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Microban launches Ascera™: a patent-pending, cutting-edge antimicrobial technology inspired by nature

Microban International

Microban International is pleased to introduce its latest ground-breaking technology – Ascera™. This patent-pending, next generation antimicrobial technology uses an active ingredient inspired by nature*, and is designed for use in olefinic polymers and solvent-based coatings. Ascera is sustainable, metal free and less toxic than alternative technologies, and provides the lifelong antimicrobial product protection that Microban is known for around the world. As the global leader in antimicrobial and odor-control technologies, Microban is committed to the development of solutions that support product sustainability by extending their useful lifetimes. Ascera exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainability by offering lasting product protection while maintaining critical attributes, such as ease of incorporation, safe handling, and good chemical, thermal and UV stability. Ascera will perform for the product’s expected lifetime when applied according to Microban’s standards, effectively inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria to prevent stains and premature aging of the finished product. “Microban has always led the antimicrobial industry with technological innovations that contribute to product sustainability,” said Dr. Souvik Nandi, Vice President of R&D at Microban International. “In the past decade, regulatory and environmental groups have put increasing pressure on many of the antimicrobial chemistries that are currently used. As a result, Microban has invested significant resources in identifying naturally occurring solutions that are more sustainable and effective. We are very proud to roll out Ascera, which represents the culmination of many years of intensive research. This is the first of an exciting series of nature-inspired solutions that we will be launching in the next few years for different market segments and material types.” “As the global leader in antimicrobial, odor-control and surface modification solutions, Microban is always standing at the forefront of the industry. As we work towards our vision of becoming the most trusted brand in ultimate cleanliness and product protection, we want the world to rely on Microban for best-in-class solutions.” Michael Ruby, President of Microban International, said. “Our R&D teams are laser-focused on developing a range of cutting-edge technologies that are nature inspired for the different market sectors we serve. Our partners look to us first for what is next. Ascera will help leading brands to create clean, odor-free and high value end-use products, which their customers will choose to support sustainability and live a clean and refreshing lifestyle." Ascera is available to manufacturers in the U.S. and Asia, along with Microban’s support and expertise. Find out more at https://www.microban.com/antimicrobial-solutions/technologies/ascera and get in touch with a representative today! *The Microban ® technology used in this product is similar to acids found in nature and is used in multiple consumer product applications. Contact Details Audrey Jestin at kdm communications limited, St Neots, UK +44 1480 405333 ideas@kdm-communications.com Company Website https://www.microban.com/

September 13, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Microban launches Ascera™: a patent-pending, cutting-edge antimicrobial technology inspired by nature

Microban International

Microban International is pleased to introduce its latest ground-breaking technology – Ascera™. This patent-pending, next generation antimicrobial technology uses an active ingredient inspired by nature*, and is designed for use in olefinic polymers and solvent-based coatings. Ascera is sustainable, metal free and less toxic than alternative technologies, and provides the lifelong antimicrobial product protection that Microban is known for around the world. As the global leader in antimicrobial and odor-control technologies, Microban is committed to the development of solutions that support product sustainability by extending their useful lifetimes. Ascera exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainability by offering lasting product protection while maintaining critical attributes, such as ease of incorporation, safe handling, and good chemical, thermal and UV stability. Ascera will perform for the product’s expected lifetime when applied according to Microban’s standards, effectively inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria to prevent stains and premature aging of the finished product. “Microban has always led the antimicrobial industry with technological innovations that contribute to product sustainability,” said Dr. Souvik Nandi, Vice President of R&D at Microban International. “In the past decade, regulatory and environmental groups have put increasing pressure on many of the antimicrobial chemistries that are currently used. As a result, Microban has invested significant resources in identifying naturally occurring solutions that are more sustainable and effective. We are very proud to roll out Ascera, which represents the culmination of many years of intensive research. This is the first of an exciting series of nature-inspired solutions that we will be launching in the next few years for different market segments and material types.” “As the global leader in antimicrobial, odor-control and surface modification solutions, Microban is always standing at the forefront of the industry. As we work towards our vision of becoming the most trusted brand in ultimate cleanliness and product protection, we want the world to rely on Microban for best-in-class solutions.” Michael Ruby, President of Microban International, said. “Our R&D teams are laser-focused on developing a range of cutting-edge technologies that are nature inspired for the different market sectors we serve. Our partners look to us first for what is next. Ascera will help leading brands to create clean, odor-free and high value end-use products, which their customers will choose to support sustainability and live a clean and refreshing lifestyle." Ascera is available to manufacturers in the U.S. and Asia, along with Microban’s support and expertise. Find out more at https://www.microban.com/antimicrobial-solutions/technologies/ascera and get in touch with a representative today! *The Microban® technology used in this product is similar to acids found in nature and is used in multiple consumer product applications Contact Details Audrey Jestin at kdm communications limited, St Neots, UK +44 1480 405333 ideas@kdm-communications.com Company Website https://www.microban.com/

September 13, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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What’s Spurring The Growth Of The Psychedelics Market – And How One Company Is Helping As Part Of The Vanguard In This Emerging Field

COMPASS Pathways

By Rachael Green, Benzinga In August, a group of well-known biotech institutional investors participated in an up to almost $300 million financing round for COMPASS Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS), consisting of an initial investment of $125 million and the potential for an additional investment of up to $160 million if the warrants are fully exercised for cash. This will aim to support the phase 3 trials in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and phase 2 programs in anorexia nervosa and PTSD. The news seems like a major tailwind for COMPASS, which sits at the forefront of an emerging psychedelics market growing at an estimated 13.49% compound annual rate and anticipated to balloon from a market cap of $4.87 billion in 2022 to $11.82 billion in 2029. This also marks a major shift in how psychedelic drug development is funded, with more traditional investors eying this novel area of science that has the potential to address large, unmet needs in mental health care – and doing so through the traditional regulatory pathway that would require FDA approval. This financing comes on the heels of additional validation for COMPASS when, in May, the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (the PTAB) upheld two key patents covering COMP360 crystalline psilocybin polymorph A, the polymorph being used by COMPASS in their phase 3 clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Last summer the PTAB denied the institution of post-grant reviews, finding that the challenger failed to establish that the claims in the patents were unpatentable, and in May the PTAB rejected requests for rehearing of these decisions. The Need For Better Options To Combat Mental Health Crisis Spurs Psychedelics Market Momentum Once a relatively fringe area of research, studies involving psychedelics are gradually becoming more common as data continues to reinforce the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, LSD, MDMA and other psychoactive compounds. At the same time, the global mental health crisis has gained increasing attention as the pandemic exacerbated the existing problem and made the need for more diverse treatment options apparent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 26% and 28% of the global population live with anxiety and depression, respectively. Meanwhile, 40 million people have bipolar disorder, 24 million have schizophrenia, and 14 million have an eating disorder. During the pandemic, the crisis reached a tipping point as the number of people contemplating suicide doubled, and the number of suicide attempts increased. The antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics currently available do provide relief for some, but many people must first go through a period of trial and error with different medications before they find the right one and the right dosage. But for some patients – including one-third of patients living with treatment-resistant depression – the right medication doesn’t yet exist. Growing awareness of that reality has made both regulators and researchers more open to exploring the potential of psychedelics. In fact, in June the FDA issued guidance on developing psychedelic medicines. Early results so far are encouraging and have brought new hope to the millions of people around the world struggling with mental illness. Psilocybin has been shown in clinical trials to improve mood, reduce anxiety and lower depression symptoms. In COMPASS's phase 2b trial in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), 30% of patients achieved remission by the third week after taking just one 25-milligram dose of COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support at the start of the trial. At the 12-week follow-up, over 20% of patients were still in remission. Compass Pathways Carves Out A Path For Novel Psilocybin Treatment Compass’s research is focused on psilocybin. Its patented, investigational COMP360 is a synthetic formulation of the psychoactive compound found in psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms. But for COMPASS, it’s not just about developing a novel psychedelic treatment but ensuring that the market infrastructure and regulatory framework exist for any new FDA-approved treatment to reach the patients who need it. To that end, COMPASS has been working on advancing research and laying the groundwork to ensure its COMP360 psilocybin treatment, if approved by regulatory authorities, can be integrated fully and effectively into existing health systems. One of the most recent milestones achieved through that collaborative approach is the addition of new Current Procedural Terminology III (CPT) codes for psychological support during the administration of psychedelic therapies. Taking effect in January 2024, the new CPT codes give healthcare providers a way to document these treatments in medical records and seek reimbursement from payers for psychological support during the administration of any FDA-approved treatment. Topline data from Compass’s first phase 3 trial for treatment-resistant depression is expected in the summer of 2024. A second phase 3 trial for TRD evaluating an alternate dosing regimen for the psilocybin treatment where a second dose is administered in the third week is expected to read out topline data in mid-2025. While its TRD program is the furthest along in the clinical trial process, Compass also has clinical and preclinical programs to evaluate COMP360 as a treatment for anorexia and PTSD, as well as other novel compounds that could treat a variety of mental health conditions. There are also a number of investigator-initiated trials using investigational COMP360 for conditions ranging from major depressive disorder to obsessive-compulsive disorder as well. Company BioCOMPASS Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) is a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health. Our focus is on improving the lives of those who are suffering with mental health challenges and who are not helped by current treatments. We are pioneering the development of a new model of psilocybin therapy, in which our proprietary formulation of synthetic psilocybin, COMP360, is administered in conjunction with psychological support. COMP360 has been designated a Breakthrough Therapy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has received Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) designation in the UK for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We have commenced a phase 3 clinical program of COMP 360 psilocybin therapy in TRD, the largest randomised, controlled, double-blind psilocybin therapy clinical program ever conducted. Previously, we completed a phase 2b study with top line data showing a statistically significant (p<0.001) and clinically relevant improvement in depressive symptom severity after three weeks for patients who received a single high dose of COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support. We are also conducting phase 2 clinical studies of COMP360 psilocybin therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anorexia nervosa. COMPASS is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in New York and San Francisco in the United States. Our vision is a world of mental wellbeing. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Stephen Schultz stephen.schultz@compasspathways.com

September 13, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Poolbeg Pharma "moving forward rapidly" with POLB001

Poolbeg Pharma PLC

Poolbeg Pharma PLC (AIM:POLB, OTCQB:POLBF) CEO Jeremy Skillington speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after announcing the pharma & biotech's interim results for the six months to 30 June 2023. Skillington highlights Poolbeg's "healthy" financial position and attributes it to low operational cash burn and strong financial discipline. Skillington also emphasises cost-effective R&D, citing examples like the LPS challenge study and AI programs that utilise supercomputers for efficiency. They continue to seek non-diluted funding opportunities to support infectious disease programs, following a €2.3 million grant from the Irish government in 2022 for an oral vaccine program. Operational achievements include positive results from a POLB001 LPS human challenge trial, showing potential in treating acute inflammatory conditions and oncology-related issues. The company's collaboration with CytoReason identified valuable drug targets for influenza treatment. Additionally, progress was noted in oral vaccine delivery and clinical trials for an oral GLP-1 agonist. Skillington hinted at new indications for POLB001 in the oncology sector, addressing cytokine release syndrome, a significant market opportunity. Future milestones include RSV dataset validation, oral vaccine encapsulation, and influenza drug target validation. The company remains focused on clinical trial preparations and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, reflecting a proactive approach to advancing their programs. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

September 13, 2023 08:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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BioVie chief social impact officer sees major need for Alzheimer’s support and research

BioVie Inc

BioVie chief social impact officer Sarah Hoit joined Steve Darling from Proactive to talk about the growing need for support for individuals suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and their caregivers, including family members. Hoit emphasized that while research into Alzheimer's treatments and cures is ongoing, it remains a significant challenge. The quest for effective treatments and potential cures is a critical aspect of addressing the Alzheimer's crisis. Hoit addressed how BioVie is helping on the clinical side with a very unique and different approach. Additionally, she shed light on the rising costs associated with Alzheimer's care, which have significant financial implications for both healthcare systems and families. The financial burden of Alzheimer's care often falls on families, and the cost of care can be substantial. Moreover, the interview highlights the importance of brain health throughout one's life, not just in seniors, and the role of epigenetics in controlling around 70% of health outcomes. Hoit also introduced Social Impact Partners, a global brain health initiative, and encourages collaboration between the private sector, nonprofits, and governments to combat the dementia crisis. Overall, the discussion underscored the urgent need for ongoing research, treatment development, and support systems for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. Contact Details Proactive USA +1 347-449-0879 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

September 12, 2023 02:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Willow Bioscience eyes another use for BioOxi platform with R&D of ursodeoxycholic acid

Willow Biosciences Inc.

Willow Bioscience CEO Dr Chris Savile joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce some significant developments within the company. Willow Bioscience specializes in the production of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a vital pharmaceutical ingredient with extensive applications in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. UDCA is notably used in the management and treatment of cholestatic liver diseases and gallstone conditions. Moreover, it serves as a crucial intermediate compound for tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an essential active pharmaceutical ingredient in a recently approved combination therapy for the treatment of ALS in Canada and the United States. In partnership with Sandhill One, LLC, Willow has successfully completed research and development on its UDCA program. This collaborative initiative enabled Willow to optimize a proprietary enzyme necessary for UDCA development. Of particular significance is the achievement of selective C-H hydroxylation at an industrial scale, often regarded as a challenging feat in the field of chemistry. Dr Savile's announcement also extended to the financial front. Willow Bioscience is initiating an offering of convertible debenture units in a non-brokered private placement to raise approximately $1.2 million. Notably, insiders, including members of the Board of Directors and senior management, are expected to subscribe to approximately 50% of the total funds raised. This underscores the strong commitment and confidence that the company's leadership has in Willow's vision and future prospects. These developments indicate that Willow Bioscience is making significant strides in its mission to advance pharmaceutical research and contribute to the development of innovative therapies and treatment options. With a focus on expanding its product portfolio and securing essential funding, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

September 12, 2023 01:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cannabis As Effective As Opioids for Treating Neuropathy Pain, Say Respondents to New Survey

NuggMD

Cannabis may be as effective at treating symptoms of neuropathy as are addictive drugs such as opioids, according to the results of a new survey from NuggMD, the largest telehealth platform for cannabis. Furthermore, according to respondent data, the potency of the cannabis used to treat the condition is more predictive of pain relief than any other variable, including frequency of consumption. This data calls into question the validity of previous research on this subject that used low-potency cannabis. Conducted earlier this year, the survey polled 9,700 cannabis users who have neuropathy and received 603 responses, achieving a confidence level of 95 percent with a 3.87 percent margin of error. The findings were first reported in the cannabis industry outlet Marijuana Moment. Neuropathy is a painful neurological condition that results from nerve damage. The risk of developing neuropathy generally increases with age, and addictive opioids are frequently prescribed to treat its symptoms. However, 10 states list neuropathy as a qualifying medical condition for medicinal cannabis recommendations, and many other states have legal statutes that make cannabis a treatment option for patients who have the condition. “We were not surprised that respondents told us that cannabis is effective for pain relief. What we were surprised by is how much of a factor potency plays in providing that relief among the population that we surveyed,” said Alex Milligan, co-founder and CMO of NuggMD. “Potency may be a more important variable than is commonly understood. We hope that future research further explores the potency factor.” The NuggMD survey included respondents who reported using cannabis with more than 20 percent THC, a potency that is common in both the medical and recreational markets. These respondents reported the greatest levels of relief among survey participants. The positive correlation between potency and pain relief in this survey calls into question the validity of prior studies that used government-grown cannabis, which is generally much lower in potency. Until 2021, government researchers were hamstrung by federal regulations that allowed them to use cannabis from just one source in their research. By contrast, there are many thousands of cannabis varieties available in legal markets, many of which may produce unique clinical effects because of varying chemical profiles, terpenes, and potencies. The NuggMD survey is not a peer-reviewed study and it contains selection bias. It does not provide causal evidence of cannabis being effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Further research into this subject by medical professionals is necessary. NuggMD’s report on the survey was written by Alexandra Arnett, MS, fact-checked by NuggMD legal and policy researcher Deb Tharp, and medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Kessler. The company can provide the full data set of its work to journalists and third-party researchers upon request. About NuggMD NuggMD is the nation's largest medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, 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 +1 646-385-0189 andrew.g@getnugg.com Company Website http://www.nuggmd.com

September 12, 2023 12:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Newly Founded Gynecology Practice Streamlines Patient Bookings and Patient Engagement with eClinicalWorks EHR and healow Solutions

eClinicalWorks

eClinicalWorks ®, the largest ambulatory cloud EHR, today announced the recent successes of Seashore MD — a startup gynecology practice in Manalapan, NJ — leveraging Project Kickstart and healow ® Open Access, the online appointment booking solution. The practice is bringing a multitude of leading health IT solutions to the area and the services are kickstarting the practice's growth. Seashore MD, despite being a new practice, is seeing a surge in appointment booking, with 90% of patients booking appointments through Open Access. In January 2023, the practice had more than 400 appointments booked through Open Access. Open Access allows patients to simply schedule or reschedule through a link on the practice’s website or through their patient portal. With healow, Seashore MD optimized its website for increased accessibility, which is improving patient acquisition and familiarity within the community — two vital aspects of success for a new practice. “Our biggest concern was how we would build our patient network and start booking appointments,” said Adi Smolinsky, MD of SeashoreMD. “With eClinicalWorks EHR and healow, we were able to build out our website and provide patients with a streamlined scheduling experience. New patients can view, schedule, and book an appointment seamlessly with healow Open Access. That’s where Open Access has helped like magic.” In addition to healow solutions, Seashore has access to many leading health IT solutions through Project Kickstart, including: Messenger, used to improve communication and empower patients in their healthcare. PRISMA, the industry’s first health information search engine. With PRISMA, the practice can access and search relevant patient data from hospitals, urgent care centers, primary care providers, specialties, and more. This information is collated into a readable, searchable table or grid view. Scribe ®, an AI-driven speech-to-text voice dictation software, allows for real-time comprehensive notetaking, helping physicians save time to focus on patient encounters. Learn more about Seashore MD’s experience here. About Seashore MD Seashore MD practice was established to address general gynecological care with focus on perimenopausal – menopausal years. Its primary doctor, Dr Smolinsky, is a dedicated and compassionate obstetrician and gynecologist with 20 years of clinical and surgical experience in the field. She has been board certified since 2009, accredited by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. For more information, visit seashoremd.com, or watch its recent customer success video. About eClinicalWorks eClinicalWorks was founded in 1999 to help digitize paper charts for ambulatory practices. Today, eClinicalWorks leads the nation in innovation with cloud-based solutions for Electronic Health Records and Practice Management. In addition, we help ambulatory practices, specialists, health centers, urgent care facilities, and hospital systems manage their revenue cycle, patient relationships, and Population Health initiatives. More than 150,000 providers and nearly 1 million medical professionals rely upon the power and scalability of the eCW Cloud for flexible clinical documentation, better front-office workflows, and more efficient billing driven by Robotic Process Automation. We combine innovation, leading-edge technology, and a commitment to patient safety to enable practices to grow and thrive amid the challenges of 21st-century healthcare. For more information, visit www.eclinicalworks.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or call (866) 888-6929. About healow healow ® is a comprehensive, EHR-agnostic, cloud-based platform for patients, practices, payers, hospitals, and health systems. healow provides Patient Relationship Management, clinical and payer insights, and state-of-the-art interoperability solutions. The PRISMA health information search engine gathers patient records from other EHRs and helps providers focus on the most clinically relevant information at the point of care. healow’s Population Health Management tools, including Remote Patient Monitoring, provide real-time data to deepen understanding of patient populations. And healow Insights automates the bidirectional exchange of data between health plans and providers to improve scores on quality measures, help control costs, and promote better medical outcomes. Learn more at plus.healow.com. ### Contact Details eClinicalWorks Bhakti Shah +1 508-330-6935 Bhakti.Shah@eclinicalworks.com Company Website https://www.eclinicalworks.com/

September 12, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Itaconix targeting "very aggressive growth" during remainder of 2023

Itaconix PLC

Itaconix PLC (LSE:ITX, OTCQB:ITXXF) CEO John Shaw speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive London after the sustainable plant-based polymer company announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023. Shaw gives an overview of the interims, highlighting the achievement of $4 million in revenues, marking their fifth consecutive record. Gross profit margins also increased, and he says the company boasts ample cash reserves for future growth initiatives. Shaw emphasises the significance of growth within their existing customer base, underscoring their commitment to providing a competitive edge through specialty ingredients. Board changes during the reporting period include the addition of seasoned CFO Paul LeBlanc and the appointment of Dr. Peter Nieuwenhuizen as permanent chair. Looking ahead, he says Itaconix aims to secure more consumer brands, with a focus on smaller accounts for sustained revenue growth. Recent fundraising efforts position the company to pursue larger ventures, particularly in the Velafresh and plant-based super absorbent sectors. Shaw anticipates aggressive growth for the remainder of the calendar year, emphasising increased profitability and resources for major new initiatives. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

September 12, 2023 09:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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