News Release
Graft Polymer's new Slovenian plant key to unlocking industrial-scale solutions
Graft Polymer (UK) PLC
Welcome to Wednesday's business update. In this video, we focus on Graft Polymer (UK) PLC's milestone—the commissioning of its expanded Slovenian plant. Chairman Roby Zomer says this new facility doubles the company's production capacity to 6,000 tonnes per year and opens doors for industrial-scale partnerships. We'll also delve into the company's recent contract achievements, including a significant U.S. approval for its GraftBio drug delivery system. Where it has been approved for sale over-the- counter as a part of the MGC Pharma ArtemiC COVID treatment. Stay tuned as we explore how these developments are setting the stage for Graft Polymer's future growth and market expansion. The core business of the group comprises polymer modification and drug delivery system developments. The group has developed a proprietary set of polymer modification technologies which uses recycled raw materials and a closed loop system to reduce waste. Towards the end, we'll touch upon the financials, examining the 27% drop in revenue to £240,000 and the 35% increase in operating losses to £1.03 million during this pivotal transition period. For more information on the company, and to see interviews with the Chairman, Roby Zomer, visit: https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/LON:GPL/Graft-Polymer-UK-PLC Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
September 27, 2023 08:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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News Release
Magdalena Biosciences JV with Filament Health and Jaguar Health completes coca leaf import
Filament Health Corp
Filament Health CEO Ben Lightburn joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce a significant development involving Magdalena Biosciences, a joint venture established by Filament Health and Jaguar Health. The development pertains to the successful import of coca leaf to Filament's Metro Vancouver research and development facility. Lightburn explained that the import was authorized by the Peruvian Health Authority and was sourced from the only company in Peru authorized to collect, distribute, and export coca leaf and its derived products. The imported coca leaves were received by Psilo Scientific, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Filament Health. These coca leaves will be utilized for initial research purposes, focusing on exploring neuropsychiatric indications. Magdalena Biosciences and Filament Health are currently in the process of seeking full compliance with the Nagoya Protocol in Peru. The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement designed to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge held by indigenous and local communities. This development highlights Filament Health's commitment to advancing its research initiatives and exploring the therapeutic potential of natural resources, while also ensuring compliance with international agreements and ethical considerations. The research conducted through this joint venture has the potential to contribute valuable insights to the field of neuropsychiatric indications, ultimately benefiting patients and the broader healthcare industry. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com
September 25, 2023 01:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time
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News Release
A Very Important Change Is Coming for Airplane Bathrooms
YourUpdateTV
A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/g4fqkbuzqjA The Department of Transportation (DOT) is making larger single-aisle airplanes more accessible by requiring accessible lavatories for people with disabilities. While this rule will be implemented over the coming years, it is a monumental achievement for the disability civil rights movement. Under previous standards, people who use wheelchairs have no way to access the restroom on single-aisle aircraft. They are forced them to dehydrate themselves, or even soil themselves, before flights – causing major bodily harm! Over the past 75 years, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has led the fight for accessibility — and air travel is no different. PVA helped pass the landmark legislation to first make air travel accessible over 35 years ago, and they played an integral role in securing accessible airplane lavatories. They continue to advocate for additional reforms that will ensure a safe, dignified air travel experience for people with disabilities. So, what does this new rule mean for the future of accessible air travel? And what else is needed to make the air travel experience fully accessible for people with disabilities? Now is an opportunity for your audience to learn more about the new rule and the ways Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has helped secure this monumental achievement, and how they continue to advocate for other meaningful reforms related to the upcoming renewal of the Federal Aviation Administration. A nationwide media tour was conducted featuring Chief Policy Officer at Paralyzed Veterans of America, Heather Ansley discussing the new lavatory rule and additional reforms that must be made to make air travel fully accessible through the reauthorization of the FAA. Additional topics that were discussed included: What the new Department of Transportation rules will do. What this means for the disability community. Why this DOT rule was desperately needed. The reasons why air travel is so far behind basic standards. What else needs to be done to ensure air travel is accessible. PVA remains on the forefront of the disability civil rights movement – fighting for stronger ADA enforcement, expanding support for home-based care, and more. To join PVA’s fight for greater enforcement of the ADA, visit PVA.org/ADA, or for air travel, visit PVA.org/AirTravel. About Paralyzed Veterans of America Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis. As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com
September 25, 2023 10:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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News Release
Lophos Pharmaceuticals announces company is now trading on the CSE under the ticker MESC
Lophos Pharmaceuticals
Lophos Pharmaceuticals CEO Claire Stawnyczy joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share the news that the company which specializes in the cultivation, research, and sale of Lophophora williamsii or peyote cactus has achieved significant milestones. Lophos Pharma has commenced trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the ticker symbol "MESC." This development marks a significant step for the company in terms of visibility and accessibility to investors. The company has successfully obtained a Controlled Substances Dealers License from Health Canada. This license empowers Lophos Pharma to engage in various activities related to controlled substances, including possession, production, sale/provision, sending, transportation, and delivery. The controlled substances covered by this license include mescaline, psilocin, and psilocybin. Lophos Pharma has entered into a strategic partnership with KGK Science to explore potential pathways to market sustainably grown, peyote-derived natural health products. While peyote itself is legally recognized in Canada, mescaline—the psychoactive compound derived from the peyote cactus—remains classified as a Schedule 3 controlled substance. These developments underscore Lophos Pharma's commitment to advancing its unique position in the emerging market of natural health products derived from peyote. The company's ability to obtain a Controlled Substances Dealers License is particularly noteworthy, as it positions Lophos Pharma to engage in research, production, and distribution of controlled substances in compliance with Canadian regulations. As Lophos Pharma continues its work in researching and developing peyote-derived products, its collaboration with KGK Science represents a key partnership to explore the potential for sustainable and legal market opportunities in this evolving sector. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com
September 22, 2023 01:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time
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News Release
How COMPASS Pathways Is Leveraging AI To Revolutionize The Mental Healthcare Space
COMPASS Pathways
By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly penetrating a number of different sectors, including healthcare. The use of AI in mental health has opened up the possibility of new avenues of care, potentially allowing for more efficient diagnosis, treatment and patient care. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data – including patient medical records, genetic information and environmental factors – to potentially identify patterns and predict disorders. Clinicians can also benefit from more accurate and timely diagnoses based on objective digital signals. COMPASS Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS) is currently developing AI-informed digital systems to assist an investigational treatment for mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression (TRD), anorexia nervosa and post–traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The company is best known for its investigational psilocybin treatment and its R&D focus on mental health conditions. Its goal is to develop new and more effective treatment options for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and other difficult-to-treat mental health conditions. The company’s innovative approach has already yielded promising results, and they received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation in the U.S. and Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway designation in the U.K. for their investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment. In late 2021, COMPASS Pathways announced the completion of a randomized, controlled double-blind phase 2b study of COMP360 psilocybin treatment involving 233 patients with TRD in 22 sites across Europe and North America. However, the company believes that drug innovation alone is not enough to improve mental health care. In addition to COMP360 and to better support the drug, COMPASS Pathways has developed three digital tools to help support patients and therapists to ensure the best possible treatment. While these tools will be used in tandem with the COMP360 treatment, the tools were built to be scalable and revolutionize the treatment of mental health disorders. Therapist COMPanion is a web-based portal that supports therapists through all phases of patient care. Psilocybin administration is relatively new to providers so Therapist COMPanion acts as a tool for the provider to ensure that treatment is conducted in the right way. myPathfinder is a patient-facing app that provides guidance throughout COMP360. The psilocybin treatment is grouped into three phases: preparation, administration and integration. COMPASS Pathways was built on the belief that patients deserve better care, especially patients who have been underserved and felt overlooked by the system after being diagnosed as treatment-resistant. This platform is an essential component of taking better care of the patient and ensuring they have the tools to understand their treatment and psilocybin experience. However, the company’s most expansive digital tool is Chanterelle, an AI and analytics infrastructure that can be used for continuous optimization throughout treatment, as well as data collection to help expand a deeper understanding of treatment-resistant disorders. The program records sessions with the patients, with their consent, and can glean a better understanding of success rates using AI and natural language processing. Chanterelle uses the BART large language model which denotes the valence and arousal of the participant and therapist to assess the emotional tenor of the conversation and to better understand if treatment is succeeding. Chanterelle’s application could go beyond COMP360 and was designed to be scalable. The company is working to provide a more concrete and evidence-based way of measuring the success of treatment. While COMPASS Pathways is not the only mental healthcare company to bridge the gap between AI and care, the company’s ability to design platforms that can be used for a variety of disorders sets it apart from competitors like MindMed and Medtronic. Featured photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash Company BioCOMPASS Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) is a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health. Our focus is on improving the lives of those who are suffering with mental health challenges and who are not helped by current treatments. We are pioneering the development of a new model of psilocybin therapy, in which our proprietary formulation of synthetic psilocybin, COMP360, is administered in conjunction with psychological support. COMP360 has been designated a Breakthrough Therapy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has received Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) designation in the UK for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We have commenced a phase 3 clinical program of COMP 360 psilocybin therapy in TRD, the largest randomised, controlled, double-blind psilocybin therapy clinical program ever conducted. Previously, we completed a phase 2b study with top line data showing a statistically significant (p<0.001) and clinically relevant improvement in depressive symptom severity after three weeks for patients who received a single high dose of COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support. We are also conducting phase 2 clinical studies of COMP360 psilocybin therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anorexia nervosa. COMPASS is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in New York and San Francisco in the United States. Our vision is a world of mental wellbeing. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Stephen Schultz stephen.schultz@compasspathways.com
September 22, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time
News Release
Synairgen looking beyond COVID in fight against respiratory illness
Synairgen PLC
Synairgen PLC (AIM:SNG, OTC:SYGGF) chief executive Richard Marsden speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive London about the company's ongoing efforts to develop what he describes as a "drug to help patients handle respiratory viruses." He explains that work on the drug long predates the COVID pandemic and has intensified since, but is careful to emphasise that the intention of Synairgen is to develop a respiratory drug that can be of use to patients with other respiratory conditions as well. He notes the importance of looking beyond COVID-19, given the unpredictability of its media presence and its potential long-term existence alongside other viruses. Marsden discusses their past Sprinter trial and the need for targeted future clinical trials. Utilising technologies and data that emerged during the pandemic, Synairgen plans to identify patients most likely to deteriorate due to the virus. This strategic approach aims to conduct faster trials with a higher chance of success. Marsden concluded that as they refine patient selection for upcoming trials, they'll announce results and commence the next clinical trial phase. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
September 21, 2023 08:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Genflow Biosciences reports positive news from Belgium
Genflow Biosciences PLC
Genflow Biosciences PLC (LSE:GENF, OTC:GENFF) CEO Dr. Eric Leire speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the longevity-focused UK based biotech company released a company update highlighting a successful first regulatory interaction with the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAHMP) in Belgium. Dr Leire explains that the news helps pave the way for clinical trials and was particularly noteworthy because of the agency's recommendation to commence directly with NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) patients, bypassing the traditional phases. He expects the move to accelerate the proof of concept process and boost the company's valuation. Additionally, a strategic restructuring is underway, aimed at enhancing eligibility for grants, a crucial aspect in mitigating financial risk for early-stage biotech ventures. Dr Leire explains that the move aligns with Genflow's strategy of minimising reliance on venture capital funding and focusing instead on attracting non-dilutive grants. He also draws attention to planned FDA interaction and promising in vivo studies. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
September 20, 2023 07:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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BiVictriX Therapeutics "looking really healthy" after positive first half
BiVictriX Therapeutics PLC
BiVictriX Therapeutics PLC (AIM:BVX, OTC:BVTXF) founder and CEO Tiffany Thorn speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the UK-based drug discovery and development company released its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2023. Thorn gives her take on how the business performed during the reporting period, highlighting the nomination of a clinical candidate for the lead programme, BVX001 as well as progress on BVX002 and BVX003. BiVictriX also bolstered its financial position with a successful fundraise, raising over £2 million, supplemented by a £0.5 million R&D tax credit claim. Thorn emphasises the robust financial position of the company, saying that the runway "is looking really healthy... we've got sufficient funds to carry out our near-term objectives." She also mentions growth in the team itself, as it sharpens its focus on the partnering opportunities that she describes as the company's key focus. Looking ahead, the focus lies on advancing program readiness for clinical use, scaling up drug manufacturing, and forging those key business development relationships. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
September 20, 2023 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Scancell CEO hails "exciting" high response rate to melanoma treatment
Scancell Holdings PLC
Scancell Holdings PLC (AIM:SCLP, OTC:SCNLF) chief executive Professor Lindy Durrant speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive to provide an update on the initial phase of the clinical stage biopharmaceutical company's Phase 2 SCOPE trial in advanced melanoma. Professor Durrant gives an overview of the findings so far, saying that in the initial 11 patients they have achieved an impressive 82% overall response rate, surpassing the anticipated 70%. This development could be crucial for metastatic melanoma patients, as previous studies reported only a 50% response rate. She adds that the potential to significantly improve outcomes is especially significant given the rising cases, particularly among young women. While further confirmation is needed in a larger cohort, the data's strength suggests promising results in the broader study. Looking ahead, the trial aims to recruit 43 patients, expecting over 27 respondents, with potential adjustments based on the remarkable initial response rate. Professor Durrant also provides an update on Modi1 vaccine and Scancell's antibody platform. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
September 20, 2023 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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