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AmeriLife Welcomes Elite Insurance Group to Its Rapidly Expanding Health Distribution Network

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Elite Insurance Group, an independent, Reidsville, Georgia-based insurance brokerage that specializes in the Medicare, health insurance, and life insurance markets. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are so happy to become part of the AmeriLife family,” said David Wilson, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Elite Insurance Group. “This partnership will allow us to take our business to the next level and ensure the continued success of our company.” “This partnership gives us and our employees the opportunity to provide outstanding resources and benefits that our clients deserve,” added Hunter Davis, Chief Operating Officer of Elite Insurance Group. “We look forward to expanding the excellence of the Elite Insurance Group brand with our new partners.” Elite Insurance Group, which is licensed in 28 states and has satellite offices in Alabama, Virginia, and Kentucky, has been serving the senior market since 2005, by simplifying the health and life insurance buying process for clients – all with a personal touch. As a full-service brokerage founded on the values of honesty, integrity, and trust, the company offers deep and diverse plan options from some of the industry’s top carriers to ensure its clients find the best benefits and savings for themselves and their families. As Elite Insurance Group joins AmeriLife’s growing Health Distribution organization, it will enjoy access to a number of best-in-class platforms, tools, and resources that will help accelerate its already impressive growth and serve more beneficiaries. “I’m thrilled to welcome David, Hunter, and their ‘Elite’ team to AmeriLife,” said Scotty Elliott, Chief Distribution Officer of Health for AmeriLife. “As we continue to navigate disruption and change throughout our industry, it’s important that we bring onboard strong, resilient partners who are built for clients’ needs today and tomorrow, and Elite Insurance Group is exactly that kind of partner. We can’t wait to get to work together.” ### About Elite Insurance Group Since 2005, Elite Insurance Group has been specializing in the senior market. As an independent insurance company, we strive to uphold professional values such as honesty, integrity, and trust. By following these guiding principles, we have become just what our name states: elite. Our mission at Elite Insurance Group is to support and provide our agents with the resources they need to serve the senior market with the appropriate selections of health and life insurance products they and their clients need. To learn more, visit Elite-InsGroup.com. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as a leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and advisors and 120 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Media Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

August 01, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Theriva Biologics Advances Its Product Pipeline To Improve Survival Rates For Many Difficult-To-Treat Cancers

Benzinga

By Anthony Termini, Benzinga According to Cancer Research UK, "Cancer survival has doubled in the last 40 years, but progress hasn’t been equal across all types of the disease." Their research shows that survival rates of some forms of brain tumors and pancreatic cancers have barely improved in that time. One company has made it its mission to change that. Theriva TM Biologics Has A Novel Approach To Address Difficult-To-Treat Cancers Theriva Biologics (AMEX: TOVX) is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, and its clinical research efforts span the Atlantic. Theriva is a leader in the development of oncolytic virus therapies – treating cancer with viruses that target tumors. The company recently announced positive results from one of its several ongoing clinical trials. Theriva’s oncolytic viruses are designed to address a wide range of difficult-to-treat tumor types. “Solid tumors are complex organ-like structures consisting of cancer cells, vasculature, and tumor matrix,” said Steven A. Shallcross, CEO of Theriva. He added that “this dense extracellular matrix, also known as stroma, hampers the intratumoral accessibility of chemotherapy, making them hard to treat.” And these are the challenges that Theriva seeks to address in a number of clinical trials. How Theriva Focuses Specific Oncolytic Viruses To Treat Various Cancers Theriva says its viruses have the potential to treat a broad range of difficult-to-treat tumor types. Their leading candidate, VCN-01, is a stroma-degrading oncolytic virus. It is intended to break down the tumor’s protective barrier and improve tumor access by co-administered cancer therapies and the patient’s immune system. It may be combined with other types of cancer therapies to treat a number of tumor types. Theriva has reported encouraging results from clinical trials in pancreatic cancer (PDAC), retinoblastoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Ongoing clinical trials conducted in collaboration with the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds in England and the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine are evaluating VCN-01 in other difficult to treat cancers.. Theriva’s additional next generation oncolytic viruses such as VCN-11, which incorporates the novel Albumin Shield technology, are in preclinical development in collaboration with researchers from at the Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge ( I DIBELL) and the Catalan Institute of Oncology ( ICO ). These studies are being conducted to determine safe dosage protocols and assess potential toxicity issues. The data from the tests will help inform clinical trial plans and other important aspects of product development programs. In conjunction with Washington University in St. Louis, Theriva is also investigating an approach to prevent acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), a common and serious immune complication in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Allo-HCT, commonly known as bone marrow transplantation, is used to treat hematologic cancers, which begin in blood-forming tissue or immune system cells. Theriva’s oral β-lactamase (SYN-004), is an antibiotic-degrading enzyme being evaluated as a way to prevent aGVHD and other serious side effects caused by extensive use of antibiotics in these high-risk patients.. Addressing Difficult-To-Treat Cancers Represents Significant Commercial Opportunity The various types of solid tumors that Theriva’s oncolytic virus therapies treat represent a global commercial opportunity that could be as large as $532 billion by 2032, according to Precedence Research. Other analysts estimate the global market will be over $885 billion by 2033. Grand View Research estimates the global retinoblastoma treatment market will reach more than $3.3 billion by 2030. In its estimate of the growing market for treating the disease, Grand View attributes growing advancements in medical technology and the rising incidence of retinoblastoma. Theriva Has High Hopes For Its Therapies In a poster presented at the 2024 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the principal investigator and country coordinator of Theriva’s main clinical site in Spain, Dr. Rocio Garcia-Carbonero detailed the clinical trial design for the VIRAGE Phase 2b clinical trial of VCN-01 when administered to PDAC patients in combination with standard of care chemotherapy. In a recent interview, Garcia-Carbonero noted that metastatic PDAC has a high fatality rate despite recent treatment advancements. While the field has seen minimal improvement in standard care for decades, she said that she has “high hopes for VCN-01 due to its unique mechanism of action, which differs from traditional chemotherapy. VCN-01 aims to induce a robust immune response against the cancer.” More information about Theriva’s oncolytic virus therapies is available on the company’s website. Featured photo by Prawny from Pixabay. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 01, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Zynex Inc. CEO Thomas Sandgaard Discusses Significant Company Growth and Future Innovations

Zynex Medical

Zynex Inc CEO Thomas Sandgaard joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the company's financial and operational results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2024, in an interview with Proactive. The company achieved a remarkable 20% year-over-year increase in orders, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of record-breaking order numbers. Zynex reported an 11% year-over-year increase in second-quarter revenue, totaling $49.9 million, and a 20% increase in year-to-date cash flow from operations, reaching $3.2 million. Sandgaard emphasized the company's ongoing efforts to secure FDA approvals for next-generation devices and expand its product line in pain management. The pain management division saw a significant 20% improvement in orders compared to the previous year, highlighting strong market demand. Looking ahead, Zynex has provided guidance for the third quarter, with revenue expected to reach at least $50.0 million. Zynex's pain management devices are prescribed for various conditions, from post-surgical recovery to general pain management, by a diverse group of medical professionals, including surgeons, general practitioners, and chiropractors..In terms of innovation, Zynex is developing new monitoring devices, including a pulse oximeter based on laser technology for more accurate blood measurements, which could also detect sepsis. This product, along with others in development, positions Zynex to potentially capture significant market share. The company aims to diversify its product portfolio. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

July 31, 2024 09:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Syra Health Wins Contract Valued At Nearly $6M To Train Indiana Health Workers

Syra Health

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga Syra Health Corp. (NASDAQ: SYRA), has been awarded a $5.8 million contract to train professionals who deliver healthcare to Indiana residents at home or in a community-based setting under the purview of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, Syra Health was founded in 2020 and is focused on improving healthcare through innovative services and technology solutions. At its core, the company is a healthcare technology company powering better health in challenging areas such as behavioral and mental health, digital health, and population health. Syra Health's offerings are centered on prevention, improved access, and affordable care. In securing this new contract, Syra Health says it will deliver curriculum development, competency assessments, a sophisticated learning management system (LMS), a comprehensive training registry, and a dynamic quality improvement plan, all to fulfill FSSA's vision of "ensuring all home and community support professionals serving any population under a home and community-based settings waiver have the same competencies and training." In speaking about being selected for this new contract, Dr. Deepika Vuppalanchi, CEO of Syra Health, stated, “We are proud to have been selected to implement statewide home and community support professionals training as part of this important program administered by FSSA. In recent months, we have seen a surge in demand for our off-the-shelf training services, and we look forward to providing additional health training services across the country.” Syra Health’s curriculum reflects important gold-standard learning models and over 200 years of experience. It has module-specific learning objectives and interactive activities across the foundational, fundamentals, medication administration, and micro-credentials curricula. These areas, aligned with state-defined core competencies, integrate health equity and cultural competency principles aimed at supporting home and community support professionals of all backgrounds. Syra Health’s training registry will track the utilization of the training materials and will be integrated into the LMS. As such, it will be able to provide a snapshot of workforce capacity and competency at any given moment in time. Effective monitoring and reporting will also be a critical aspect of this project. Syra Health says it will be providing regular comprehensive reports to the FSSA and modifying the process to meet any evolving monitoring or reporting needs. Featured photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash. Syra Health is a healthcare technology company addressing some of healthcare's most significant challenges in areas such as behavioral and mental health, digital health, and population health, by providing innovative services and technology solutions. Syra Health’s products and services are centered on prevention, improved access, and affordable care. Syra Health supplies its solutions to payers, providers, life sciences organizations, academic institutions, and government. For more information, please visit www.syrahealth.com. Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements." These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected use of proceeds, the Company’s operations and business strategy and the Company’s expected financial results. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's current expectations and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in our registration statement on Form S-1 and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by federal securities laws, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Christine Drury +1 463-345-8950 Christined@syrahealth.com Company Website https://www.syrahealth.com/

July 31, 2024 08:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mainz Biomed's (NASDAQ: MYNZ) Cutting-Edge Colorectal Cancer Test Applies For FDA Breakthrough Status

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Mainz Biomed (NASDAQ: MYNZ) has taken a significant step forward in the fight against colorectal cancer with its application to the FDA for breakthrough device designation for its colorectal cancer test. This innovative screening test could revolutionize how we detect one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide. At its core, the test combines traditional fecal immunochemical testing with cutting-edge mRNA biomarker analysis, all enhanced by advanced AI algorithms. It's a sophisticated approach that aims to dramatically improve early detection rates for both colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions. The numbers coming out of clinical trials are truly promising. In a study involving 295 participants across 21 U.S. gastroenterology centers, the test showed a 97% sensitivity for colorectal cancer and an 88% sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions. These figures, coupled with a 93% overall specificity, suggest a significant improvement over current screening methods. Mainz Biomed's CEO, Guido Baechler, emphasizes the test's potential impact, stating that the next-generation test has shown a significant improvement in sensitivity for advanced adenomas and high-grade dysplasias. This level of accuracy could be game-changing, potentially catching cancer and precancerous growths at much earlier, more treatable stages. However, what sets this test apart isn't just its accuracy but also its accessibility. Mainz Biomed is taking a decentralized approach, partnering with third-party laboratories to make the test more widely available. This strategy could be particularly beneficial for underserved communities where access to high-quality cancer screening has often been limited. If granted breakthrough device designation by the FDA, this test could see an expedited approval process, bringing it to patients sooner. The implications are significant: earlier and more accurate detection could lead to more timely interventions, potentially saving countless lives. Even as the FDA's decision is pending, this test potentially represents a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against colorectal cancer. By combining innovative biotechnology with AI, Mainz Biomed is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in cancer detection. While it's important to temper excitement with caution until a full FDA review, this development undoubtedly marks a significant step forward. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing progress in medical science and the potential for new technologies to make a real difference in people's lives. Featured photo by Tung Nguyen from Pixabay. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

July 31, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Acarix announces shares are now being traded on the OTCQB under the ticker ACIXF

Acarix AB

Acarix CEO Aamir Mahmood joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news the company has begun trading on the OTCQB Market in the United States, under the ticker symbol ACIXF. This listing complements its existing presence on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Stockholm. Mahmood expressed that with the US being Acarix's most important commercial market, this development allows for a broader investor base to participate in the company’s growth journey. Acarix specializes in medical devices aimed at rapid assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) at the point of care. The company's flagship product, the CADScor System, is CE-approved and FDA DeNovo-cleared, offering a non-invasive solution to help healthcare providers rule out CAD in patients experiencing chest pain, potentially reducing the need for costly and invasive diagnostic procedures. The company recently announced a significant reorder of single-use patches for the CADScor System by a primary care clinic in the New Orleans, Louisiana metropolitan area. These patches are integral to the system's operation in evaluating patients suspected of having coronary artery disease. Additionally, Acarix has received a multi-order for the CADScor System from Saving Grace Concierge, which will use it as a diagnostic aid for symptomatic patients in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. Looking ahead, Mahmood outlined the company's focus on top-line growth, reimbursement efforts with CMS and private payers, and initiating clinical trials. He emphasized the device's potential to save significant healthcare costs and drive commercial success in the US market. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

July 30, 2024 10:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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LeadStar and LeadingResponse Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Lead Generation with In-Person Seminar Programming

AmeriLife

LeadStar, the proprietary, private leads platform created with and exclusively for AmeriLife -affiliated agents, announced today that it has partnered with LeadingResponse to launch LeadStar Seminars Powered by LeadingResponse to strengthen its spectrum of lead options and provide AmeriLife agents with a comprehensive seminars services platform to offer face-to-face educational opportunities for health and life insurance and financial services customers. LeadStar Seminars Powered by LeadingResponse is the newest addition to the LeadStar platform, which now provides a comprehensive set of lead delivery options. LeadingResponse’s dynamic seminar programming will provide agents with a seamless experience from lead acquisition to conversion, with services that include real-time lead delivery, comprehensive campaign management, and expertly crafted seminar content designed to engage and convert. “This partnership is a game-changer for AmeriLife’s Health and Wealth professionals looking to drive growth and enhance live engagement with their target audiences,” said Chief Lead Officer for AmeriLife William DeCourcy. "We recognize that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to delivering compliant, high-performance leads to AmeriLife agents. Partnering with LeadingResponse expands the lead options available to AmeriLife agents, allowing health and wealth product sales professionals to scale efficiently and effectively in multiple channels – including the key channel of face-to-face educational seminars.” LeadingResponse, with decades of experience in targeted seminar marketing, brings unparalleled expertise in engaging affluent consumers through in-person seminars, webinars, and multichannel marketing approaches. Their proven conversion strategies in educational workshops and seminar solutions have filled countless events with qualified consumers, perfectly complementing LeadStar's capabilities in lead generation. “We are excited about our partnership with AmeriLife and LeadStar,” said Matthew Kearney, Chief Executive Officer for LeadingResponse. “We look for partners that share in our mission to connect health and wealth experts to consumers exactly when help is needed, and AmeriLife and LeadStar are a perfect fit. By leveraging our expertise, concierge service, and advanced technology, AmeriLife sales professionals can grow their businesses through our highly effective solution suite.” The LeadingResponse platform includes targeted audience reach specifically designed to target affluent consumers aged 50 and above; a robust client portal, Hub, which allows for 24/7 review of ongoing campaigns while integrating with your CRM and marketing automation workflows; and high conversion rates through seminar attendance, with attendee rates over twice the industry average. “LeadStar Seminars Powered by LeadingResponse represent a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to provide AmeriLife’s distribution partners with the tools and strategies they need to succeed in a competitive marketplace,” added DeCourcy. “We are confident that LeadStar Seminars Powered by LeadingResponse can drive client growth with data-driven insights and marketing solutions that optimize LeadStar’s lead generation suite of services to achieve strong outcomes.” AmeriLife-affiliated licensed health agents and financial professionals interested in leveraging LeadStar Seminars Powered by LeadingResponse are encouraged to inquire with their marketers or uplines about access to these integrated services, promising a boost in both the quantity and quality of leads and conversions. For more information about the partnership and to request access, please visit the LeadStar Seminars Powered by LeadingResponse page on the LeadStar website. ### About LeadStar LeadStar is an industry-leading enterprise leads program that delivers the compliant, reliable, and performative leads that today’s health and life insurance agents need to grow their books of business and maximize their success. Powered by AmeriLife and exclusively for the company’s affiliated agents, LeadStar’s suite of solutions includes LeadStar Marketplace, LeadStar Connect, LeadStar Direct, and LeadStar Seminars Powered by LeadingResponse. For more information, contact an AmeriLife-affiliated marketing company or visit LeadStarHub.com. About LeadingResponse Founded in 1996 with headquarters in Tampa, LeadingResponse is a trusted and proven leader in customer acquisition for health and wealth organizations across the United States. LeadingResponse’s solution suite enables clients to connect with consumers in the medium they want to engage and at the point in the consumer journey clients wish to target. Whether consumers need Preneed, legal defense, financial advice, a senior living community, Estate Planning, or a Medicare procedure, LeadingResponse connects our client experts to provide the needed consultation. With our teams of marketers, designers, and developers, LeadingResponse is the easiest way for organizations to grow their business and increase revenue. For more information, visit the LeadingResponse website. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and advisors and 120 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com LeadingResponse Pamela Girardin pamela.girardin@leadingresponse.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

July 30, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Citius Pharmaceuticals Nears Market Breakthrough With Two Leading Products

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga From fighting cancer to treating bloodstream infections, Citius Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CTXR) is busy trying to solve some of the world’s ills. That’s picking up steam with two of its lead products close to commercialization. Take Mino-Lok (MLT), Citius Pharmaceuticals ' novel antibiotic lock solution that combines minocycline, ethanol and edetate disodium to treat patients with catheter-related blood stream infections. Mino-Lok offers hospitals an alternative to removing and replacing a central venous catheter (CVC), and that could reduce the number of serious adverse events like air embolism and bleeding. It could also save hospitals money. Bringing It To The Market Citius Pharmaceuticals CEO and co-founder Leonard Mazur told Benzinga that his company has “extremely positive” topline data from a Phase 3 Trial of Mino-Lok. Now Citius is meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to move ahead with Mino-Lok, he said. Once Mino-Lok is approved, the company says it will be the only FDA-backed product for infected catheters in the market, presenting a big opportunity for the company. “The market potential is about $2 billion,” said Mazur. “Positive announcements will come out of the meeting but I can’t predict that moment.” Then there is LYMPHIR, a recombinant fusion protein designed to treat T-cell lymphomas. The drug agent combines the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor binding domain with diphtheria toxin fragments. The agent specifically binds to IL-2 receptors on the cell surface, causing diphtheria toxin fragments that have entered cells to inhibit protein synthesis. In 2011 and 2013, the FDA granted orphan drug designation to LYMPHIR for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). In 2021, Citius acquired an exclusive license with rights to develop and commercialize LYMPHIR in all markets except for Japan and certain other parts of Asia. In March this year, the FDA accepted Citius’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for LYMPHIR with a decision expected on August 13, the FDA's assigned Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date. If approved, Citius is preparing for LYMPHIR commercialization later this year. “We’re very excited about this launching during the fourth quarter,” said Mazur. “We go from no revenue to revenues.” The executive pegged the market opportunity at $300 to $400 million, telling Benzinga LYMPHIR is an additive and won’t take market share from anyone. Shoring Up Shareholder Value Bringing two drug products to market isn't the only way Citius is enhancing shareholder value. The company is also spinning out its wholly-owned oncology unit to form Citius Oncology, a stand-alone publicly traded entity. It is doing it via a SPAC deal with TenX Keane (NASDAQ: TENK). Citius Pharma is getting 67.5 million shares in Citius Oncology at $10 per share, valuing the stake at $675 million and will retain majority ownership of approximately 90%. This transaction is expected to unlock significant value for Citius shareholders by separating the oncology business, potentially leading to increased access to capital markets and further development of new applications and additional intellectual property, reports Citius. It also underscores Citius’s strategy to purchase assets, develop them and bring them to market and then unlock shareholder value. Citius Oncology will serve as a platform to develop and commercialize novel targeted oncology therapies, with LYMPHIR the first to go to market. The company said the deal is expected to provide Citius Oncology with improved access to the public equity markets and thereby facilitate the commercialization of LYMPHIR and position the company to explore additional value-creating opportunities more fully. “The reason we are doing it is we get a Nasdaq listing by having the SPAC acquire the assets and at the same time it enables us to do something to prevent dilution for shareholders,” said Mazur. The CEO counts himself as one of them; he has invested $22.5 million of his own money in the business. “During the first year on the market we will be profitable. All that benefits Citius shareholders.” Featured photo by Nataliya Smirnova on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

July 30, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Pancreatic Cancer Could Overtake Colorectal Cancer To Become Second Leading Cause Of Cancer Death – Oncolytics Is Working On A Promising Treatment

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Pancreatic cancer isn’t something that only happens to those who smoke, are overweight, have a family history of the condition, or are older than 55. Increasingly, women and younger adults are getting diagnosed with this deadly form of cancer. It’s alarming, given one study found that in the U.S., the incidence of pancreatic cancer among those under the age of 55 is increasingly more rapidly than in those 55+. While pancreatic cancer is now the third leading cause of cancer deaths, by 2030, it is expected to morph into second place, surpassing colorectal cancer deaths. This year alone, about 66,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a record for this deadly form of cancer. What’s more, about 51,750 Americans are expected to die from the disease this year. Among cancers, pancreatic is a tough one to treat. It’s a highly aggressive form of cancer that attacks the pancreas, an organ needed for digestion. With limited treatment options, the five-year survival rate is just 13%. It doesn’t help that most people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in a late stage when it has already spread to other parts of the body. That’s particularly true with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is a type of pancreatic cancer that’s created from the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. It's one of the most lethal forms of pancreatic cancer. A person’s health, lifestyle, diet, age and family history all play a role in whether they will get this lethal disease, and changing lifestyles may be a factor in the rise in the condition’s prevalence. Given the difficulty of treating pancreatic cancer and its increasing incidence, much medical research is directed toward earlier detection and better treatments. As a result, the global pancreatic cancer market is projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period. Your Immune System Fired Up One area of treatment that holds promise is immunotherapies. Administered as a pill, injection, or intravenously, immunotherapies help the body’s immune system attack cancer cells. On its own, the immune system has difficulty finding and attacking cancer cells but with these therapies, it can be an avid hunter. That’s exactly what Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY), the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunotherapeutics for oncology, is betting will happen with pelareorep, its leading agent to fight pancreatic cancer that has demonstrated promising results in phase 1 and 2 studies. It is an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent that induces anti-cancer immune responses and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype — turning “cold” tumors “hot.” Pelareorep works by generating, recruiting and training immune cells to recognize and kill cancer while remodeling the tumor microenvironment to enable immune cell access. When added to existing treatment regimens such as chemotherapy, pelareorep demonstrates the potential to extend survival times in addition to expanding existing and new T cell clones in the blood, the company reports. Testing Under Way Pelareorep is being tested in the GOBLET study, a phase 1/2 multiple-indication study in advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal cancers conducted at 17 centers in Germany. The aim of the study, which kicked off in fall 2021, is to investigate the safety of the drug combination and improvements in tumor size. The GOBLET study was recently expanded to include a new cohort to test pelareorep and modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) with or without atezolizumab (Tecentriq®) in newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. mFOLFIRINOX is a chemotherapy treatment for pancreatic cancer that combines several drugs. The new cohort, which is testing the objective response rate (ORR) and safety, is supported by the $5 million Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Therapeutic Accelerator Award. The grant was established to accelerate the development of new treatments for pancreatic cancer patients. Hitting Milestones Oncolytics Biotech recently dosed the first patient in that expanded cohort, marking a major milestone for the company. “We’re excited to begin evaluating another pelareorep combination therapy that could result in a second pancreatic cancer registration program for the company,” said Thomas Heineman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Oncolytics. “The combination of pelareorep, atezolizumab, gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in pancreatic cancer patients more than doubled tumor response rates compared to earlier trials of chemotherapy alone. That combination received Fast Track Designation from the FDA and is expected to be evaluated in an adaptive registration-enabling trial through the Global Coalition for Adaptive Research (GCAR). If the combination of pelareorep and mFOLFIRINOX also demonstrates a promising efficacy signal, we could have two pancreatic cancer treatment regimens on the path to registration.” The trial is being closely watched because of the promise the treatment holds if it proves successful. mFOLFIRINOX is currently considered one of two primary treatment options for many pancreatic cancer patients. If pelareorep is effective, it could broaden the population of metastatic pancreatic cancer patients who could benefit from pelareorep-based therapies, the company reports. “Oncolytics is in a favorable position as we prepare to advance multiple pelareorep programs toward registration track studies and continue to expand pelareorep’s potential as a backbone immunotherapy that can impact various tumor types,” said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. “The ability to improve the lives of cancer patients is something that motivates everyone at Oncolytics, and beginning to treat pancreatic cancer patients in the mFOLFIRINOX cohort of GOBLET is hopefully yet another step towards that goal.” Featured photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

July 30, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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