performance of their stars.
The other solution, Litmos LMS, is a fast growing online training system that makes managing and delivering web-based training courses easy. A user-friendly platform that enables organizations to create and distribute web-based content in multiple formats, Litmos LMS tracks results in real-time and is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android devices as well as the Internet. Users can access these courses anywhere and at any time.
Callidus’s technologies will enhance G4S’s current training methods and both companies are excited to begin their new found relationship. The combination of online coaching with sales training offers a blended learning approach that promises to yield positive results.
Archived Press Releases
November 17, 2011
VistaGen Therapeutics and University Health Network (Toronto) Extend Broad Stem Cell Alliance and Expand Scope of Collaborative Research
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=527
October 25, 2011
VistaGen Therapeutics Reports Identification of Cell Surface Marker that Permits High-Yield Purification of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=369
October 5, 2011
VistaGen Therapeutics Presents Highlights of its Human Stem Cell-Derived “Micro-Heart” Cardiotoxicity Assay at NIH Symposium on Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=285
September 28, 2011
VistaGen Therapeutics Expands Key Stem Cell Technology Patent Estate Supporting its Drug Rescue and Cell Therapy Programs
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=281
September 26, 2011
VistaGen Therapeutics Reports Advances in its Pancreatic Cell and Regenerative Medicine Programs
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=272
September 14, 2011
VistaGen Therapeutics Provides Investor Update On Corporate Activities and Upcoming Initiatives
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=233
May 17, 2011
VistaGen Therapeutics and Excaliber Enterprises Announce Completion of Reverse Merger and $3.8 Million Financing
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=58
January 12, 2011
VistaGen Therapeutics and NuPotential Receives NIH Grant to Develop Safer Approaches for Producing Patient-specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=72
December 22, 2010
VistaGen Therapeutics Announces Successful Completion of Initial Phase 1 Safety Study of AV-101 for Neuropathic Pain
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=150
August 20, 2009
VistaGen Appoints Industry Veteran Shawn Singh as Chief Executive Officer
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=152
January 15, 2009
VistaGen and Capsant Sign Strategic Stem Cell Technology Commercialization Agreement
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=154
December 18, 2008
VistaGen and WARF Sign License Agreement for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Technology
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=156
December 16, 2008
VistaGen Receives Significant Stem Cell Tools and Technologies Grant from California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=158
October 16, 2008
VistaGen Team Pinpoints Key Biochemical Pathways Involved in Generating ES cell-derived Heart Cells
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=160
June 17, 2008
New Broad Composition of Matter Patent Protects VistaGen’s ES Cell Applications
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=162
May 22, 2008
VistaGen Licenses Customized Stem Cell-Based Drug Discovery Assays to Sanwa, a Japanese Pharmaceutical Company
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=164
April 23, 2008
VistaGen Collaborates with Canadian, U.S., and British Researchers ToIsolate Earliest Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Human Cardiac Cell
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=166
March 12, 2008
VistaGen Therapeutics Announces Broad Stem Cell R&D Alliance With Toronto’s University Health Network and The McEwen Centre For Regenerative Medicine
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=168
November 23, 2007
VistaGen Sees Promise for Stem Cell ‘Breakthrough’ to Accelerate Drug Discoveryand Development
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=170
November 12, 2007
VistaGen Publishes Preclinical Data Supporting the Therapeutic Potential of AV-101 for Parkinson’s Disease — Company’s Lead Compound Can Stimulate Dopaminergic Neuron Activity —
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=172
November 6, 2007
VistaGen Awarded $1.2 Million from NIH for Development of AV-101 for Neuropathic Pain, Parkinson’s Disease and Epilepsy
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=174
January 30, 2007
VistaGen’s AV-101 Drug Candidate Yields Positive Preclinical Data for Neuropathic Pain Applications– IND to be Submitted to FDA in 2007 —
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=176
December 21, 2006
VistaGen Therapeutics Announces 3 Significant Publications Supporting the Use of Embryonic Stem Cells for Drug Discovery and Development
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=178
December 7, 2006
VistaGen Therapeutics Announces Positive AV-101 Preclinical Data Suggesting Potential for Parkinson’s Disease
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=181
November 30, 2006
VistaGen Therapeutics and Sanwa Renew Embryonic Stem Cell Drug Discovery and Development Partnership Focused on New Diabetes Treatments
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=184
March 23, 2006
VistaGen Therapeutics and CATO BioVentures Sign Strategic Business Development Agreement for CNS Products
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=186
August 23, 2005
Lantos Affirms Support of Expanded Stem Cell Research–Applauds Commitmentby VistaGen Employees and Investors
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=188
August 11, 2005
VistaGen Therapeutics Secures Development Support for New Drug Candidate for Huntington’s Disease
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=190
July 12, 2005
VistaGen Therapeutics Awarded $197,000 NIH Grant for Expanded Preclinical Development of New Drug Candidate for Neuropathic Pain
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=192
May 24, 2005
VistaGen Therapeutics Awarded $3,700,000 NIH Drug Development Grant for Lead Epilepsy Drug Candidate
http://www.vistagen.com/?p=194
VistaGen Therapeutics Due Diligence Summary
Company Website
http://www.vistagen.com
VistaGen IR Kit
http://vsta.missionir.com/vsta
VistaGen Fact Sheet
http://vistagen.com/fact_sheet/index.html
Stock Info
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=VSTA.OB
http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/VSTA/quote
Abbreviated Company Profile
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company applying stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy. Drug rescue combines human stem cell technology with modern medicinal chemistry to generate new chemical variants ("drug rescue variants") of promising drug candidates that have been discontinued during preclinical development ("put on the shelf") due to heart or liver safety concerns. VistaGen also focuses on cell therapy, or regenerative medicine, which includes repairing, replacing or restoring damaged tissues or organs.
VistaGen's versatile stem cell technology platform, Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube™, has been developed to provide clinically relevant predictions of potential toxicity of promising new drug candidates long before they are ever tested on humans. VistaGen's human pluripotent stem cell-based bioassay systems more closely approximate human biology than conventional animal studies and other nonclinical techniques and technologies currently used in drug development.
Key Investment Highlights
• Proprietary Stem Cell Technology Addressing Major Safety Challenges in Drug Development
• Drug Rescue Platform Designed to Recapture Prior R&D Investment in New Drug Candidates
• New Drug Candidate for Neuropathic Pain in NIH-funded Phase Ib Clinical Trials
• Management Team with Decades of Relevant Experience
• Stem Cell Technology Aimed at Saving Millions of Healthcare Dollars
Technology
http://www.vistagen.com/technology/default.aspx
Product Line
http://www.vistagen.com/products/Clinical-Trials-in-a-Test-Tube/default.aspx
Business Model
http://www.vistagen.com/business-model/default.aspx
VistaGen Youtube Page
http://www.youtube.com/user/VistaGenVSTA
Share Structure
Shares Outstanding 15,241,904 a/o November 17, 2011
Authorized Shares 200,000,000 a/o October 28, 2011 (recently reduced http://owl.li/7emyV)
Management
Shawn Singh, JD, Chief Executive Officer, Director
Mr. Singh has over 20 years of experience working with public and private biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, serving in numerous senior management roles. Prior to joining us as Chief Executive Officer in August 2009, he served as Managing Principal of Cato BioVentures, a biopharmaceutical venture capital firm currently VistaGen’s second largest institutional investor, Chief Business Officer of Cato Research Ltd., a global contract research and development organization (CRO), President of Echo Therapeutics (Nasdaq:ECTE), a medical device company targeting diabetes management, and Chief Business Officer of SciClone Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SCLN), a revenue-producing specialty pharmaceutical company focused on cancer and infectious disease. Mr. Singh currently serves as a director of Echo Therapeutics and Armour Therapeutics. He began his career as a corporate finance attorney in the Silicon Valley offices of Morrison & Foerster LLP, an international law firm. Mr. Singh is a member of the State Bar of California.
Ralph Snodgrass, PhD, President, Chief Scientific Officer, Director
Dr. Snodgrass founded VistaGen in 1998 and served as our Chief Executive Officer until August 2009. He has over 18 years of experience in senior biotechnology management, including as Chief Scientific Officer of Progenitor, Inc. He has more than 10 years of research experience as a professor at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, and as a member of the Institute for Immunology, Basel, Switzerland. Dr. Snodgrass is a past Board Member of the Emerging Company Section of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), and is a published and recognized pioneering expert in stem cell biology with more than 20 years’ experience in the uses of stem cells as biological tools for drug discovery and development.
Gordon Keller, PhD, Chairman, Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Keller, recently named a “Top 25 Transformational Canadian” for his stem cell research, is the Director of UHN’s McEwen Centre, and Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Keller is a world leader in the field of hematopoietic development with more than 100 publications relating to blood development and stem cells. Previously, he held an endowed Chair at the Carl C. Icahn Institute for Gene Therapy and Molecular Medicine, MSSM, was a Member of the NJH, Denver, Colorado, Associate Professor, Department of Immunology, University Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, a Member, Basel Institute for Immunology, Basel, Switzerland, and a Visiting Scientist at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, Austria. He has served on several NIH study sections and is invited throughout the world to talk about his research on stem cells and blood development. Dr. Keller and Dr. Snodgrass are long-time collaborators who helped pioneer the use of stem cell systems for understanding hematopoietic development and cell biology, and as better biological systems for pharmaceutical discovery, rescue and development.
Jon S. Saxe, Chairman, Board of Directors
Mr. Saxe has served as Chairman of our Board of Directors since 2000. He is the retired President and previously a director of PDL BioPharma. He also served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Synergen, Inc. (acquired by Amgen) as well as Vice President, Licensing & Corporate Development and Head Patent Law for Hoffmann-Roche. Mr. Saxe is currently a director of SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SCLN), Durect Corporation (Nasdaq: DRRX), Arbor Vita Corporation and Arcuo Medical, LLC. He also has served as a director of several other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including ID Biomedical (acquired by GlaxoSmithKline), Sciele Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (acquired by Shionogi), Amalyte (acquired by Kemin Industries), and Cell Pathways (acquired by OSI Pharmaceuticals)
Franklin Rice, MBA, Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Rice joined VistaGen in 1999. He has been employed in the biotechnology industry since 1988 during which time he has served as Senior Director of Business Development at Genencor International and Vice President of Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals for Bechtel Group where he was responsible for global sales and marketing of consulting services to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
Transfer Agent
Holladay Stock Transfer
2939 N. 67th Place
Scottsdale, AZ, 85251
480-481-3940
Company Contact
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc.
South San Francisco, California
http://www.vistagen.com
T: 650-244-9990
E: investor.relations@vistagen.com
IR Contact
Mission Investor Relations
Atlanta, Georgia
http://www.missionir.com
T: (404) 941-8975
E: mir@missionir.net
Deyu Agriculture (DEYU) Posts Solid Increases in Q2 Financial Performance
Deyu Agriculture Corp., a vertically integrated producer, processor, marketer and distributor of organic and other agricultural products made from corn and grains operating in the Shanxi Province of the People’s Republic of China, yesterday reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2011.
The company reported a 182 percent increase in revenue for the second quarter of 2011 to $52.0 million compared to $18.5 million reported in the comparable quarter of 2010.
Gross profit for the second quarter of 2011 improved 88 percent to $8.9 million compared to $.4.7 million in the second quarter of 2010. Deyu’s gross profit margin decreased 8.6 percent to 17.1 percent for the second quarter of 2011 compared to 25.7 percent reported in the comparable quarter of 2010.
Deyu’s net income increased 8 percent in the second quarter of 2011 to $3.1 million compared to $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2010.
Jianming Hao, Deyu’s CEO and chairman, said the company is pleased with its second quarter 2011 results, and noted that the company’s corn division more than doubled its sales, while its simple processed grains division improved revenues by more than 500 percent. The company has focused on promoting its brand names and products on a regional scale to drive sales, an initiative Hao says the company will continue throughout 2010.
“We are glad to see this strategy continue to work well for us this past quarter while we continued to utilize our regional strengths and environmental resources in Shanxi Province, our extensive production capacity, our established network of farmer agents, our steady supply of quality crops from excellent farmland, our bank loans and our efficient distribution network to gain further leverage in China’s agriculture sector,” Hao stated in the press release. “As we head toward 2012, we are confident that we can maintain our progress while we strive to provide our expanding customer base with what we believe to be delicious, healthy grain products.”
The company is utilizing all its distribution channels and networks, including its B2B and B2C ecommerce platforms, to drive brand recognition for further growth.
“We believe that enacting these strategies will further ease the requests from retail stores and many of our wholesalers. Our continuous growth relies on our ability to meet the rising demand for our current products and expanded product lines and as we head into 2012, we believe we have sound strategies in place to help us sustain our progress,” Hao stated.
For more information visit www.deyuagri.com
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. (VSTA) Announces Expansion of Collaboration Agreement with UHN and Extends Stem Cell Alliance to 2017
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company applying stem cell technology for drug rescue and cell therapy, and the University Health Network (UHN), one of Canada’s largest research hospitals, today announced the expansion of their existing collaborative pluripotent stem cell research and development program, and extended it through September 2017.
In 2007, VistaGen and Dr. Gordon Keller, head of UHN’s McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Toronto, agreed to combine Dr. Keller’s human pluripotent stem cell biology expertise with VistaGen’s proprietary Human Clinical Trials in a Test TubeTM stem cell technology platform. The platform delivers clinically relevant indications of how humans will respond to new drug candidates early in the drug development process. Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, VistaGen’s President and Chief Scientific Officer, and Dr. Keller, who is chairman of VistaGen’s Scientific Advisory Board, co-founded VistaGen in 1998, with the goal of using stem cell technologies to transform the way new drugs are discovered and developed.
“Our unique relationship with UHN and Dr. Keller is dynamic, innovative and directly supports the drug rescue capabilities of our Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube™ platform,” said Shawn Singh, VistaGen’s Chief Executive Officer. “This research partnership gives us direct access to cutting-edge stem cell research conducted by one of the world’s leading stem cell researchers at one of the world’s top stem cell research institutions.”
Dr. Christopher Paige, UHN’s Vice President, Research, said, “We are very pleased with the progress Dr. Keller’s lab and VistaGen are making in our cooperative research effort. VistaGen’s support of Dr. Keller and his team, and its commitment to commercializing these technologies, give us confidence that we will soon see the remarkable promise of our collaborative stem cell research translated into therapeutic realities that will improve patients’ lives.”
The amended UHN agreement includes five key programs that will further support VistaGen’s core drug rescue initiatives and potential cell therapy applications.
Research conducted at UHN and VistaGen labs will include the development of stem cell-based drug discovery and drug rescue technologies, using mature cardiac, liver and pancreatic beta-islet, blood and cartilage cells. The program will also focus on large-scale production of these cell types, each derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS cells), which are potentially suitable for in vivo transplantation studies and cell therapy applications.
Additionally, VistaGen and UHN scientists plan to further enhance current methods used to produce cell types derived from both human embryonic stem cells (hES cells) and hiPS cells. The research alliance also aims to establish preclinical proof-of-concept for the use of iPS cell-derived articular chondrocytes for cell therapy repair and regeneration of autologous cartilage, as well as the use of iPS cell-derived precursor cells to produce lymphocytes, granulocytic cells, red cells and blood platelets.
For more information, please visit VistaGen’s website at www.VistaGen.com
Marina Biotech (MRNA) Given Patent in China for Its Intranasal Insulin Delivery Formulation
Marina Biotech Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. The company’s innovative therapeutics utilize multiple mechanisms of action, including RNA interference and messenger RNA translational blocking.
The company reported today that China’s State Intellectual Property Office has issued a Notification of Granting Patent Rights for PRC 200680047851. This patent covers pharmaceutical formulations for intranasal delivery of insulin, and uses of the formulation to treat diseases associated with inappropriate insulin levels.
The president of CEO of Marina Biotech, J. Michael French, said, “We believe that the intranasal assets from our predecessor company, Nastech Pharmaceutical, have considerable value. Our intranasal insulin program has the potential to serve patients with diabetes, and holds additional promise in the treatment of CNS (central nervous system) diseases such as Alzheimer’s.”
Combined with the current patent protection in Europe, this patent grant in China further expands and strengthens the company’s insulin patent portfolio. For additional information about Marina Biotech and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.marinabio.com
Drop in Unemployment Applications Suggests Hiring May Improve
Another indication that the jobs picture may be getting ready to improve came Thursday with the Labor Department’s announcement that weekly unemployment benefit applications dropped by 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 388,000. It was the lowest level since early April, and the fourth decline in five weeks. The four-week average dropped below 400,000 for the first time in seven months, to 396,750.
The numbers suggest an easing in layoffs, which could be setting the stage for an increase in hiring. Applications need a consistent drop below 375,000 for sustained job growth. The last time that number was seen was in February.
In addition, the number of people receiving benefits fell to the lowest level since September of 2008, dropping 57,000 to 3.6 million, although many people are believed to have simply used up their benefits. Moreover, the figure doesn’t include the 3 million people receiving extended benefits from emergency programs. This, coupled with the fact that only 80,000 jobs were added in October, has clouded what is seen as a general improvement, with the unemployment rate recently dropping to 9%.
It’s all a sign of an economy that is turning, but at a sluggish rate. Manufacturing is picking up, and retail sales are growing, but companies are doing more with less, and many employees are still on the sideline. Nevertheless, growth, however slow now, is expected by many to improve over the next several months, though nobody is expecting things to move quickly. The economy would have to grow at twice the current rate to significantly improve the job picture, and consumers can only keep spending for so long without improved employment income.
On top of all this is the continuing debt crisis in Europe and the U.S., problems that everyone agrees will require substantial growth to address.