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Houston-Based Coya Therapeutics Partners With Multi-Billion Dollar Global Drug Company Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories To License and Commercialize COYA 302

Coya Therapeutics Inc.

By Kenneth Adams, Benzinga Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: COYA) recently announced a worldwide agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY) (NYSE: RDY) (NSEIFSC: DRREDDY), a global pharmaceutical company. Under this agreement, Coya will in-license the proposed Abatacept biosimilar of Dr. Reddy’s for the development of Coya’s combination product for neurodegenerative diseases, COYA 302. It is a dual biologic intended to suppress neuroinflammation via multiple immunomodulatory pathways, for the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. COYA 302 is comprised of two components – COYA 301 and CTLA4-Ig. Coya will develop COYA 301. Under the terms of the Agreement, Coya has been granted an exclusive, royalty-bearing license to Dr. Reddy’s proposed biosimilar Abatacept for the development and commercialization of Coya 302 for the treatment of certain neurological diseases for sale in multiple territories including North and South America, the EU, United Kingdom, and Japan. As consideration for the license, Coya will pay a one-time non-refundable upfront fee to Dr. Reddy’s. In addition, Coya will owe tiered payments to Dr. Reddy’s based upon Coya’s achievement of certain developmental milestones. Coya will also owe royalties to Dr. Reddy’s on Net Sales of Coya 302 within its licensed territory on a tiered basis. The Agreement does not preclude Dr. Reddy’s from launching its proposed biosimilar Abatacept globally for approved indications post regulatory approval. Coya anticipates that it will file an IND for COYA 302 in the 2H of 2023 with the goal of initiating a phase 1b/2 trial in ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ) soon thereafter. The Agreement also provides for the license of Coya 301, Coya’s low dose IL-2 to Dr. Reddy’s to permit the commercialization by Dr. Reddy’s of Coya 302 in territories not otherwise granted to Coya. Coya will receive royalties on Net Sales by Dr. Reddy’s in their territories based on the same tiered structure as Coya owes Dr. Reddy’s. The Agreement also allows Dr. Reddy’s and Coya to enter into a mutually satisfactory commercial supply agreement at an appropriate time. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. About Coya Therapeutics, Inc.Headquartered in Houston, TX, Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: COYA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing proprietary treatments focused on the biology and potential therapeutic advantages of regulatory T cells (“Tregs”) to target systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Dysfunctional Tregs underlie numerous conditions including neurodegenerative, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases, and this cellular dysfunction may lead to a sustained inflammation and oxidative stress resulting in lack of homeostasis of the immune system. Coya’s investigational product candidate pipeline leverages multiple therapeutic modalities aimed at restoring the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions of Tregs. Coya’s therapeutic platforms include Treg-enhancing biologics, Treg-derived exosomes, and autologous Treg cell therapy. Coya’s 300 Series product candidates, COYA 301 and COYA 302, are biologic therapies intended to enhance Treg function and expand Treg numbers. COYA 301 is a cytokine biologic for subcutaneous administration intended to enhance Treg function and expand Treg numbers in vivo, and COYA 302 is a biologic combination for subcutaneous and/or intravenous administration intended to enhance Treg function while depleting T effector function and activated macrophages. These two mechanisms may be additive or synergistic in suppressing inflammation. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice Contact Details David S. Snyder David@coyatherapeutics.com Company Website https://coyatherapeutics.com/

March 21, 2023 09:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Aqua Cultured Foods to Begin Consumer Tastings of Alt-Seafood

AquaCultured Foods

Food tech startup Aqua Cultured Foods today announced it will begin consumer tastings of its seafood alternatives at its Chicago facility in advance of launching publicly through chef partners and foodservice distributors. Aqua will offer participants Aqua tuna rolls, shrimp dumplings and scallop crudo, and solicit feedback. Tastings will be held in Aqua’s West Loop, Chicago headquarters beginning in early April. Aqua is developing a range of alt-seafood from proprietary mycoprotein fermentation processes. A unique strain of fungi transforms plant-based ingredients into “seafood” with a realistic taste, texture, and appearance that can be used as a one-to-one replacement for animal seafood. The company is also producing minced fillings for applications such as dumplings, ravioli, and sushi rolls. “Public tasting events will help us fine-tune products and learn what preparations are most successful, which will also help us create new menu items with chef and restaurant partners,” said Aqua CEO Anne Palermo. “Participants should arrive hungry and prepare to be wowed, because they’ve never had plant-based seafood that’s this delicious and this convincing.” Those interested in joining a tasting panel can sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aqua-customer-taste-panels-tickets-565576212677?aff=Newsletter. Aqua’s calamari, shrimp, scallops, and filets of tuna and whitefish are created using fermentation processes that do not use any animal inputs, genetic altering or modification. Unlike plant-based processed foods formulated with starches and protein isolates, Aqua’s alt-seafood retains its naturally occurring fiber, protein, and other micronutrients. The rising demand for seafood has led to depleted fish populations, ecosystem damage, plastic waste, and unintended “bycatch” of non-target species due to commercial fishing. As fish farming increases, so does habitat destruction, pollution and diseases in wild fish populations, and the industry’s reliance on antibiotics and wild-caught fish for feed. For images visit https://app.box.com/s/wfbrvgraf2ty2b7by5h6ahjsaqrd8zx3. About Aqua Cultured Foods Aqua Cultured Foods is an innovative food technology startup developing the world’s first whole-muscle cut seafood alternatives created through microbial fermentation. Its novel technology produces a sustainable, complete protein source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional aquaculture. As the first to develop realistic alt-seafood with fermentation, Aqua Cultured Foods occupies a unique position in the burgeoning alt-seafood market, as well as within the fermentation industry. The company’s mission is to mitigate global challenges such as overfishing, climate change and feeding the world’s expanding population with delicious, nutrient-rich foods. For more information visit https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com. Contact Details Evolotus PR Gary Smith +1 818-783-0569 gary@evolotuspr.com Company Website https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com

March 21, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Axis Medicare Advisors Partners with AmeriLife to Accelerate Growth

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 Louisville, Ky.-based Axis Medicare Advisors, one of the nation’s top designers and distributors of market-leading Medicare Supplement and ancillary health products for Aetna. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Our business was built on ‘trust,’ and today, I’m excited to announce that we, too, have found a trusted partner in AmeriLife to propel Axis forward,” said James “Jamie” Sarno, president and CEO of Axis Medicare Advisors. “Our team is excited to join this industry leader. We look forward to tapping into AmeriLife’s incredible leadership and resources to continue delivering excellence for Axis agents and their clients.” Founded in 1991, Axis has grown from a small outfit into a leading Medicare solutions shop known for its deep Medicare Supplement and ancillary health product portfolio, best-in-class customer service, and expert knowledge of the evolving and complex Medicare space. Now, Axis will have full access to AmeriLife’s best-in-class technology, tools and resources and leading distribution platform, positioning it for significant growth and long-term success. Relatedly, Sarno will join AmeriLife as vice president of Medicare Supplement and Specialty Health and will report to AmeriLife’s Chief Distribution Officer of Health, Scotty Elliott, effective April 3. Sarno brings over 35 years of experience in the Medicare Supplement market to AmeriLife, and as a national advisor for Aetna, he has supported the design of proprietary products that remain core to AmeriLife’s holistic health offering. With Sarno’s departure, Ronnie Lapinsky will assume day-to-day operational oversight of Axis. “Ronnie has been a loyal friend and valuable asset at Axis for more than 21 years,” added Sarno. “There’s no one better suited to continue Axis’s legacy of protecting seniors and helping them with the ever-changing landscape of Medicare.” “We’re thrilled to welcome Axis Medicare Advisors to AmeriLife’s Health family and, at the same time, Jamie to our growing Health leadership bench,” said Elliott. “Both represent the continued, incredible run of growth for our Health distribution. We can’t wait to work with Jamie to elevate our Medicare Supplement and health specialty strategy while also helping Ronnie and his team at Axis expand and grow their business to new heights.” ### 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 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. About Axis Medicare Advisors Founded in 1991 and based in Louisville, Ky., Axis Medicare Advisors is a leading Medicare and specialty health insurance agency serving seniors nationwide. Axis’s team of professionals offers unparalleled customer support, expert advice and a portfolio of health solutions from some of the biggest insurance carriers in the market. For more information, visit AxisMedicareAdvisors.com. Contact Details Media Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols +1 727-726-0726 pnichols@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

March 21, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

KORECONX PRESENTS AT LSI EMERGING MEDTECH SUMMIT CONNECTING INNOVATORS & INVESTORS

KoreconX

KoreConX is pleased to announce once again its supporting sponsorship for the LSI Emerging Medtech Summit 2023, which takes place in Dana Point, California, starting next week. This is the first edition of the year, with the mission to connect innovators and investors. Oscar A Jofre, Co-founder and CEO of KoreConX, is a proud sponsor, supporter and speaker at the event. “Both KoreConX and Life Science Intelligence (LSI) are innovator’s companies. That is why it is so natural for us to be connected. Companies need to raise capital compliantly to keep the medtech ecosystem blooming, and we can definitely help. We want to be part of the solution”. LSI is part of the medtech ecosystem led by KoreConX. This ecosystem brings experts together in driving innovation while helping medtech leaders access the community, capital and insights to enable growth. As an essential part of this vertical, LSI’s team of market researchers, economists, and analysts provides valuable insights and data to help investors and executives make informed decisions. LSI Emerging Medtech Summit 2023 will take place from March 20th to 23rd, and attendees can participate in person or online. Registration is still open on the website, with limited spots remaining. For the full schedule, speakers and keynotes, as well as for any registrations, visit the event website. About KoreConX Founded in 2016, KoreConX is the first secure, All-In-One platform that manages private companies' capital market activity and stakeholder communications. With an innovative approach and to ensure compliance with securities regulations and corporate law, KoreConX offers a single environment to connect companies to the capital markets and now secondary markets. Additionally, investors, broker-dealers, law firms, accountants and investor acquisition firms, all leverage our eco-system solution. Founded in 2016, KoreConX provides the first secure online infrastructure for private companies to conveniently and compliantly manage every aspect of their capital market activities, from issuing securities to shareholder relations. Investors, broker-dealers, law firms, accountants, and investor acquisition firms all leverage our ecosystem solution. KoreConX also maintains a large online library of educational content to help companies navigate their capital-raising journey. Contact Details Rafael Goncalves +1 888-885-0881 rafael@koreconx.com Company Website https://www.koreconx.com

March 20, 2023 03:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

NuggMD Launches Its Leading Marijuana Telemedicine Service in Louisiana

NuggMD

NuggMD, the nation's leading medical marijuana telemedicine platform, today announced it has launched its service in Louisiana. For $179, Louisiana residents can now use NuggMD’s platform to speak with a medical professional and access cannabis to treat qualifying medical conditions. As in some other states, medical cannabis is legal in Louisiana, but the implementation of the law has been slow, which has created uncertainty and inconsistencies for both businesses and consumers. Louisiana legislators passed H.B.697 last summer, which allows physicians to recommend cannabis via telemedicine for both follow-up and initial evaluations. However, the state’s medical board refused to change regulations to fully enact the new legislation, citing sections of existing law that it claimed conflicted with the legislative intent of the Act. Legislators spent months in tense debate with the medical board, attempting to convince it to allow physicians to use telemedicine for cannabis recommendations, as the law stipulates. Upon reaching an impasse, State Rep. Joseph Marino (I) sent a request to Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry objecting to the board's stance and requesting an opinion. Landry's response was that the law is clear and that a physician may see a patient via telemedicine if they deem it medically appropriate and follow all other guidance. In his opinion, Landry responded by pointing out that: The distinction between a recommendation and a prescription is valid and was affirmed by case law. Therefore, the prohibition against prescribing certain controlled substances via telemedicine does not apply to the recommendation of marijuana. The legislature clearly intended to make this distinction when it changed the state's medical marijuana laws to remove the references to "prescribing" cannabis and replace them with "recommending" cannabis. "Stated succinctly," he wrote, "neither Louisiana's statutory law nor the regulations promulgated by LSBME currently require physicians to conduct an in-person visit prior to recommending therapeutic marijuana to a patient through telemedicine." Alex Milligan, co-founder and CMO of NuggMD, commented, "Attorney General Landry's clarification is commendable because it finally allows physicians to deliver care to patients in a safe way that eliminates risk from unnecessary exposure to illness and difficult travel." “It's not uncommon to see regulators push back on bold new legislation, especially in an area as contentious as cannabis. When a regulatory environment is constantly in flux, businesses have to make difficult decisions about how and where to operate in light of these constantly changing directives. This holds true for most any industry, not just cannabis," said Milligan. NuggMD co-founder and CEO Kim Babazade added, "We chose to wait to offer our platform to physicians in Louisiana until we had complete clarity on this issue. Our physicians and patients are the most important consideration for us, so we strongly focus on compliance for everyone's protection." NuggMD's platform is available from 8 am until 10 pm local time, seven days a week. No appointment is needed, and patients who are deemed not to qualify for Louisiana’s medical cannabis program won't be charged for their evaluation. Since its founding in 2015, NuggMD has helped more than 1,000,000 patients access medical marijuana in nearly half of the nation's states. About NuggMD NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. They've connected over 1,000,000 patients face-to-face with their new medical marijuana doctors via their state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. They believe every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore every option in their journey to wellness. For further information, visit NuggMD.com. Contact Details Andrew Graham andrew.g@getnugg.com Company Website http://www.nuggmd.com

March 20, 2023 12:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time

A Company With Solutions Against Emerging COVID Variants And Other Viral Infections To Combat Future Pandemic Threats

NanoViricides, Inc.

By Ernest Dela Aglanu, Benzinga With the COVID pandemic still ongoing, having claimed more than 6.8 million lives from about 758 million cases and crippling the global economy, there are several reasons why drug research and development related to the COVID virus remains highly relevant and necessary. Ongoing drug development by companies such as NanoViricides Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN: NNVC) is vital because new variants of the virus keep emerging and viral infections, hospitalizations and deaths continue at a much greater rate than even pandemic influenza years despite the roll-out of vaccines from players like Novavax Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX), Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA), Oxford– AstraZeneca plc (LON: AZN), and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE)–BioNTech As new virus variants continue to develop, researchers must stay ahead of the curve to identify and combat them. Given the fast-evolving nature of the virus, early detection of these new variants is thought to be crucial in controlling their spread and preventing further outbreaks. However, with significantly reduced testing worldwide, it is now widely understood that a new damaging variant may not be readily identified before it spreads. Even after 3 years of pandemic, do we have effective drugs that could stop the next variant? Unfortunately, we don’t have even one safe and effective drug that does not come with a lot of limitations. This is why the need to treat current infections and also to better prepare for future pandemics has spurred a new wave of investment and interest in COVID research and development. NanoViricides has recently reported that it is very close to testing its drug candidate NV-CoV-2 to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection in human clinical trials. Thus the Company is nearing an inflection point in its lifecycle, with the first clinical trials of its unique and novel nanomedicines platform. Human clinical trials are now becoming imminent — NanoViricides will no longer be a R&D/Drug Discovery company, but will soon become a clinical-stage pharma company. Traders and investors are taking note of what could be a unique opportunity. NanoViricides, a growing innovator in nanomedicine and antiviral therapies, has been maturing its nanomedicine technology in developing drugs against many viruses for over 15 years, and their most recent developments could potentially prove to be market-disrupting with implications for treating dozens of viruses worldwide. All these years of research and development are coming together for NanoViricides, now, positioning it to potentially become a major player in the antivirals space. NanoViricides has reported: A platform technology that enables it to develop drugs rapidly against many viruses as shown with many candidates in pre-clinical studies against a number of viruses. Technology to make drugs that variants of the virus cannot escape because no matter how much the virus changes, it uses the same receptor, and this company’s technology for first-in-class drugs is based on making copies of that unique receptor. A novel mechanism of action, enabling first-in-class drugs against viruses. Technology to make broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. For example, the company has shown in preclinical studies that its COVID drug works against all the tested coronaviruses. The ability to manufacture first-in-class drugs at scale to make finished drug products for clinical trials of their lead candidate against COVID in its own cGMP compliant manufacturing facility. The COVID drug, NV-CoV-2, has been formulated and tested in the form of Oral Gummies, and also as Oral Syrup - to help COVID-positive patients, including children and older patients who need more accessible treatments. Read the latest report on NanoViricides here. Dosing And Effectiveness NV-CoV-2 Reportedly Superior An additional problem for current COVID cases is that available COVID drugs like remdesivir by Gilead (NASDAQ: GILD), molnupiravir by Merck (NYSE: MRK), and to a lesser extent, Paxlovid by Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) face the challenge of limited dosing for safety reasons — which is a part of why they have limited effectiveness and limitations on use — increasing dosage would not give increased benefit thus limiting the drugs’ capability. Unlike these drugs, the very high safety numbers that NV-CoV-2 has demonstrated in rat studies indicate that patients might be able to take more of the Company’s COVID drug to achieve greater effectiveness when their sickness is more severe. This is expected to be validated in imminent human clinical trials. Once NanoViricides proves that its COVID drug is safe in clinical trials, the company’s entire platform of nanotechnology would essentially be validated as being capable of developing safe drugs. Additionally, assuming NanoViricides demonstrates strong effectiveness of the COVID drug in clinical trials, similar to the strong effectiveness they have reported in their pre-clinical studies, that would validate the Company’s pre-clinical approach in studying effectiveness for developing clinical candidates, and will likely have strong positive implications for the other drug candidates in their pipeline too. As NanoViricides’ reported effective and safe solutions for battling against the COVID pandemic move into the clinic, heralding its official entry as a pharmaceutical drug maker, the story doesn’t stop there. Once the platform is proven, the Company could be well positioned to develop solutions to battle other current and future pandemics as well. The company has drugs nearing clinical stage for treating Shingles and Herpes Viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2). And it says it will be forging ahead to further develop candidates to battle HIV, Ebola/Marburg, Monkeypox, and other viruses. With the global antiviral therapy market valued at $48.1 billion in 2018 and estimated to garner $79.8 billion by 2026, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2019 to 2026, NanoViricides could be strategically placed to participate in such significant market size and growth while potentially revolutionize the industry with the Company’s unique biomimetic technology. Head to https://profiles.smallcapsdaily.com/nnvc/ to read more about NanoViricides’ technology. This article originally appeared on Benzinga here. About NanoViricides NanoViricides, Inc. (the "Company") (www.nanoviricides.com) is a development stage company that is creating special purpose nanomaterials for antiviral therapy. The Company's novel nanoviricide® class of drug candidates are designed to specifically attack enveloped virus particles and to dismantle them. Our lead drug candidate is NV-HHV-101 with its first indication as dermal topical cream for the treatment of shingles rash. In addition, we are developing a clinical candidate for the treatment of COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The Company cannot project an exact date for filing an IND for this drug because of its dependence on a number of external collaborators and consultants.The Company is now working on tasks for completing an IND application. The Company is currently pursuing two separate drug candidates for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. NV-CoV-2 is our nanoviricide drug candidate that does not encapsulate Remdesivir. NV-CoV-2-R is our other drug candidate that is made up of NV-CoV-2 with Remdesivir encapsulated in it. The Company believes that since Remdesivir is already US FDA approved, our drug candidate encapsulating Remdesivir is likely to be an approvable drug, if safety is comparable. Remdesivir is developed by Gilead. The Company has developed both of its own drug candidates NV-CoV-2 and NV-CoV-2-R independently.The Company intends to re-engage into an IND application to the US FDA for NV-HHV-101 drug candidate for the treatment of shingles once its COVID-19 project moves into clinical trials, based on resources availability. The NV-HHV-101 program was slowed down because of the effects of recent COVID-19 restrictions, and re-prioritization for COVID-19 drug development work.The Company is also developing drugs against a number of viral diseases including oral and genital Herpes, viral diseases of the eye including EKC and herpes keratitis, H1N1 swine flu, H5N1 bird flu, seasonal Influenza, HIV, Hepatitis C, Rabies, Dengue fever, and Ebola virus, among others. NanoViricides' platform technology and programs are based on the TheraCour® nanomedicine technology of TheraCour, which TheraCour licenses from AllExcel. NanoViricides holds a worldwide exclusive perpetual license to this technology for several drugs with specific targeting mechanisms in perpetuity for the treatment of the following human viral diseases: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Rabies, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), Influenza and Asian Bird Flu Virus, Dengue viruses, Japanese Encephalitis virus, West Nile Virus, Ebola/Marburg viruses, and certain Coronaviruses. The Company intends to obtain a license for poxviruses if the initial research is successful. The Company's technology is based on broad, exclusive, sub-licensable, field licenses to drugs developed in these areas from TheraCour Pharma, Inc. The Company's business model is based on licensing technology from TheraCour Pharma Inc. for specific application verticals of specific viruses, as established at its foundation in 2005. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details NanoViricides, Inc. +1 203-937-6137 info@nanoviricides.com Company Website http://www.nanoviricides.com

March 20, 2023 09:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Hong Kong Baptist University-led research unveils cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target for COVID-19

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 20 March 2023 - A study led by scientists from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has identified a protease called MT1-MMP that is a major host factor behind the infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the human body, which leads to the infection of COVID-19 and multi-organ failure. By applying a humanised antibody called 3A2 that can inhibit the activity of MT1-MMP, the viral load of infected mice was reduced by almost 90%. The research team also demonstrated that the protease is a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19. Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor, and Dr Guo Xuanming, researcher of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine, introduce the research findings on the cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target for COVID-19. The research findings have been published in the internationally renowned scientific journal Nature Communications. ACE2 as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry Vaccination can protect people against COVID-19 and its potential complications, but it is not always effective in individuals with weak immune systems, or against some COVID-19 variants of concern. Thus, the development of a more effective treatment for COVID-19 remains a huge challenge in the post-vaccine era. Understanding the cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 is vital to curb the spread of the virus, and it will also aid the search for new COVID-19 treatments. SARS-CoV-2 requires angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a protein found on the membrane of human cells, as its receptor for cellular entry. Despite the lungs being the major organ affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection, only a small proportion of lung cells express ACE2. Previous studies found that the infection of organs with low levels of ACE2 expression by SARS-CoV-2 is made possible by a soluble form of ACE2. The soluble ACE2 binds with SARS-CoV-2, carries the virus to cells with low levels of ACE2 expression, and facilitates its entry into the cells. MT1-MMP mediates cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 A research team led by Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, in collaboration with Dr Yuan Shuofeng, Assistant Professor of the Department of Microbiology at The University of Hong Kong, further studied how the physiological regulation of soluble ACE2 shedding contributes to the aetiology of COVID-19. The team found that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to the increased activation of MT1-MMP, a protease crucial for many physiological processes. MT1-MMP mediates the release of soluble ACE2 from ACE2-expressing cells. This soluble ACE2 in turn binds to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and carries it to the uninfected cells with low levels of ACE2 expression. Notably, the team demonstrated that the introduction of human-soluble ACE2 enables SARS-CoV-2 to infect the lungs of a laboratory mouse strain (C57BL/6 mice) that is naturally insusceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the incompatibility of its mouse ACE2 and the viral spike proteins. The findings unveil the mechanism by which the virus hijacks host enzymes to enhance its infectivity, triggering multi-organ infections. Antibody 3A2 blocks MT1-MMP activity To study MT1-MMP's functions and how it affects viral infection, the researchers used human cells to create organoids, a 3D tissue structure grown in vitro to resemble and model different organs in the laboratory. They discovered that blocking MT1-MMP activity with the monoclonal antibody 3A2 effectively depleted soluble ACE2 levels and reduced the degree of infection of SARS-CoV-2 in human lung, heart and liver organoids by 60-80%. Consistent results were obtained using the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, as well as variants of concern, such as Delta and Omicron. The results demonstrate that MT1-MMP is a major host factor that mediates the cell entry of SARS-CoV-2, and that it is also a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 drugs. The researchers further tested the effects of applying 3A2 in a mouse COVID-19 model. A group of 11 mice were treated with either 3A2 or vehicle controls. Older mice were used in the experiment as old age is a major risk factor for severe symptoms and mortality for COVID-19. The results show that 3A2 reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 by almost 90% and dramatically alleviated lung tissue damage resulting from infection. MT1-MMP as a therapeutic target Dr Wong said: "Two major challenges when it comes to developing COVID-19 drugs are how to enhance treatment results for patients with weakened immune systems, and how to maintain the drugs' effectiveness across different viral strains. 3A2 has good potential to become an effective drug for curing COVID-19 because it antagonises the activity of MT1-MMP, instead of boosting the immunity of patients or acting directly on the virus. "Our previous studies have demonstrated that 3A2 also offers protection against obesity and diabetes, two major risk factors for severe symptoms and mortality for COVID-19. Therefore, 3A2 could be particularly suitable for high-risk groups, including older adults and people with metabolic disorders. It could also be effective against emerging coronaviruses in the future, because ACE2 is a doorway for many such viruses with similar cell entry mechanisms. Further research and experiments on 3A2 are required before it can be applied in humans." Contact Details Communication and Public Relations Office Christina Wu christinawu@hkbu.edu.hk

March 20, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kadimastem Earns FDA Approval of its IND Application For its US Multi-Site Phase IIa Clinical Trial of AstroRx® to Treat ALS

Kadimastem Ltd.

Kadimastem Ltd. (TASE: KDST), a clinical stage cell therapy company, developing and manufacturing "off-the-shelf" allogeneic cell products using its platform technology to develop treatments for different neurodegenerative diseases and a potential cure for diabetes, has received FDA clearance to commence a phase IIa clinical trial in the US according to the Investigational New Drug (IND) application that was submitted in February 2023. The trial will test its lead neurological cell therapy product AstroRx ® in repeated dosing of three-month intervals for the treatment of patients with ALS. The planned clinical trial follows a first in human phase I/IIa clinical trial previously conducted by the company in Israel, in which AstroRx® was injected into the spinal cord fluid using a standard lumbar puncture procedure. In this phase I/IIa clinical trial Kadimastem demonstrated a good safety profile and clinically meaningful decline in the disease progression during the first 3-months follow-up period. AstroRx® contains functional, healthy astrocytes (nervous system supporting cells) differentiated from human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC) that aim to support the survival of diseased motor neurons through several mechanisms of action. The treatment’s goal is to nourish and support the malfunctioning motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord of patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), to significantly slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life and life expectancy of the treated patients. Kadimastem CEO Asaf Shiloni said, “The FDA approval for this multi-site clinical trial is a major achievement for us and is a recognition of our professional, clinical and scientific abilities. I’d like to congratulate our dedicated team on this extremely important landmark, which is an enormous milestone that brings great hope for the future of the ALS patients as well as our supporters and investors.” Kadimastem Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Professor Michel Revel said, “The approval of submission of the IND to the FDA is a major achievement and moment of pride for me in the company that I have founded years ago, with an amazing team. It is very exciting, and we eagerly await to start this trial and wish to help ALS patients as soon as possible.” About AstroRx ® & ALS Kadimastem’s flagship product, AstroRx®, is a breakthrough technology that is comprised of a unique and large cell population of astrocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells. The cells are intended to support the survival of motoneurons (neurons the control the motor-capability) in the central nervous system (CNS, brain and spinal cord). AstroRx® enables the transplantation of healthy astrocytes into the CNS of the ALS patient and an improvement in the protection of the motoneurons. In December 2020, Kadimastem announced the results Kadimastem (TASE:KDST) is a clinical stage biotechnology company, with a unique platform for cell therapy that enables the production of off-the-shelf cell-based products for the treatment of unmet medical needs. of the first of its kind, Phase I/IIa clinical trial, in which healthy and functioning astrocyte cells (AstroRx®) were injected into the spinal fluid of 10 ALS patients. Data showed that AstroRx® has the potential to slow the progression of ALS, as indicated by a clinical score called ALSFRS-R. Kadimastem plans to test repeated doses every three months of AstroRx® to achieve a continuous delay of the disease. This document may include forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. Forward-looking information is uncertain and mostly is not under the Company's control and the realization or non-realization of forward-looking information will be affected, among other things, by the risk factors characterizing the Company's activity, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors affecting the Company's activity. The Company's results and achievements in the future may differ materially from any presented herein and the Company makes no undertaking to update or revise such projection or estimate and does not undertake to update this document. This document does not constitute a proposal to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. Investment in securities in general and in the Company in particular bears risks. One should consider that past performance does not necessarily indicate performance in the future. Contact Details Kadimastem Sarah Bazak +972 73-797-1601 s.bazak@kadimastem.com GOTLIVE Media Group Lior Gottlieb +972 50-920-0194 lior@gotlive-ir.co.il Company Website https://www.kadimastem.com/

March 20, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

AMERICAN DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS CORP (OTC: ADHC) REACHES AGREEMENT FOR COMPREHENSIVE TRANSITION OF ALL BUSINESS OPERATIONS

American Diversified Holdings Corp.

McapMediaWire -- American Diversified Holdings Corporation (OTC: ADHC ) announced today that the Company has filed its quarterly financials ending in 1-31-23. The filing can be found at www.otcmarkets.com under the ticker symbol "ADHC". Additionally plans to divest of all operating business have been initiated in anticipation of a comprehensive transition of all company operations. Agreements have been reached for a new CEO, a New Advisory Board and a new operating business. Additionally, ADHC management has been advised by litigation counsel that a judicial order cancelling 325 mm shares of common stock is expected imminently. Parties a have agreed to refrain from publicizing any details of these agreements until formal execution has taken place. It is anticipated that all developments should be consummated in April, 2023. ADHC has filed suit in The Eight Judicial Circuit Court, Clark County, Nevada case, Number A-21-843-670, seeking the cancellation of 325,000,000 (325 MM) shares of common stock. On January 6, 2023, the court granted the motion for default and will be issuing the formal order soon. The signed court order granting default judgment is the final legal step before all litigation is resolved. Currently, ADHC capitalization structure is as follows: Shares Outstanding: 1.1 billion Shares Restricted: 600 million Shares in the Float: 504 million GLOBAL CBD PET INDUSTRY OVERVIEW: GLOBAL CBD PET MARKET: $198MM 2022; $248MM 2023; $2 BILLION 2030 ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 31.8 % COMPOUNDED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE E-COMMERCE SEGMENT: 42% OF REVENUES INDICATION: JOINT PAIN, ANXIETY/STRESS, EPILEPSY, GENERAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS see https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cannabidiol-pet-market About ADHC: American Diversified Holdings Corporation (OTC: ADHC) is a publicly traded holding company trading under the ticker symbol "ADHC". Investor Contact: Ernest Remo Chairman/CEO EMAIL: ernestremo@san.rr.com Tel: 858-259-4534 TWITTER: @ADHCManagement. This Twitter page is the only official Twitter page for ADHC. Information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or future financial performance, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to be materially different from the performance or achievements expressed. You should not place undue reliance on these statements since they involve known and unknown risks, in some cases, beyond our control. Contact Details Ernest Remo +1 858-259-4534 ernestremo@san.rr.com Company Website https://rollschoiceadhesive.com/

March 20, 2023 06:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Healthcare