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Celebrating the Greatest Gift this Holiday Season

United Network for Organ Sharing

Donate Life America (DLA) and the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) invite the public to join the National Tree of Life virtual event to honor the gift of life and remember the generosity of organ, eye and tissue donors and their families. On Dec. 19, at 6:30 p.m. ET, the National Tree of Life event will honor the legacy of organ donors in each state who gave the gift of life in 2023 and celebrate the tens of thousands of lives they saved. The event will be livestreamed on Donate Life America’s Facebook page. As part of this year’s event, you’ll hear from: Donate Life Youth Ambassador Sabine Balentine, who promotes organ donation and registration in honor of the heart and lung donor who saved her father, Jeff Heart recipient Dr. Lonnie Thompson, who has spent the past 50 years climbing the world’s tallest mountains to bring back ancient ice from the glaciers to learn about the climate of the past. Lonnie’s journey, made possible by a donor, is featured in the documentary film Canary. Donna Murrell’s daughter, Natasha, who gave the gift of a kidney to Ashley Schmitt. Ashley's family is at the heart of the new film Ordinary Angels, being released in February. Ashley had the opportunity to meet Donna, and they shared their connection and journey together. The virtual event is an opportunity to recognize the lives and gifts of more than 21,000 selfless organ donors - and thousands of cornea and tissue donors - from 2023 and their courageous families, while also celebrating the lives of recipients across the country. Each state’s donor numbers will be shared during the event as volunteers with connections to the transplant community hang ornaments on trees that represent the trees of life. “We are thankful for donors and their families every day of the year. That feeling is heightened during this season of giving: For organ donation is truly the greatest gift a person can give another,” said UNOS CEO Maureen McBride, Ph.D. “Our hope is that this ceremony can be a source of solace for families and friends who are grieving the loss of a loved one, and for all who may experience a greater sense of loss during the holidays.” David Fleming, Donate Life America’s president and CEO, said, “We invite everyone across the country whose lives have been touched by donation and transplantation, as well as the dedicated organ donation and transplant professional communities, to join as we honor organ donors and their families and as we celebrate their roles in making our shared lifesaving missions possible.” Watch the event on the National Tree of Life Facebook event page: https://bit.ly/NationalTreeofLife. For more information on how to register to be an organ donor, visit: DonateLife.net About Donate Life America Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization leading its national partners and Donate Life State Teams to increase the number of donated organs, eyes and tissues available to save and heal lives through transplantation while developing a culture where donation is embraced as a fundamental human responsibility. DLA owns, manages and promotes Donate Life℠, the national logo and brand for the cause of donation; motivates the public to register as organ, eye and tissue donors; provides education about living donation; manages the National Donate Life Registry at RegisterMe.org; and develops and executes effective multi-media campaigns to promote donation. About United Network for Organ Sharing United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the mission-driven non-profit serving as the nation’s transplant system under contract with the federal government. We lead the network of transplant hospitals, organ procurement organizations, and thousands of volunteers who are dedicated to honoring the gifts of life entrusted to us and to making lifesaving transplants possible for patients in need. Working together, we leverage data and advances in science and technology to continuously strengthen the system, increase the number of organs recovered and the number of transplants performed, and ensure patients across the nation have equitable access to transplant. Contact Details United Network for Organ Sharing Anne Paschke +1 804-782-4730 anne.paschke@unos.org Donate Life America Hilary Kleine +1 804-377-3584 hkleine@donatelife.net Company Website https://unos.org

December 13, 2023 01:38 PM Eastern Standard Time

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hVIVO secures fresh contract to round out "wonderful" year

hVIVO PLC

hVIVO PLC (AIM:HVO) chief executive Mo Khan speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the specialist contract research organisation announced it has signed a £16.8mln full-service human challenge contract with a top-five global pharmaceutical company. Khan explains that the contract focuses on a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strain. The project includes manufacturing and dosing steps, aiming to confirm the infectivity rate. He says the majority of the revenue from this project will be recognised in 2024 and 2025. Kahn highlights the significance of RSV in hVIVO's growth as a Contract Research Organization (CRO). He noted that their work with this strain has aided clients in achieving Fast Track designation and, in one instance, marketing authorisation for an RSV vaccine. This contract marks a shift in clinical trial approaches, moving from traditional drug versus placebo trials to multi-cohort trials. This innovative approach allows for the examination of drug efficacy at various doses and the implementation of triggered dosing, which mimics real-world treatment scenarios. Finally, Kahn shared positive financial news, stating that hVIVO is trading ahead of expectations for what he describes as a "wonderful" year, with EBITDA margins surpassing 20%, exceeding previously published guidance. A comprehensive update is expected in January of the next year. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

December 13, 2023 04:46 AM Eastern Standard Time

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News Release

ProSomnus CEO Len Liptak unveils game-changing device and promising clinical trial results for 2024

ProSomnus

ProSomnus Inc CEO Len Liptak joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company's groundbreaking intramural mouth guard, which has received FDA clearance as a medical device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. The ProSomnus device effectively positions the jaw forward during sleep, preventing airway collapse and addressing sleep apnea issues. Liptak emphasized the significance of the FDA clearance, which allows for insurance reimbursement and categorizes the ProSomnus device as a therapeutic solution for sleep apnea and snoring. The company is strategically targeting the substantial market of individuals who discontinue the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines, estimated at 3 to 4 million people annually. In light of the recent Philips CPAP recall, ProSomnus is positioning itself as a leading alternative to CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The company has a strong foundation of scientific data supporting the efficacy of its device. Financially, ProSomnus has reported record revenues and a remarkable 46% year-to-date growth, demonstrating its commitment to cost reduction and maintaining a robust bottom line. Looking ahead to 2024, ProSomnus has ambitious plans for continued growth. These initiatives include FDA filings to expand labeling for the device and the development of a next-generation device featuring an oxygen sensor for real-time patient monitoring. The company prioritizes personalized manufacturing to ensure optimal treatment effectiveness and has achieved promising results in clinical trials, with a manuscript set for release in 2024. In summary, ProSomnus is dedicated to making sleep apnea treatment more accessible and technologically advanced, offering an innovative solution to improve the lives of those affected by sleep apnea and snoring. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

December 12, 2023 02:17 PM Eastern Standard Time

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News Release

Tonix Pharmaceuticals shared details of IND clearance for Phase 2 trial of TNX-2900

Tonix Pharmaceuticals

Tonix Pharmaceuticals CEO Dr Seth Lederman joined Steve Darling from Proactive to delve into the significant development involving the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s clearance of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for TNX-2900. This innovative drug represents a proprietary magnesium-enhanced formulation of intranasal oxytocin, designed to address Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) in children and adolescents. Dr Lederman was quick to highlight the importance of this milestone, noting that TNX-2900 had already been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA back in 2022. The IND clearance paves the way for a crucial Phase 2 study, aimed at determining the optimal dosage for TNX-2900 in treating PWS. This study will involve approximately 36 PWS patients, thoughtfully divided into four distinct groups, each comprising around nine patients. Within these groups, one will receive a placebo, while the remaining three will be administered varying dosage regimens of TNX-2900. Tonix Pharmaceuticals' strategic plan includes the intention to collaborate with a partner to further advance TNX-2900 through its clinical development for PWS. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to addressing a pressing medical need, as PWS stands out as the most common genetic cause of life-threatening childhood obesity. Importantly, PWS affects both males and females equally, spanning all races and ethnicities. This complex syndrome arises due to the absence of expression of specific genes located on the paternally acquired chromosome 15. In essence, this groundbreaking development in the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of better outcomes for children and adolescents grappling with this challenging condition, demonstrating Tonix Pharmaceuticals' dedication to advancing medical science and improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases. Contact Details Proactive Studio +1 347-449-0879 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

December 12, 2023 01:40 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Professor David Nutt presents his insights into psychedelic medicine - Neural Therapeutics

Neural Therapeutics Inc.

Neural Therapeutics Scientific Advisory Board Member Professor David Nutt presents fascinating insights into psychedelic medicine and its potential uses. His pioneering research, influencing Australia's adoption of psychedelic medicines, underscores a pivotal moment in mental health care. Nutt highlighted the historical journey of psychedelics, from widespread research in the 1950s and 60s to their banning due to misperceptions about safety and efficacy. This ban, tied to political motives, stifled research for decades. Recent studies, however, have rekindled interest, demonstrating the low harm and high efficacy of psychedelics compared to other substances, particularly in clinical settings. Professor Nutt's work reveals significant breakthroughs in treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression, addiction, and alcoholism using psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline. His team's studies show unprecedented success rates, often with just a single dose, offering hope for those with chronic mental health issues. These findings are supported by neuroimaging studies that illustrate how psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, enabling the brain to forge new, healthier thought patterns. This revival of psychedelic research marks a revolution in mental health treatment, offering new pathways for those who have not benefited from traditional therapies. The Australian regulatory body's recent approval of psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression exemplifies this shift. Nutt's presentation, a blend of historical context, scientific evidence, and a call for compassionate use, heralds a new era in mental health care, emphasizing the potential of psychedelics to transform lives. For further reading, Nutt recommends his co-edited book on psychedelics in psychiatry and a forthcoming book for the general public. The presentation is introduced by Neural Therapeutics CEO and Director Ian Campbell. Neural Therapeutics is a drug-discovery company focusing on plant-based active substances with the goal of delivering beneficial, over-the-counter dietary supplements and psychedelic-based therapeutic medicines to treat serious mental ailments where no significant treatment is available today. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

December 12, 2023 10:22 AM Eastern Standard Time

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New Report Highlights Weight Stigma in Media and Calls for Change

Media Empathy Foundation

A new national survey conducted for the Media Empathy Foundation sheds light on pervasive weight stigma in media, revealing that individuals with higher body weight perceive negative stereotypes, body shaming, weight blaming and exclusion from leading roles in TV and other forms of media. The report, titled “Weight Stigma and Media: Assessing the Impact”, draws attention to harmful impact and emphasizes the need for more inclusive and respectful representations across all channels. The study surveyed more than 1,200 U.S. adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, a demographic that accounts for 42% of American adults within the range of obesity according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings reveal a concerning pattern of problematic media portrayals with potentially detrimental consequences and underscores the need for consistent, compassionate, and accurate representation of individuals with higher body weight in media. The findings were discussed by a panel of leaders in media (Deborah Roberts, Al Roker and David Sloan) and academia (Rebecca Puhl, PhD and Holly Lofton, MD) at the Edge in NYC. “Weight stigma in the media exists in both blatant and subtle ways, reinforcing harmful attitudes and societal weight bias of people with higher body weight. There is a clear need for more respectful and compassionate media portrayals of people of diverse body sizes,” said Rebecca Puhl, PhD, Deputy Director for the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health and Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Connecticut. Key findings from the report include: High Prevalence: Most respondents assert that social media (73%), TV shows and movies (65%) and TV news (55%) often or sometimes perpetuate negative stereotypes about individuals with higher body weight. Only a small minority (5% or less) feel that this never happens. Health News Stereotyping: Respondents say that health news reports tend to blame people for their weight (70%) and suggest that all people with higher body weight are unhealthy (79%). Terminology Matters: A notable 88% of those surveyed find the term “fat” to be offensive or inappropriate, more so than “morbidly obese”, while “plus-size” and “overweight” are seen as appropriate by more than half. Negative Personal Impact: One in three respondents report that media portrayals have made them feel disrespected, with about as many reporting negative effects on their body image and self-esteem. One in four report negative effects on their mental health. Desired Change: Respondents are calling on creators to focus on character attributes beyond body type and to eliminate weight-based stereotypes, humor, or derogatory portrayals, advocating for more inclusive roles and realistic character development, as well as emphasizing health and wellness without resorting to shaming. Holly Lofton, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Surgery and Director of the Medical Weight Management Program at NYU Langone Health added, “It’s important that health news media more consistently report on the complex causes of obesity rather than assuming it’s the result of poor willpower or self-discipline.” “The media industry shapes the way we think and has the power to create a more aware and supportive culture for people with higher body weight,” said Helene Ellison, Founder and President of the Media Empathy Foundation. “That’s our hope in bringing weight stigma to the forefront.” The report was produced for the Media Empathy Foundation by Langer Research Associates and was made possible thanks to the support of Novo Nordisk Inc. For more information on the Media Empathy Foundation and to access the full survey findings, please visit: https://www.mediaempathy.org/. For more information on obesity, visit the Obesity Action Coalition at: https://www.obesityaction.org/. For PR Inquiries and more information on the upcoming panel discussion, contact: Kristen Long Communications, Kristen@kristenlongcommunications.com About the Media Empathy Foundation: The Media Empathy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded with the mission to reduce health stigma by promoting empathy, compassion, and inclusivity in all forms of media. Contact Details Media Empathy Foundation Helene Ellison info@mediaempathy.org Company Website https://www.mediaempathy.org/

December 12, 2023 09:04 AM Eastern Standard Time

Contract Management Institute Announces New Governance Board

National Contract Management Association

National Contract Management Association’s (NCMA) Contract Management Institute (CMI), an institution dedicated to advancing the profession of contract management is thrilled to introduce its newly appointed Governance Board for the 2023-2024 term. These accomplished professionals will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of CMI and ensuring the organization's success. "Having had the privilege of working alongside these distinguished professionals throughout my career, I am absolutely thrilled and deeply proud to welcome them to the newly revitalized CMI," stated CMI's Executive Director and former Department of Homeland Security Chief Procurement Officer, Soraya Correa. "Their exceptional expertise and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to our shared vision, and I look forward to the extraordinary journey ahead." NCMA Chief Executive Officer, Kraig Conrad will become the Board Chair for CMI. He expressed his excitement, saying, "I am delighted and honored to serve as Chair for the Institute. CMI is poised to become an important extension of NCMA, providing valuable resources to elevate our profession. I look forward to our journey together and the positive impact we will make." Denyce Carter, the current Board Chair of NCMA, will be joining Kraig Conrad as a distinguished addition and Vice Chair to the CMI board. She said, "I look forward to being part of an initiative that identifies and creates ways to enhance contract management practices, ultimately improving the profession for the workforce and the broader acquisition community." Along with Mr. Conrad and Ms. Carter, the Governance Board includes several accomplished professionals – including three NCMA past Presidents – that bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the CMI board, representing a diverse range of organizations from government agencies and industry leaders to top consulting firms. The full list includes: Amanda Christian, Senior Vice President of Subcontracts and Procurement at CACI International Inc. She is responsible for setting direction, policy, and procedures based upon corporate-level strategy, and ensuring that procurement and subcontracts personnel provide value and contribute to the overall success of the company. Amanda is a Past-President of NCMA and served on its Board of Directors for seven years. She is a Fellow and currently serves on the Board of Advisors. Alan Chvotkin, Partner at Centre Law Group where he specializes in federal government contracts law and its policies and practices, including counseling companies on a wide range of matters from contract formation and performance through disputes and claims. Mr. Chvotkin is a Fellow of NCMA and currently serves on its Board of Advisors. Kim Denver, Senior Vice President and Chief Contracts Executive at Leidos, leads a team of over 250 contracts professionals, overseeing a diverse portfolio of thousands of active contracts, and previously held a key role as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement. Mr. Denver currently serves on NCMA’s Board of Advisors. Wendy Masiello is currently an independent consultant, having retired from the U.S. Air Force as a three-star general in July 2017. During her 36-year career with the Air Force, she served as director of the Defense Contract Management Agency; deputy assistant secretary (contracting), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition; and program executive officer for the Air Force’s $30 billion service acquisition portfolio. She is an NCMA Past-President, and currently a member of the Board of Directors for KBR Inc. and Board of Advisors for NCMA and the Public Spend Forum Debra Scheider is Vice President, Corporate Contracts for Lockheed Martin Corporation. She is responsible for leading the Corporations Contracting, Industrial Development, and Estimating work encompassing policies, strategies, training, and procedures across the Corporation. Ms. Scheider is Past-President of NCMA and served on its Board of Directors for nine years. She is a Fellow of NCMA and currently serves on the Board of Advisors. She is a Director for the Procurement Round Table. Karla Smith Jackson, currently serving as the Senior Procurement Executive, Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer, and Assistant Administrator for Procurement at NASA, is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise with more than three decades of federal contracting experience. Her noteworthy background is in program management, acquisition, and contract planning. She is currently a member of the NCMA Board of Directors. Charlie Williams, President, CWilliams, LLC., held a number of pivotal roles that significantly contributed to the field of contract management., Notably, he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Contracting for the United States Air Force, Director of the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Commissioner on the Section 809 Panel, President of the NCMA Board of Directors, Chair of the NCMA Standards Consensus Body, a valued member of the NCMA Board of Advisors, and a distinguished Member of the NASA Advisory Council. CMI is dedicated to fostering excellence in contract management by conducting research, studies, and analyses that promote engagement, standards, professional development, and enhanced business practices. The new Governance Board will play a pivotal role in guiding the organization's strategic direction and ensuring the continued growth and success of CMI. For more information about the Institute and its Governance Board, please visit ncmahq.org/cmi. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – www.ncmahq.org – stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. Contact Details National Contract Management Association Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org

December 12, 2023 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Faron Pharmaceuticals presents "very positive" Phase 1 data at ASH Conference

Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy

Faron Pharmaceuticals Limited (AIM:FARN, OTC:FPHAF) chief executive Dr Markku Jalkanen speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive London after the clinical stage biopharmaceutical company announced "very positive" Phase 1 data from the ongoing BEXMAB study in myeloid malignancies. The data is being presented at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition taking place until tomorrow, December 12, 2023, in San Diego, California, and virtually. Jalkanen says the data reveals a promising response in patients, especially in inducing myeloid differentiation in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a condition with limited treatment options Typically, patients with this type of cancer have a life expectancy of around 24 months, making these results particularly significant. Investors and shareholders have responded positively to this latest news, as the trial shows a response rate potentially 5 to 10 times higher than the current standard of care. Faron Pharmaceuticals is now preparing to advance to the next trial phases and is exploring potential partnerships. Regarding the company's overall performance in 2023, Dr. Jalkanen expresses satisfaction with Faron's ability to maintain and even increase its pace, with promising data accumulating from ongoing trials and the initiation of new ones. The company is targeting a marketing approval application by 2025, staying on track with its previously set goals. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

December 11, 2023 10:09 AM Eastern Standard Time

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PathPresenter Selected by Cincinnati Children’s to Provide Comprehensive Digital Pathology Workflow Solution

PathPresenter

PathPresenter, the global image sharing platform for pathology, was recently selected by Cincinnati Children’s to provide an integrated digital pathology workflow solution to meet the health system’s requirements across clinical care, remote consultations, education, and research. Cincinnati Children’s, which ranks No. 1 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s listing of Best Children’s Hospitals for 2023-24, recently completed an extensive selective process to procure a comprehensive digital pathology workflow solution. Cincinnati Children’s, utilizing PathPresenter’s platform, seeks to improve workflow efficiencies (enabled by tight integration with its laboratory information system); expand its digital consultation network; provide new educational capabilities to advance clinical competency testing; and enable enhanced research capabilities with the ability to connect any type of AI algorithm – from 3 rd party vendors or developed in-house. PathPresenter is a secure and scalable multi-tenant enterprise workflow platform that has been developed by pathologists with deep domain knowledge and experience. Trusted by 45+ tier-one institutions, PathPresenter is the most comprehensive suite available for clinical care, remote consultations, education, and research. With expert guidance in storage optimization, tight integration with LIS systems through a proprietary HL7 engine, and robust incorporation of 3 rd party and in-house-built AI algorithms, PathPresenter ensures genuine value to institutions – without the marketing noise. While Cincinnati Children’s doesn’t endorse or sponsor any commercial products, services, or companies, Dr. Jennifer Picarsic, MD, director of Digital Pathology and AP Informatics at Cincinnati Children’s, noted that a successful digital pathology program relies not just on scanning and viewing digital slides, but rather a re-imagined vision for how pathology will be practiced in the future. “As pathology leaders, we seek to build a new digitally integrated workflow that will enhance clinical, education and research opportunities to facilitate new innovations and wider access to our expert pathologists from anywhere in the world,” Picarsic said. Dr. Rajendra Singh, founder of PathPresenter, added “We are honored to work with the excellent clinical and technical teams at Cincinnati Children’s, given their thorough understanding and deep knowledge of what they need from a workflow provider with a complete focus on improving efficiencies ensuring better care of their precious patients. PathPresenter was created to fill in the gaps in use of digital pathology, and this further fulfills our mission.” About PathPresenter PathPresenter is the global image sharing platform for pathology. We are on a mission to help democratize access to the world’s pathology knowledge by connecting pathologists to the vast expertise of their colleagues globally and providing a practical platform to access and use best-in-class AI models. Founded by dermatopathologist and digital pathology pioneer, Dr. Rajendra Singh, PathPresenter has been adopted by 45+ tier one medical institutions for clinical care, remote consultations, education, and research, and has built a thriving community of 50,000+ users in 172 countries to easily view and share digital pathology images and knowledge. For more information visit www.pathpresenter.com. Contact Details Cory Batenchuk +1 873-355-9913 cory@pathpresenter.com Company Website https://pathpresenter.com

December 11, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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