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Chill Brands Group makes major breakthrough with WHSmith agreement

Chill Brands Group PLC

Chill Brands Group PLC (LSE:CHLL, OTCQB:CHBRF) CEO Callum Sommerton speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the wellness and recreational products company announced it has secured a deal with major UK retailer WHSmith to stock Chill Brands' nicotine-free Chill Zero vape products. The products will be available in 150 of WH Smith's travel stores, including airport and train station locations. These hubs offer high exposure, reaching thousands of daily travellers. Sommerton emphasises that the nicotine-free vape products target individuals aged 18-35, offering a healthier alternative to nicotine products. Despite a 10-12% bump in share price following the announcement, Sommerton acknowledges challenges in the market, including geopolitical issues and concerns around vaping. However, he remains optimistic about the industry's adaptability to regulations and reaffirms Chill Brands' commitment to ethical retailing. Additionally, he hinted at expanding the chill.com platform, introducing new brands and product categories, including wellness items and hemp products. He says that "as we continue to grow the channel and add additional retailers off the back of this announcement, I think people will understand that we are here to stay." Contact Details UK Editorial +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

October 10, 2023 04:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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COMPASS Pathways Is Accelerating Patient Access To Evidence-Based Innovation In Mental Health Care

COMPASS Pathways

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga The Current Landscape Of Mental Health Is Failing Patients Mental health treatments often fail many patients, leaving them struggling to find relief and support. Patients in this category are often considered “treatment-resistant,” where multiple therapies have limited or no effectiveness. Many people with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder encounter this frustrating reality. Despite their efforts to seek help, they are unable to find effective treatments that alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This failure of mental health treatments further exacerbates the marginalization experienced by individuals with these conditions. As their condition persists or worsens, they may face stigmatization, discrimination and isolation. Often, this is because treatment is looking at a singular tool for a heterogeneous or multiple-cause disease state. For example, some drugs on the market currently modulate serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine transmission within the brain. For some patients, this helps maintain a healthy mental state – but for others, it not only fails to work but may cause undesirable side effects. Geoff Grammer, Chief Medical Officer of Greenbrook NeuroHealth Centers breaks down the current landscape, sharing, “If we think of depression, kind of like headache, there's a lot of things that cause headaches. If you came and saw me for a headache and I said, all I got is Tylenol, that's going to leave you wanting. Take migraines, for example, [Tylenol is not even a suitable drug to administer]. Often people need different classes of agents for that. So what we're beginning to see is people breaking away from that kind of very rigid [historical] model and bringing more tools to the front to give patients more options to try to address some of those variations in what's causing the disease.” How Are Mental Health Treatments Evolving? To address these issues, there is a pressing need for not only the development of better treatments but also improved access to them. It is crucial to ensure that individuals with mental health conditions have readily available and affordable access to a range of evidence-based therapies, such as psychotherapy, medication and alternative interventions. One investigational therapy that has emerged in recent years is psilocybin treatment, particularly for illnesses like treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or PTSD. Steve Levine MD, Senior Vice President of Patient Access and Medical Affairs, COMPASS Pathways, shares, “We need as many tools in the toolbox as possible because the demand is so great in psychiatry. And we're on the cusp of that, whether it's psychedelic treatments or other promising innovations that we will hopefully see approvals for in the coming years, as well as the infrastructure that's being built to deliver them. In the coming decade, I hope we will see increased access for patients in need of care and better tools to meet those needs coming together to make a difference for these patients.” COMPASS Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS) is working hard on developing innovative treatments to better help patients with an urgent unmet need. Although further research is still needed to establish its efficacy and safety, the company’s initial findings are promising and they have progressed to a phase 3 program in TRD. The company’s innovative approach has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation in the U.S. and Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway designation in the UK for their investigational COMP360 psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression. Moreover, in late 2021, COMPASS Pathways announced the completion of a randomized, controlled double-blind phase 2b study of investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment involving 233 patients with TRD in 22 sites across Europe and North America. As part of its goal to develop new and more effective treatment options for TRD and other difficult-to-treat mental health conditions, COMPASS is researching and developing an integrated digital and AI product ecosystem to potentially improve the prediction of patient outcomes, scale therapist training and gain a better understanding of TRD as an illness. While the vision is to use these tools in tandem with COMP360 psilocybin treatment if approved, they are being built with scalability and broad use in mind in order to help impact the treatment of a wide range of mental health disorders. Treatment-resistant patients are a high unmet need. There is a need not only for innovative treatments but also for companion technologies and programs to support patients. It is also crucial for psychedelic treatments to go through clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy and through formal FDA approval so patients can get access to care in a regulated medical system. COMPASS Pathways, along with peers like BioRestorative Therapies (NASDAQ: BRTX), are innovators in a growing market. 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

October 06, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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BiVictriX Therapeutics appoints combined CFO/CBO to boost out-licensing efforts

BiVictriX Therapeutics PLC

BiVictriX Therapeutics PLC (AIM:BVX, OTC:BVTXF) incoming chief financial officer Adrian Howd speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive London about what he hopes to achieve in the new role, which is being combined with the newly-created position of chief business officer. Howd introduces himself, highlighting his 20+ years in the biotech sector and the roles he's played in several emerging biotech companies and investment ventures. At BiVictriX, he will lead negotiations with larger companies interested in their evolving products. Howd expresses his confidence in the potential of BiVictriX's product pipeline and its lead asset BVX001 in particular, saying that its "a molecule that looks really different to other products... the antibody drug conjugate space is fairly new... but its the fastest growing element of new cancer therapy." Despite challenges in the broader biotech sector, Howd expressed confidence in BiVictriX's future, praising its scientific approach and the achievement of the team so far. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

October 06, 2023 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Addex Therapeutics focused on securing new partnerships to fund promising treatments

Addex Therapeutics Ltd

Addex Therapeutics co-founder and CEO Tim Dyer speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive about the work that the central nervous system-focused clinical-stage pharmaceutical company has been doing in the promising area of allosteric modulation. He explains that company is currently collaborating with Johnson & Johnson on a phase two study for epilepsy, with results expected in Q2 of the following year. Additionally, Addex is developing treatments for chronic cough, schizophrenia, and cognition, with the latter receiving a grant from the European Union. Dyer explains that the company's unique approach to allosteric modulation offers a competitive edge in drug discovery, setting them apart from competitors. Their long-term strategy revolves around advancing their programs and securing partnerships to ensure steady cash inflows, especially given the challenging capital market environment. With seven programs in the pipeline and two already partnered, Addex is poised for significant growth in the coming years. Dyer says that "at the moment we continue to move the programs forward... we're very focused today on securing cash inflows to keep the business going through partnerships." Contact Details Proactive United States Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

October 05, 2023 11:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Nuformix to fund its unlicensed programs with NXP001 windfall

Nuformix PLC

Nuformix PLC (LSE:NFX) executive director Dr Dan Gooding speaks to Proactive after the pharmaceutical development company announced it is to receive new immediate and near-term milestone payments as part of an update to its NXP001 exclusive licensing agreement with Oxilio Ltd. Dr. Gooding explains that Oxilio has now purchased patents from Nuformix that it had previously been licencing, resulting in significant near-term payments to Nuformix. This financial boost will aid Nuformix in advancing their unlicensed programs, specifically NXP002 and NXP004. Despite the patent sale, Nuformix retains future value from NXP001 through development milestones and royalties. Dr. Gooding also highlights Nuformix's work with NXP002 on lung fibrosis, a severe disease with limited treatment options. He explains that Nuformix's approach of repurposing existing drugs means a reduction in research time and costs. NXP002 is a modified version of a drug initially approved in Japan for asthma and skin scarring treatment. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

October 05, 2023 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Unwiring.org Takes Bold Steps to Reform Social Media For a Healthier, More Connected Future

Unwiring

Unwiring officially launches to empower individuals in the fight against social media's negative impacts and unethical practices. The organization is led by Saahil Mishra and a diverse team of passionate teens who’ve developed several initiatives to catalyze positive change within social media. “I worry about the impact of social media on my generation. A surge in social isolation, mental health issues, disinformation, and political polarization has challenged our connection on both an interpersonal and societal level,” said Saahil Mishra, founder and social media activist. Mishra also serves as a research assistant at Stanford Social Media Lab and writer for the Poynter Institute’s Media Wise. Earlier this year, Mishra participated in his first TEDx Talk event in San Francisco. Unwiring is educating and empowering young people to drive real, representative change within social media. The team curates timely educational resources including a series of self-produced online videos, curriculum on social media’s inner workings and impacts, and editorial pieces centered around the youth perspective on social media’s harms and possible solutions. Unwiring also is hosting a ReDesign challenge for youth to pose ideas for social media reformation this fall and a youth summit in 2024. United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a call for urgent action by policymakers, technology companies, researchers, families, and young people alike to gain a better understanding of the full impact of social media use. Recent research shows that adolescents who spent more than three hours daily on social media faced double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety. “When we advocate for internal platform changes, business model regulations, major culture and paradigm shifts, we can together build a healthier more connected future,” adds Mishra. “We invite teens to join us in this important movement by sharing their stories with us.” Visit unwiring.org and engage on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X formerly known as Twitter: @unwiring_org. Contact Details Unwiring Anne Shanahan, Community Relations Liaison +1 562-810-3016 ashanahan@unwiring.org

October 03, 2023 08:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Redsense Medical announces company has begun trading on the OTCQX under ticker 'RDSMF'

Redsense Medical

Redsense Medical CEO Pontus Nobreus joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share significant updates regarding the company's innovative Redsense System. This system plays a crucial role in monitoring and alerting healthcare providers in cases of blood leakage during hemodialysis treatments, addressing one of the most serious safety concerns in this medical field. The Redsense System comprises a patented fiber optic sensor designed for use with either a venous needle or central venous catheter, linked to an alarm unit. The system has been developed with a strong focus on meeting the stringent safety requirements of healthcare providers in the dialysis sector. Alarmingly, globally, 21 individuals lose their lives each week due to blood leakage during hemodialysis, making this technology a critical advancement in patient care. One major development for Redsense Medical is its recent listing on the OTCQX market under the ticker symbol 'RDSMF.' The United States is a pivotal market for the company, with 99% of its revenue in 2022 generated from the US. The company is actively planning to expand its presence in the US market, providing easier access for US investors to participate in their growth journey. Looking ahead to the remainder of 2023 and 2024, Redsense Medical has ambitious goals, including continued growth in the US market and raising awareness about the importance of monitoring devices in home dialysis. Additionally, the company is set to launch a new product called "The Clamp," which will further enhance patient safety during hemodialysis treatments. Overall, Redsense Medical's dedication to improving patient safety and healthcare outcomes in the field of hemodialysis positions it as a key player in the medical technology industry, and its expansion plans in the US market are poised to make a significant impact. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

September 29, 2023 01:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Spectral AI announces "single largest contract to date"

Spectral AI Inc

Spectral AI Ltd (NASDAQ:MDAI) founder and CEO Wensheng Fan speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the medical-focused artificial intelligence company announced it has been awarded a new contract valued at up to $149 million by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The CEO describes the contract as Spectral AI's "single largest to date" and highlights that it represents an important step forward in its commercial efforts. The deal includes a base phase of $55mln for FDA clearance of "Deep View" in burn indication. The technology aims to assist ER physicians in determining whether burn patients should be transferred to specialized burn centers. With 1.1 million burns occurring in the US annually, the potential for Deep View's application in emergency rooms and trauma centers is vast. Additionally, the technology will play a role in the treatment flow of both burn and diabetic foot ulcers, further expanding its clinical utility. Fan explains that following Spectral's recent move from London's AIM to the NASDAQ, the contract signifies a pivotal moment in the company's history, cementing its commercial future and revealing more about its potential impact on the healthcare sector. Contact Details Proactive Investors +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

September 29, 2023 01:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Accelmed Files Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 with Securities and Exchange Commission

Accelmed

Today Minerva Surgical, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: UTRS), entered into a share purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) for the sale of an aggregate of 97,751,711 shares (the “Shares”) of its common stock (“Common Stock”) in a private placement (the “Private Placement”) by the Company to Accelmed Partners II L.P. (“Accelmed LP”), at an offering price of $0.2046 per share, for aggregate consideration of $20,000,000.07. In connection with a contemplated refinancing by the Company of its Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of October 8, 2021, by and among the Company, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and each other person party thereto, as a borrower from time to time, as amended (the “Loan and Security Agreement”, and such refinancing, the “Refinancing”), it is expected that potential lenders shall require as a condition to the Refinancing that the Company complete a equity financing of at least $20,000,000 prior to the Refinancing (the “Lender’s Refinancing Condition”). As of the date hereof, Accelmed LP owns 68.8% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, based upon 177,573,152 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on September 14, 2023, as reported by the Company in the Purchase Agreement. Upon the closing of the Private Placement, Accelmed LP will own 79.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, based upon 177,573,152 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on September 14, 2023, as reported by the Company in the Purchase Agreement. As the Private Placement may be viewed as a step in a series of transactions, which constitute a “going-private” transaction under Rule 13e-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), Accelmed LP, Accelmed Partners II GP L.P., Accelmed Partners II, LLC and Uri Geiger (collectively, the “Filing Persons”) have filed a transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 (“Transaction Statement”) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Filing Persons have previously disclosed that they are considering effecting a transaction pursuant to which (i) the Common Stock may be delisted from trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”); and (ii) the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act would be terminated (a “Take Private Transaction”). In connection with such potential Take Private Transaction, Accelmed LP has previously disclosed that it is evaluating acquiring shares of Common Stock from existing stockholders in one or more privately negotiated transactions and may discuss such privately negotiated transactions with certain existing stockholders of the Company. The Private Placement is not being conducted in conjunction with any Take Private Transaction, but rather to satisfy the Lender’s Refinancing Condition. The closing of the Private Placement is subject to the condition that the terms of the Refinancing are acceptable to Accelmed LP, in its sole and absolute discretion, and other customary closing conditions. The closing of the Private Placement may not take place prior to October 28, 2023. No assurances can be made that the Private Placement will close, that the Refinancing will occur, or that any Take Private Transaction will be consummated. The Company’s stockholders and other investors are urged to read the Transaction Statement and the exhibits to the Transaction Statement carefully because they contain important information about the Private Placement, the Refinancing, any potential Take Private Transaction, and other transactions that may be deemed in furtherance of a “going-private” transaction. The Transaction Statement and the exhibits to the Transaction Statement can be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of these documents can be obtained, without charge, by contacting Accelmed LP at Ugland House, South Church Street, PO Box 309, Grand Cayman KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. As of the date of this release, the Filing Persons have not entered into definitive agreements to effect a Take Private Transaction. If and when the Filing Persons determine to proceed with a Take Private Transaction and establish the terms thereof, the Transaction Statement will be amended at such time to disclose the terms of such Take Private Transaction, and the Company will file such amendment with the SEC and will prepare and cause to be mailed the amended Transaction Statement to its stockholders as required by law. In addition to receiving the amended Transaction Statement by mail, stockholders will be able to obtain the final Transaction Statement without charge, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of these documents can be obtained, without charge, by contacting Accelmed LP at Ugland House, South Church Street PO Box 309, Grand Cayman KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. SECURITYHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS AND OTHER MATERIAL FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE SEC CAREFULLY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. This announcement is neither a solicitation of proxy, an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities and it is not a substitute for any proxy statement or other filings that may be made with the SEC should a Take Private Transaction occur. About Accelmed Accelmed is a U.S.-based private equity firm focused on acquiring and investing in U.S. commercial stage, lower middle market HealthTech companies. Since 2009, Accelmed has deployed over half a billion dollars into companies spanning medical devices, diagnostics, digital health and technology-enabled healthcare services. Accelmed seeks to accelerate value and scale innovation across the HealthTech field by bringing to bear the team’s industry experience, operational and financial expertise, and strong global relationships. For more information, please visit www.accelmed.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the closing of the Private Placement and the Accelmed LP’s ownership of the Common Stock upon the closing of the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Actual results may differ materially from these statements and from actual or future events due to a variety of factors. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, the Filing Persons undertake no obligation to update or review any estimate, projection, or forward-looking statement. Contact Details Accelmed Steve Rubin +1 914-364-0284 steve@accelmed.com Company Website https://www.accelmed.com

September 29, 2023 11:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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