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Biofuel Stock Addresses High Fuel Costs in Caribbean

Thu 23 May 2013 10:10:20 MST

Islands may provide a relaxing getaway from civilization, but being located in remote areas of the world has its drawbacks. In Anguilla, for example, electricity prices have soared to $0.63 per kilowatt-hour (“kWh”), leaving many citizens of the country unable to pay their bills. The country’s power company has even been forced to blackout certain areas of the country.

Caribbean countries like Anguilla and Aruba face these hurdles because the majority of their power comes from diesel generators. With the rising cost of diesel fuel adding to already high importation costs, prices of electricity and transportation fuels have risen dramatically over the past several years, causing big problems for citizens and governments.

Moving Towards Biofuels

There are many potential solutions to these problems – ranging from solar power to biomass production – but transitioning to biodiesel may represent the easiest option. Biodiesel fuels can be produced using a variety of inputs – such as used cooking oils and other non-food based crops – and function in existing diesel generators without significant modifications.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”), biodiesel operating costs average approximately 31 cents per gallon, exclusive of oil or grease and energy. The use of cooking oils and other waste feedstocks can help reduce the overall cost enough to make these renewable fuels very price competitive with diesel that’s priced at $4.00+ per gallon.

BioFuel Aruba is one firm working towards addressing these concerns by promoting biofuel usage in Aruba. Founded by biodiesel activist Gregory Fung-A-Fat, the company’s goal is to convert used cooking oil from the country’s restaurants into biodiesel for use in mass-transit and transportation end markets, as well as for the production of electricity.

Methes’ New Agreement

Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL), a renewable energy company that offers an array of products and services to biodiesel fuel producers, recently signed a Purchase and Cooperation Agreement with BioFuel Aruba to initially provide one Denami 600 biodiesel processor for use within the country to meet these needs.

The Denami 600 biodiesel processor is capable of processing 158 gallons per hour of continuous flow and producing approximately 1.3 million gallons per year of biodiesel. With a footprint of just 16’ x 11’, the processor can be easily installed in any location and comes with a methanol recovery system that’s ASME/TSSA and UL/ULC approved.

With pilot project agreements with Aruba Airports Authority and the public transit company Arubus BV, BioFuel Aruba has an existing presence that it plans to expand moving into the third quarter of 2013. The two companies are also working with the country’s government to develop a biofuels mandate to be incorporated into national energy policy.

Investment Opportunity

Methes Energies represents an attractive investment opportunity, with a market capitalization of just $25 million. Aside from selling its Denami processors in places like Aruba, the company operates its own biodiesel production facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and is ramping up production at its new facility in Sombra, Ontario, Canada.

The company believes that small and medium scale biodiesel producers will be the fastest growing segment in the market, which leaves it uniquely positioned with its network of customers and two of its own medium-scale facilities. Combined, these two businesses could generate significant value for shareholders over the coming quarters.

Kinbasha (KNBA) Offers Appealing Entry to Japanese Gaming Industry

Wed 22 May 2013 09:32:14 MST

Emerging Company in Multi-Billion Dollar Industry Poised to Benefit from Strategic Growth Initiatives, Improving Japanese Economy

Western investors interested in uncovering opportunities in the Japanese marketplace might first look to the country’s celebrated electronics, entertainment or engineering industries – after all, companies like Sony (NYSE: SNE), Nintendo (NASDAQ: NTDOY) and Honda (NYSE: HMC) are global giants for a reason. But, investors who are interested in value as well as leadership may find it even more rewarding to investigate the country’s gaming industry. As in the United States, gaming in Japan is enormous – the industry generates over $200 billion in gross wagers annually. Unlike the U.S., however, where the business is generally concentrated in gambling-focused markets, Japanese gaming centers are located in virtually every community nationwide, with small chains and single-location operators accounting for a considerable proportion of facilities. In Japan, gaming establishments can be found on every corner, much like a “Starbucks”, as opposed to being relegated to areas like Las Vegas or Macau. These gaming locations, known as pachinko parlors, allow players to play both pachinko, which is played on a device that resembles a vertical pinball machine, and pachislo, which resembles a western style slot machine. In fact, Japan is the world's largest market for slot machines, with 1.4 million slot machines compared to 853,000 in the United States.

The fragmented nature of the Japanese gaming market creates significant opportunity for companies to increase market share through acquisitions and organic growth – typically very appealing prospects for investors everywhere. For American investors, however, there are limited points of entry into the marketplace – with one notable exception: Kinbasha Gaming International, Inc. (OTCQX: KNBA). As the only Japanese gaming security currently traded publicly in the U.S., Kinbasha may be an attractive position for those seeking to benefit from its plans to capitalize on Japanese market dynamics, reinforce a leadership position and build a national gaming franchise in this rapidly consolidating industry.

From a quantitative perspective, Kinbasha offers investors value through a surprisingly low price-sales multiple – the company is currently valued at 0.12X annualized revenue of more than $90 million, while the U.S. gaming industry is valued at roughly 2.2X, according to recent Morningstar valuation data. Importantly, the company couples that with an executional strategy that is designed specifically to grow its multiple, and investment review firm Murphy Analytics suggests it could rise to 0.3X, or as much as three times its current multiple over the next year.

Considering the popularity of pachinko in Japan, such expectations are not unfounded. According to Tokyo’s Ichiyoshi Research institute, pachinko is the country’s leading leisure industry, which may account for the nearly quarter of a trillion dollars in wagers in 2012. The Wall Street Journal has taken notice, as well, reporting in July 2012 that the pachinko market is five times the size of the Las Vegas gambling industry.

To anyone unfamiliar with pachinko, the game combines the latest in hi-res graphics and sound with a vertical form factor similar to a slot machine, as players attempt to win metal balls in exchange for prizes, such as cigarettes, candy and other merchandise, or a ‘special prize’ that can be exchanged for money. In parlors across Japan, from railway stations to shopping malls and beyond, players are spending billions of dollars per year mastering the game, making it Japan’s largest leisure activity. Despite the industry’s size, there are relatively few pachinko operators that have successfully forged national brands. That is what makes Kinbasha attractive to so many – it is executing a forward-looking operational strategy that is consistent with what one would expect from a company seeking to build a larger national presence. With more than $90 million in annualized revenue, Kinbasha’s current valuation of $12 million may be due, in part, to a high level of long term debt, which is a common characteristic for many Japanese companies. With the economic effects of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami now behind it, KNBA is implementing a highly detailed plan to strengthen its market position while increasing top line revenue and carefully managing expenses. Progress has been made on the debt front, with KNBA announcing that it reached a $6 million debt settlement agreement with Star Bank this past February, resulting in a net gain of approximately $5.2 million.

Industry-wide trends for performance are also favorable. Key market leaders, for example, have generated an annual average operating margin of more than 19% since 2011, as taken from data reported by Advanced Research Japan, an independent equity research firm specializing in Japanese equities. Due to the compact nature of the parlors and the small footprint of pachinko machines, successful operators can monetize nearly every square foot of space. And since the gaming parlors are open 365 days a year, the cash flow from the business is relatively stable and consistent compared to Western counterparts. Furthermore, unlike locations such as Las Vegas or Atlantic City, there is no special gaming tax imposed on Japanese Pachinko operators.

Kinbasha is keenly aware of market dynamics in Japan – the company has been in business for more than 50 years – and is highly skilled at adjusting its practices to appeal to changing demographics. For example, retirees now make up 25% of Japan’s population, and pachinko is increasingly a conduit for socialization. Kinbasha embraces this shift by offering cafes and comfortable seating at many of its locations to make retirees’ visits more enjoyable and longer lasting.

KNBA is also actively courting female players, offering the convenience of refrigerators for the temporary storage of groceries at various locations. Parents and couples seeking a bit of downtime on their own can also turn to Kinbasha’s parlors, thanks to convenient on-site daycare service.

The company also embraces Japan’s unique affinity for advanced technology, most recently highlighted by the rollout of a new smart card system for more efficient game play. This system eliminates the need to physically move metal balls from one machine to the next, not only enhancing convenience for players but also driving revenue by increasing the amount of time players actually spend gaming. The company is even creating a more enjoyable environment for its patrons and employees through the rollout of state-of-the-art ventilation systems that remove unwanted dust and smoke from the gaming floor.

Looking forward, Kinbasha intends to grow from its existing 21 locations by expanding operations into the Tokyo metropolitan market through new stores and accretive acquisitions. Successful implementation of this strategy could potentially generate a double-digit return, raising its valuation to $2.50 per share in the next twelve months, according to Murphy Analytics. That potential may be fueled by Japan’s current bullish economic climate, characterized by ‘Abenomics’ – the new monetary policy, fiscal policy and growth strategies enthusiastically championed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. With optimism about Japan flourishing on the heels of the benchmark NIKKEI INDEX posting its best April in two decades, investors may be drawn to companies like Kinbasha, which offer a combination of both value and long-term growth potential.

For an overview of the pachinko market and Kinbasha’s position within it, investors can view the company’s latest investor presentation at http://www.trilogy-capital.com/autoir/knba_autoir.html, or they can visit the company’s website at www.kinbashainc.com for more information.

About Kinbasha Gaming International, Inc.
Based in Hitachi City, Japan, Kinbasha Gaming International, Inc. (OTCQX: KNBA) is a retail gaming company that operates 21 pachinko parlors in the Japanese prefectures of Ibaraki, Tokyo and Chiba. For more than 50 years, the company's retail gaming establishments have offered customers the opportunity to play the games of chance known as pachinko and pachislo. Pachinko is played on a device which resembles a vertical pinball machine and pachislo is played on a machine that resembles a western style slot machine. Pachinko and pachislo are collectively ranked as Japan's largest leisure activity. For more information on Kinbasha, please visit: www.kinbashainc.com

Chromadex (CDXC) Insider Builds Stake As Pipeline Develops

Tue 21 May 2013 15:05:33 MST

Chromadex Corporation (OTC Markets: CDXC) Director Michael Brauser purchased 25,000 shares of common stock on the open market on May 13th, according to a Form 4 filing with the SEC. The purchase, at a price of $0.662 per share, brought the insider’s total ownership stake to 4,519,926 shares owned directly by Mr. Brauser.

Michael Brauser, 57, has served as Co-Chairman of the Board since October 2011 and served on the Compensation Committee from May 2010 to March 2011. Mr. Brauser has been the manager of, and investor with, Marlin Capital Partners LLC, a private investment company, since 2003. From 1999 to 2002, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Naviant Inc. (eDirect Inc.), an Internet marketing company. He was also the founder of Seisant Inc. (eData.com Inc.). Mr. Brauser also served as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of InterCLICK Inc. – now a part of Yahoo Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO), from August 2007 to December 2011. With his past experience as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors at InterCLICK and as manager of an investment company, he brings extensive business and management expertise to the board.

Rapidly Developing Pipeline

Mr. Brauser’s insider purchase comes shortly after Chromadex announced the first human clinical study for its new caffeine ingredient technology, PURENERGY™. At a time when the FDA is calling caffeinated products “very disturbing to us”, the company’s patented co-crystal ingredient reduces the total amount of caffeine needed to achieve the same effect. Moreover, animal studies have shown that the substance has a half-life 6 to 8 times longer than caffeine.

The company has also launched ProC3G™, a natural black rice extract containing 35% cyaniding-3-glucoside; NutraGAC™, a Gac fruit powder; pteroberry™, a natural pterostilbene and organic berry blend; and is in the process of developing Nicotinamide Riboside (“NR”), a novel next-generation B-vitamin. All of these products are based on extensive scientific research and backed by intellectual property rights obtained cost-effectively at a very early stage.

These technologies provide a solid competitive edge in the nutritional supplements industry, alongside competitors like Neptune Technologies & Bioresources (NASDAQ: NEPT) and NTBY Inc. (NYSE: NTY), among others.

Insider Buying Indicator

Insiders have access to proprietary information about public companies, which makes following their buying and selling a natural activity for investors. For example, a Director or CEO may decide to purchase stock even after a major agreement is signed due to a belief in the long-term prospects of the agreement. Investors can follow these transactions by looking at Form 4 filings made with the SEC, via websites like SECFilings.com, which offer free real-time alerts.

Several academic studies have also confirmed that this buying is a valuable predictive indicator of future price movement. For example, Harvard’s Leslie Jeng and Richard Zeckhauser and Yale’s Andrew Metrick calculated insiders’ actual returns for purchases and sales without any screening criteria that are commonly used among other researchers. In raw returns, these researchers found that insider buying beat the average market return by 11.2% per year.

Looking Ahead

Chromadex Corporation (OTC Markets: CDXC) represents an interesting investment opportunity at its current levels. With a market capitalization of just $61 million, the company trades at a fraction of its potential valuation, while its unique business model appears capable of generating significant shareholder value over the long-term. Investors interested in learning more can visit the company’s website at www.chromadex.com.

Savvy investors can sign-up for free at www.secfilings.com to receive free real-time SEC filings alerts for not only Form 4 filings but any other SEC filing type for any public company.

Two Recent Cases Of Insiders Bottom Fishing

Tue 21 May 2013 09:57:52 MST

Insider buying has long been considered a bullish indicator by investors, with numerous studies suggesting that stock prices tend to move up after they’re made. But, the transactions are especially noteworthy when they occur in stocks that have experienced a recent fall, since turnarounds can be some of the most profitable plays in the market.

Recently, LivePerson Inc.’s (NASDAQ: LPSN) Director William Wesemann and Fuel Tech Inc.’s (NASDAQ: FTEK) President and CEO Douglas Baily made significant purchases in stocks that have fallen sharply over the past three months, suggesting a possible turnaround.

LivePerson’s Weak Q1 Creates Discount

LivePerson’s stock experienced its biggest one-day fall in nearly 12 years, after the customer service provider reported a first quarter loss and issued a weak forecast for the current quarter. While the company’s revenues increased 16% to $42.5 million, its net loss of $200,000 was a surprise to analysts that expected adjusted earnings of 7 cents per share.

During the second quarter, the company anticipates earnings per share of 3 cents to 5 cents, compared to analyst estimates of 7 cents per share. Revenues projections of $42.5 million to $43.5 million also came in lower than many analyst expectations of $44.4 million. And full-year top-line and bottom-line projects weren’t any better in investors’ eyes.

The fall prompted Director William Wesemann to purchase $173,400 of LivePerson stock on the open market, buying 20,000 shares at a cost of $8.67 a piece, according to a Form 4 filing with the SEC. With the stock recovering from those lows, the insider has already experienced a nearly 10% gain in share price, while it was the first such transaction in the past 12 months.

Fuel Tech Insider Buys After 15% Decline

Fuel Tech may be trading down more than 15% over the past three months, having fallen most recently after its first quarter results. Consolidated revenues fell 11% to $22.5 million due to low natural gas prices and declining electricity demand, while it posted a net loss of $(21,000) for the quarter compared to net income of $1.5 million, or $0.06 per share, a year ago.

President and CEO Douglas Baily appears more optimistic on FY 2013. Mr. Bailey purchased $146,540 worth of stock on the open market, buying 40,000 shares at a cost of $3.66 a piece, according to a Form 4 filing with the SEC. With the stock already making an upswing this month, the insider already appears to be in the black on the purchase.

“We look ahead to 2013 with continuing optimism, driven by a healthy backlog at APC, firming domestic bid and order activity, and increasing international interest in our suite of solutions. We continue to pursue a number of strategies to further our growth, and are supported in these efforts by a strong financial position and a debt-free balance sheet,” said the executive.

Investors Begin To Realize RNA's Potential

Tue 21 May 2013 09:29:10 MST

Cancer, cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune diseases are among the most exciting fields in the pharmaceutical industry. While large and small molecule drugs have addressed targeted needs, the market is fragmented and lacks a unified platform that is able to broadly treat all areas. But, recent breakthroughs in RNA-based therapeutics could provide the answer.

Selectively Targeting Genes

Ribonucleic acid (“RNA”) is an interesting macromolecule that performs multiple vital roles in the coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes, as we discussed in our April 26^th article RXi Pharmaceuticals: Realizing RNA’s Revolutionary Potential. These attributes have made it ideal for selectively targeting, controlling and/or inhibiting select genes.

Unlike conventional therapies that target proteins with small molecular chemical compounds or large molecule protein drugs like antibodies, RNA-based therapeutics enable scientists to develop drugs for a number of diseases that address significant unmet medical needs in fields like cancer, cardiovascular disorders and autoimmune disease.

With the approval of Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s (NASDAQ: ISIS) cholesterol-lowering mipomersen in January 2013, the RNA therapeutics industry has captured the interest of not only scientists, but also investors. And, the industry’s growing body of research seems to confirm this broad utility to treat a wide variety of human diseases.

Investing In RNA Interference

Many private and public companies are focused on developing RNA-based technologies given this enormous potential to reach multiple end markets. Whether focused on antisense, RNAi, aptamers, or microRNA, these companies are developing innovative therapeutics that biotech investors can no longer afford to ignore.

Publicly traded companies in the space include:

Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ISIS) – Isis is focused on developing antisense therapies that bind to messenger RNAs (“mRNAs”) and inhibit the production of disease-causing proteins. With a market capitalization of $1.93 billion, the company is one of the largest plays in the sector with an existing approved drug on the market. So far this year, the stock has rallied more than 80% following this approval.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY) – Alnylam is focused on developing therapies based on RNA interference, which silences disease-causing genes upstream of many other medicine’s today. With a market capitalization of $1.56 billion, the company is the second largest player in the industry with several promising drug candidates. So far this year, the stock has rallied more than 40% on this success.

Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: RGLS) – Regulus is focused on developing microRNA therapeutics to target some 500 microRNAs in the human genome, after being formed by Isis and Alnylam in 2007. With a market capitalization of about $250 million, the company represents a small-cap play on a unique corner of the market. So far this year, the stock has moved up roughly 12% as its clinical program progress.

RXi Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: RXII) – RXi is focused on developing a self-delivering RNA interference technology, after spinning off from Galena Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: GALE) back in April of 2012. With a market capitalization of just $64 million, the company represents an emerging small-cap play on the growing space. So far this year, the stock has rallied more than 160% as it moves forward with its programs.

Finding The Best Opportunities

Biotech investors choosing between these companies have many options, but the greatest potential upside may come from smaller stocks like RXi Pharmaceuticals. By building drug-like properties into RNAi compounds themselves, the company’s self-delivering, proprietary and novel compounds offer an advantage over many of its competitors.

Currently, the company is focused on the development of RXI-109 for the treatment of dermal scarring in planned surgeries. In two Phase I clinical trials, the compound was well tolerated with no serious local or systemic side effects, while the company plans to report full top-line results on July 12 of this year during their announced Investor and Analyst Symposium in New York, providing a potential key catalyst for investors.

Unlike larger companies like Isis or Alnylam, the company remains largely undiscovered by biotech investors. Meanwhile, its RXI-109 targets a market with no FDA-approved drugs, creating the potential for significant revenue gains. And finally, with a market capitalization of just $64 million, this kind of success could have a big impact on share price.

The Ohio State University Begins Animal Study to Support Vycor’s (VYCO) VBAS Technology

Mon 20 May 2013 15:16:27 MST

Vycor Medical Inc. (OTCQB: VYCO), a medical device company with a suite of FDA approved products, recently announced that Ohio State University has commenced an animal study which the Company hopes will support its ViewSite™ Brain Access System (“VBAS”) as a less invasive neurosurgical device for brain access than the standard of care “ blade retractors” manufactured by companies like Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and Cardinal Health Inc. (NYSE: CAH).

The Company hopes its VBAS system will in time replace the 50-year-old blade retractor as the standard of care. The VBAS system has been documented to be less invasive than blade retractors. Anecdotally, the device is believed to reduce the duration of brain surgeries and consequently reduce the overall cost of surgeries by reducing operating room costs. This new study by OSU is intended to document and quantify the damage done to the brain’s white matter by both the VBAS and blade retractors. If successful, Vycor Medical would be in a stronger position to increase its penetration in both domestic and international markets. As a result, investors may want to keep a closer eye on this stock as this study progresses.

Read the full press release discussing the study here:

Vycor Medical, Inc. ("Vycor") (OTCQB: VYCO), a medical device company with a suite of FDA approved products, announced today that the Minimally Invasive Cranial Surgery Program at the Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) has commenced an animal study to evaluate a comparison of tissue damage when using Vycor's patented ViewSite™ Brain Access System ("VBAS") as compared to an open resection technique (using standard "blade retractors").

The results of the study will be measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that can quantify damage to the brain's white matter, the axons or bundles of nerve cells that connect the brain's different neuron cells. This will be the first study directly comparing the cerebral trauma caused by VBAS and blade retractors.

VBAS is a suite of clear cylindrical disposable devices which provide neurosurgeons a stable, minimally invasive working channel to access targeted sites within the brain, such as tumors. The "blade retractor" has been the standard of care device for brain access and retraction for more than 50 years. VBAS is now approved in over 100 hospitals in the U.S. and the number continues to grow. To date, more than 4,000 surgeries have been performed utilizing VBAS. Vycor has a clear plan to continue to drive VBAS adoption with a goal of having the VBAS device become the new "Standard of Care" for brain access and retraction.

David Cantor, Vycor's President, commented, "The Ohio State study, if successful, will add to the growing data showing that VBAS is clinically superior to the blade retractor and is a less invasive access device for neurosurgery. It is VBAS' minimally invasive profile that has led neurosurgeons to use the device in procedures that they considered previously to be inoperable."

Mr. Cantor continued, "The annual worldwide addressable market for the current VBAS products is estimated at approximately $400 million -- of which approximately $115 million is in the U.S. In the past two years, our VBAS sales have shown strong growth and we believe that eventually the VBAS device will become the 'Standard of Care' for brain access and retraction."

Advantages of the innovative Vycor VBAS over the long-established standard of care device, the "blade retractor," include:

Provision of a minimally invasive approach into the brain which results in reduced "white matter" damage to the surrounding tissue and is likely to lead to improved surgical outcomes for patients.

Improved visibility for the surgeon due to the VBAS transparent tubular form.

Reported to result in reduced surgical time which results in lower costs of procedures.

The ability to be used with IGS (Image Guided Systems).

The product's minimally invasive profile and clinical superiority has been documented in five studies including peer-reviewed articles by leading institutions including Johns Hopkins University, University of Illinois at Chicago, and the Cleveland Clinic (Pediatrics Department).

About Vycor Medical, Inc.

With corporate headquarters in Boca Raton, FL, Vycor Medical, Inc. ("Vycor") is a publicly traded company (OTCQB: VYCO) dedicated to providing the medical community with innovative and superior surgical and therapeutic solutions and has a growing portfolio of FDA-approved medical solutions that are changing and improving lives every day. The Company operates two business units: Vycor Medical and NovaVision, both of which adopt a minimally or non-invasive approach. Both technologies have exceptional sales growth potential, address large potential markets, have the requisite regulatory approvals and are commercialized and generating revenue. The Company has a strong patent portfolio with 34 granted patents and a further 21 patents pending.

Vycor Medical's flagship, ViewSite™ Surgical Access Systems (VBAS) is a suite of clear cylindrical minimally invasive disposable devices that hold the potential for speedier, safer and more economical brain surgeries and a quicker patient discharge. VBAS is designed to optimize neurosurgical site access, reduce patient risk, accelerate recovery and add tangible value to the professional medical community. Vycor Medical is ISO 13485:2003 compliant, has FDA 510(k) clearance for VBAS for brain and spine surgeries and regulatory approvals for brain surgeries in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Korea and Russia. For an overview of Vycor Medical's VBAS see http://player.vimeo.com/video/39766887

NovaVision develops and provides science-driven neurostimulation therapy and other medical technologies that help improve and partially restore sight in patients with neurological vision impairments. The company's proprietary Visual Restoration Therapy® (VRT) platform is clinically supported to improve lost vision resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury ("TBI"), or other acquired brain injuries. VRT is the only FDA 510(k) cleared medical device in the U.S. aimed at the restoration of vision for neurologically induced vision loss and can be prescribed by any ophthalmologist, optometrist, neurologist or physiatrist. VRT also has CE Marking for the EU. NovaVision also provides Neuro-Eye Therapy (NeET) in the EU, aimed at increasing visual sensitivity deep within the field defect. NovaVision also provides a fully portable and ADA-compliant Head Mounted Perimeter (HMP™) which aids in the detection and measurement of visual field deficits. For an overview of NovaVision see http://player.vimeo.com/video/39765566

For the latest information on the company, including media and other coverage, and to learn more, please go online at www.vycormedical.com or www.novavision.com.

RXi Pharma (RXII) to Expand Investor Awareness to Jeffries Healthcare Conference

Mon 20 May 2013 10:36:25 MST

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (OTC Markets: RXII), a biotechnology company focused on innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, recently announced that CEO Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh would discuss the development of RXI-109 at the Jeffries Healthcare Conference on June 6^th, 2013 at 10:00am EDT.

With over 300 presenting companies and 2,000 attendees last year, the Jeffries 2013 Global Healthcare Conference features an extensive range of public and private healthcare companies across many sectors there to attract both investors and partners, including firms like Emergent Biosolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN).

The four-day event includes presentations, Q&A breakout sessions, investor meetings, business-to-business meetings and thematic panel discussions. Attendees include institutional investors, private equity investors, venture capitalists, and leading executives addressing long-term investment opportunities and global opportunities in the healthcare space.

Here’s the full press release with details:

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, today announced that the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh, will present at the Jefferies 2013 Global Healthcare Conference on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 10:00am EDT. Dr. Cauwenbergh will discuss the development of RXI-109, a self-delivering RNAi compound designed to reduce dermal scarring, as well as business development opportunities with RXi's sd-rxRNA® technology platform.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the "Investors" section of the Company's website, www.rxipharma.com. A replay of the presentation will be available 90 days.

This conference is being held June 3-6, 2013 in New York City. For more information visit: http://www.jefferies.com/

About RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXII) is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies based on its proprietary, self-delivering RNAi platform. Therapeutics that use RNA interference, or "RNAi," have great promise because of their ability to down-regulate, the expression of a specific gene that may be over-expressed in a disease condition. Building on the pioneering work of scientific founder and Nobel Laureate Dr. Craig Mello, a member of the RXi Scientific Advisory Board, RXi's first RNAi product candidate, RXI-109, targets connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to reduce dermal scarring (fibrosis), entered into human clinical trials in June 2012. For more information, please visit www.rxipharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future expectations, planned and future development of RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation's products and technologies. Forward-looking statements about expectations and development plans of RXi's products involve significant risks, and uncertainties: risks that RXi may not be able to successfully develop its candidates, or that development of RNAi-based therapeutics may be delayed or not proceed as planned, or that we may not develop any RNAi-based product; risks that the development process for our product candidates may be delayed, risks related to development and commercialization of products by our competitors, risks related to our ability to control timing and terms of collaborations with third parties, and the possibility that other companies or organizations may assert patent rights preventing us from developing our products. Actual results may differ from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. RXi does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views, events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release.

Icahn Raises Stake in Transocean, Wins Partial Victory

Mon 20 May 2013 09:32:39 MST

Carl Icahn raised his stake in Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) to more than 20 million shares, according to an annual 13F filing with the SEC. The move comes as the billionaire activist investor is vying to take over the company’s Board of Directors with his own slate of candidates that has drawn some criticism from the investment community.

For instance, CVR Energy Inc.’s (NYSE: CVI) CEO John Lipinski is one of the nominees that Icahn himself trashed just 14 months ago, accusing him of “squandering capital” in a letter. Another proposed candidate is Jose Maria Alapont, who may have an outstanding criminal complaint in Spain accusing him of a multi-million dollar fraud, according to a Fox Business report.

Recovering from a Nightmare

Transocean’s worst dreams materialized after its Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank in the Gulf of Mexico back in 2010. While its partner BP plc (NYSE: BP) took the brunt of the legal costs, the company faced a lot of legal uncertainty and a tarnished reputation in both the financial markets and operational markets competing against others in the space.

But since then, the company’s operating results have experienced a strong recovery. Net income soared to $321 million, or $0.88 per share, after the firm sold off its shallow rigs and refocused on deepwater exploration. According to Baker Hughes Inc. (NYSE: BHI), deepwater rig prices have been rising over the past year to as much as $600,000 per day amid strong demand.

Icahn’s Plans for the Firm

Carl Icahn has been campaigning for Transocean to declare a $4.00 per share dividend, after it abandoned its dividend payment to pay for the Deepwater Horizon costs. While the existing Board of Directors has proposed a more modest $2.24 per share dividend, the activist investor believes that shareholders could be on the receiving end of much more.

Critics believe that Mr. Icahn’s dividend may be overly aggressive and could put the company’s credit rating at risk, while the current management team has done an exceptional job turning the company around. But, Mr. Icahn and others believe the stock remains undervalued and returning more capital to shareholders may be the best way to unlock that value.

Mixed Results in Annual Meeting

Transocean’s Annual General Meeting was held on May 17, 2013, and shareholders rebuffed many of Icahn's advances - including the $4 dividend - but did give one of his allies a board seat. With many proxy advisory firms having recommended the existing directors, Icahn’s success was somewhat unexpected.

For investors, Transocean appears well on its way to a turnaround and shareholders should keep an eye on its future 10-Q filing for further updates. The move towards deepwater rigs could help improve profitability, particularly with the strength seen in the market today. And either way, a dividend looks to be reinstated by next year for income investors.

Arrayit (ARYC) Turns a Page with First Quarter Profit

Mon 20 May 2013 08:54:57 MST

Arrayit Corp. (OTC Markets: ARYC) reported revenues that jumped 66% to $942,916 during the first quarter, with net income that swung from a loss of $1,344,651 to a profit of $235,478 year over year. With rising revenues and sustainable operations, the company’s management team has successfully executed on its promises to unlock long-term value for shareholders.

Click Here: Read Arrayit’s Full 10-Q Filing

Profitability on the Bottom Line

Arrayit’s robust 66% revenue improvement came from fulfilling orders for high-throughput instruments, such as its NanoPrint LM60, SpotBot Titan and InnoScan 710AL. These advanced research tools are used across all microarray applications in genomics, proteomics and diagnostics in both research laboratories and core facilities.

Bottom line improvements came from lower selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), which fell from $1,344,651 to $250,000 year over year. These gains were further boosted by a one-time $142,071 gain from the extinguishment of certain liabilities, which also helped improve the company’s balance sheet during the quarter.

A Look at Valuation Metrics

Arrayit trades with a forward price-earnings multiple of approximately 6x, assuming it can achieve $1 million in net income with 60 million shares outstanding, earning approximately $0.0166 on a full year basis. While this multiple may be appropriate for a commoditized business, the company’s 51% gross margins suggest greater potential.

Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) trades with a trailing twelve month (ttm) 90.4x price-earnings multiple and PerkinElmer Inc. (NYSE: PKI) trades with a 46x multiple. While these companies have greater revenues and profits, one could argue that Arrayit’s current 27.5x ttm multiple should be higher given the company’s catalyst pipeline.

Upcoming Catalysts & Risks

Arrayit’s full-year profitability in 2012, high double-digit top-line growth and bottom-line profitability in Q1-2013, suggest that the company is well-positioned to manage its negative $7 million in shareholders’ equity and quickly scale its business to generate long-term profits and cash flow.

The company’s risk factors are further outweighed by several catalysts including its OvaDx®, PDx™ and other proprietary molecular diagnostics and its existing backlog that grew from $95,183 in Q1 2012 to $270,549 during Q1 2013. With the increase in backlog, the company is likely to report higher revenues in the future, while its molecular diagnostics business provides additional potential.

More Information

Arrayit develops, manufactures, and markets life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation, biological function, and diagnostics worldwide. These microarray tools and components, custom printing and analysis, and diagnostic microarrays for the early detection of treatable diseases are sold into multiple research end markets.

Company Website

Investing in Wound Care's Real Growth Drivers

Fri 17 May 2013 11:34:05 MST

The wound care market may not be the most exciting biotech niche on the surface, but the multi-billion dollar industry’s need for innovation has created an opportunity for smaller companies operating in the space. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the industry’s dynamics and why investors may want to look towards smaller stocks for real growth.

Burgeoning Business for Majors

The wound care market is expected to reach nearly $21 billion by 2015, from $16.8 billion in 2012, according to research firm Kalorama Information. With seven million Americans suffering from chronic wounds, the market is expected to grow due to the aging U.S. population and ongoing proliferation of diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

Of course, the major beneficiaries of this growth are large companies like Johnson & Johnson Inc. (NYSE: JNJ), Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE: SNN), ConVatec and KCI. These companies make up about half of the overall market, providing traditional wound care technologies, even though many of these technologies lack clinical evidence of efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Investors looking for established plays on the wound care space may consider investing in many of these names, but their large-cap size and slow innovation may translate to growth rates that underperform smaller and more cutting-edge companies. Moreover, the extensive research and development spending by these firms may equate to a favorable M&A environment.

Finding the Real Growth Drivers

Given the lack of efficacy and cost-effectiveness, there has been a lot of interest in new technologies that can improve wound care. Many of the major players mentioned above are investing heavily in research and development, while other large players like Bayer AG (OTC Markets: BAYRY) have also announced plans to enter the market.

“There is a very limited amount of well-developed information about how you deal with wounds,” said Dr. Gerald Lazarus in a WSJ Health Blog interview in April 2012. “We always want to focus on what’s best for the patient but with the runaway situation in health costs, there should be justification that the treatments being used have documented value.”

New technologies addressing these concerns have the potential to become the industry’s primary growth drivers. Already, GlobalData expects the negative pressure wound therapy market – a new treatment that uses special dressings and vacuum technology to speed wound healing – to double from $2 billion in 2011 to $4 billion by 2018.

Looking at Smaller Players

Many micro- and small-cap companies are actively developing products in the space, including Derma Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: DSCI), Oculus Innovative Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: OCLS) and American CryoStem Corporation (OTCQB: CRYO). By taking a wide variety of approaches, these companies could be developing the industry’s next generation solutions.

Derma Sciences’ advanced wound care products promote the topical absorption of micro-nutrients at a cellular level in order to promote healing in a moist and occlusive environment, while Oculus’ Microcyn® wound management products utilize non-cytotoxic and pH-neutral hypochlorous acid to supplement and enhance existing wound care solutions.

Meanwhile, smaller companies like American CryoStem are focused on the rapidly growing regenerative medicine space. By preserving adipose tissue from patients, the company aims to provide access to stem cells that can be used to effectively treat advanced and chronic wounds using the patients’ own body – a method that could prove to be most effective.

Emerging Role of Stem Cells

Wound healing requires a coordinated interplay among cells, growth factors and extracellular proteins, according to a January 2012 research paper studying the role of mesenchymal stem cells in wound repair. Stem cells can differentiate into various types of tissue, regulate immune response and inflammation and possess powerful tissue protective and reparative mechanisms.

American CryoStem, which stores patients’ adipose tissue, leverages this type of regenerative medicine and could revolutionize wound care. In fact, the company recently entered into an agreement with three leading research scientists at Rutgers to develop new cellular wound care therapies based on its autologous adipose-derived stem cells.

“Rutgers was the next logical step for development and expansion of our cellular therapy products,” said American CryoStem CEO John Arnone in a press release. “We are very proud to be collaborating with the state’s top bio-tech academic research institution and to be part of the global development of cellular therapies.”

In the initial stage of the collaboration, the scientists will identify, understand and publish their findings on engineered biomaterial interactions with adipose-derived stem cells, the company’s cell culture media, and the resulting tissue growth when used in the treatment of chronic or hard-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic and pressure ulcers.

Takeaway for Investors

The wound care industry may seem like it’s growing at an anemic pace, but its unmet need for improved efficacy and cost effectiveness has opened the door to competition. Larger players like Johnson & Johnson and new entrants like Bayer AG are investing heavily in R&D, which naturally opens the door to acquire smaller companies in the space with proven technologies.

American CryoStem, Derma Sciences, Oculus Innovative Sciences and other smaller innovators using regenerative medicine and various advanced technologies to improve wound care could become key drivers of the industry’s growth. Investors may want to keep a close eye on these stocks over the coming quarters, particularly as clinical data becomes available to help support efficacy claims.

Finding the Next Big Blockbuster Drug

Thu 16 May 2013 09:17:56 MST

The pharmaceutical industry is largely centered on blockbuster drugs, with the top 20 drugs in the U.S. accounting for nearly $320 billion in sales in 2011. With five of those 20 drugs losing patent protection since then, there has been a high premium placed on finding the next big blockbuster drug on the part of companies and investors in the pharmaceutical industry.

Not surprisingly, the most lucrative classes of drugs were those targeting heart disease, which was the leading cause of death in 2011, according to data from the CDC. Some of these blockbusters included Pfizer Inc.’s (NYSE: PFE) Lipitor® that generated $7.7 billion and Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) and Sanofi SA’s (NYSE: SNY) Plavix® that generated $6.8 billion.

So, how can investors find the next blockbuster drug?

Looking at Pfizer’s Lipitor® for Clues

Pfizer’s Lipitor® is a statin that works by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver in order to lower LDL cholesterol levels. The idea for a statin didn’t come from Pfizer – far from it. Dr. Akira Endo discovered statins working for a small Tokyo drug company called Sankyo in 1971 after spending years searching through more than 6,000 microbes for an HMG-CoA inhibitor.

After Dr. Endo discovered mevastatin, word of the breakthrough quickly spread throughout the medical community. Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) began immediately searching in the same class and found lovastatin, another statin that proved to be very effective in lower LDL cholesterol levels, and eventually developed Mevacor® that became the first U.S. statin.

Warner-Lambert soon discovered its own statin – atorvastatin – that proved more effective than Mevacor® in lowering LDL cholesterol. But with Mevacor® already in its final rounds of clinical trials at the time, the company needed to move quickly and partnered with Pfizer. The two used existing statins as comparisons, while keeping its own secret, giving it a key advantage.

Eventually, Pfizer and Warner-Lambert launched their drug Lipitor® onto the market and it went on to generate some $7.7 billion in sales and become the best selling drug of all time. The important takeaway is that it wasn’t a new concept and many customers still weren’t familiar with LDL cholesterol’s role initially, but the drug still became enormously successful.

Atherosclerosis is the Next Big Target

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO) is taking a new approach in treating atherosclerotic plaque that doesn’t involve simply targeting LDL cholesterol levels. The company’s lead AHRO-001 compound uses naturally occurring compounds normally found in the digestive tract to dissolve soft or vulnerable plaque via a multi-prong approach that could complement statins.

Early pre-clinical trials of AHRO-001 at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai were promising, showing a 95% reduction in innominate arterial plaque formation versus the control group with no adverse side effects observed in the study group. Moreover, Ursodiol is based on the same active ingredient and has already been approved by the FDA for the treatment of gallstones and biliary cirrhosis.

Like Pfizer’s Lipitor®, AtheroNova’s AHRO-001 isn’t based on a new concept, but rather research that has been done for some time. Bile salts are a naturally occurring compound and have been extensively studied for many uses, but it wasn’t until recently that they were discovered as important modifiers of lipid and energy metabolism.

AtheroNova also holds several key patents on the technology, including U.S. Patent 8,304,383 that covers the use of hyodeoxycholic acid for atherosclerotic plaque lesions. These patents support the development of AHRO-001, as its partner CardioNova pursues similar intellectual property, on behalf of AtheroNova, to protect the assets in the Eurasian markets.

Potential New Class of Drugs

AtheroNova’s focus on bile salts represents a new potential class of drugs that could complement the $20 billion per year market for statins. By targeting the root cause of atherosclerosis, the company’s approach could add efficacy to the existing approach targeting LDL cholesterol, which may not be effective enough on its own, according to some studies.

Capturing even 1% of the statin market represents a $2 billion per year opportunity for the $20 million public company, putting AHRO-001 squarely in the blockbuster drug category. Like Warner-Lambert when it stumbled upon atorvastatin, AtheroNova could also partner with a larger drug company like Pfizer or Merck to bring the drug to market.

In the end, there’s little question that AtheroNova’s AHRO-001 has blockbuster drug potential, if it’s able to progress through clinical trials. There are also many positive early signs for AHRO-001, including an established safety profile and strong efficacy results. As a result, this is one speculative biotech play that investors may want to keep a close eye on moving forward.

Learn More and Sign Up to Follow AtheroNova Here: http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/ahro/ahro_landing.php

Tesla, Proving the Way for the Electric Vehicle Model

Wed 15 May 2013 14:24:55 MST

Tesla Motors Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), a U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer focused on consumer markets, recently made headlines by reporting an $11.2 million profit during the first quarter. The company surpassed even its own expectations, selling some 21,000 sedans so far this year, while moving into new international markets around the world.

Emerging Growth Corp recently published an article on the topic showing how Tesla’s success may be proving that the electric vehicle model works. In addition to consumer markets, companies like AMP Holding Inc. (OTCBB: AMPD) are capitalizing on commercial markets for the technologies and could have an easier time demonstrating value.

To read the complete article, please click on the link below:
http://www.accesswire.com/404191/How-Tesla-Proved-the-Electric-Vehicle-Model

RXi Pharma (RXII) Reports Steady Progress in Q1 2013

Wed 15 May 2013 10:47:52 MST

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (OTCQB: RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, reported significant progress during the first quarter as it nears the end of its Phase I clinical development stage for RXI-109.

With a fresh capital infusion and solid clinical progress, investors in Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ISIS), Sangamo Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: SGMO) or other RNA-focused companies may want to take a closer look at this recent spin-off for its near-term catalysts. Success with RXI-109 could help prove its model in other areas and set the stage for commercialization.

Read the company’s complete first quarter press release here:

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (OTCQB: RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, today reported its financial results for quarter ended March 31, 2013, and provided a business update.

"The first quarter of 2013 has been a good one for RXi Pharmaceuticals, with steady progress -- in line with our planning and budget -- for our research and development activities", commented Dr Geert Cauwenbergh, President and CEO of the Company. He added that, "In addition to coming near the end of the Phase 1 clinical development stage for our anti-scarring compound RXI-109, RXi Pharmaceuticals has been able to significantly strengthen its cash balance by attracting new investors in its recent financing, including our largest new shareholders, OPKO Health Inc., Frost Gamma Investments Trust and Broadfin Capital, LLC, in addition to existing investors like Tang Capital Partners, LP and RTW Investments, LLC."

Quarterly Financial Highlights

Cash and Cash Equivalents

At March 31, 2013, RXi had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $19.6 million, compared with $5.1 million at December 31, 2012.

Net Loss and Net Loss Applicable to Common Stockholders

The net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $14.4 million, including $0.6 million in non-cash share based compensation expense, compared with a net loss of $1.9 million, including $0.2 million in non-cash share based compensation expense, for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The increase in the net loss of $12.5 million was primarily attributable to a one-time charge of $12.3 million related to the fair value of common shares issued to OPKO Health, Inc. ("OPKO") for the purchase of substantially all of OPKO's RNAi-related assets.

Net loss applicable to common stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $17.9 million compared with a net loss applicable to common stockholders of $1.9 million for the comparable period in 2012. The increase in net loss applicable to common stockholders of $16.0 million was primarily attributable to the aforementioned increase in the net loss as compared to prior year and $3.5 million of dividends paid in the form of preferred stock to the Company preferred shareholders.

Revenues

Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $0.1 million as compared with no revenue for the comparable period in 2012. The increase in total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was due to the recognition of work completed on the Company's government grants during the period.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $13.8 million, compared with $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The increase of $12.6 million is largely due to the one-time charge of $12.3 million related to the fair value of common shares issued to OPKO for the purchase of substantially all of OPKO's RNAi-related assets and an increase of $0.3 million in employee stock-based compensation expense.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $0.7 million, compared with $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease in general administrative expenses of $0.1 million was an increase in employee stock-based compensation expense offset by a decrease in general and administrative expenses, including lower personnel costs and a decrease in the use of outside professional services and consultants.

Preferred Stock Dividends

Accretion of Series A convertible preferred stock dividends was $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with no Series A convertible preferred stock dividends for the year comparable period in 2012. Upon the Company's completion of the spin-off from its former parent company, Galena Biopharma, Inc., the Company issued shares of Series A convertible preferred stock to certain investors. The increase in preferred stock dividends relates to the fair value of dividends paid to the Series A preferred stock holders during the quarterly period.

First Quarter 2013 and Recent Corporate Highlights

Initiation and Completion of Enrollment in Second Phase 1 Clinical Trial for RXI-109 Program: The Company initiated and fully enrolled a second Phase 1 clinical trial with its anti-scarring drug candidate, RXI-109, for the management of surgical and hypertrophic scars and keloids. Nine subjects (3 cohorts of 3) were enrolled in this multi-dose escalation study, during which subjects were administered intradermal injections of RXI-109 on multiple occasions over multiple weeks. Dose levels range from 2.5 to 7.5 mg per injection, and subjects received injections of RXI-109 in four separate areas of the abdomen and placebo injections in four other areas of the abdomen. This study not only evaluates safety/tolerance parameters and systemic exposure to RXI-109, but also measures mRNA levels of CTGF and various other biomarkers considered relevant for wound healing and scarring.

Completion of Acquisition of RNAi-related Assets from OPKO: On March 1, 2013, RXi entered into an asset purchase agreement with OPKO, in which RXi acquired substantially all of OPKO's RNAi-related assets, which included patents, licenses, clinical and preclinical data and other assets. As consideration for these assets, RXi issued to OPKO 50 million shares of its common stock and will make milestone payments to OPKO up to an aggregate of $50 million per product tied to the successful development and commercialization of products utilizing the acquired OPKO intellectual property. In addition, upon commercialization of these products, if approved, RXi would make royalty payments to OPKO.

Completion of $16.4 million Placement of Common Stock: On March 6, 2013, RXi entered into definitive agreements related to the private placement of approximately 113 million shares of common stock at a price of $0.145 per share. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering, which closed on March 12, 2013, were approximately $16.4 million and net proceeds to RXi, after payment of commissions, were approximately $16.0 million. The financing was lead by OPKO and Frost Gamma Investments Trust, a trust controlled by Phillip Frost, M.D. Other participants included existing investors Tang Capital Partners, LP and RTW Investments, LLC as well as new institutional and accredited investors.

Appointment of H. Paul Dorman and Curtis A. Lockshin to the Company's Board of Directors: In April 2013, RXi appointed H. Paul Dorman and Curtis A. Lockshin to serve on the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Dorman's and Dr. Lockshin's significant industry experience will be instrumental to supporting RXi's growth and development initiatives.

About RXI-109

RXi Pharmaceutical's first clinical program centers on RXI-109, a self-delivering RNAi compound (sd-rxRNA®) developed by RXi for the reduction of dermal scarring in planned surgeries. RXI-109 is designed to reduce the expression of CTGF (connective tissue growth factor), a critical regulator of several biological pathways involved in fibrosis, including scar formation in the skin. The first clinical trial of RXI-109, initiated in June 2012, was designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of several dose levels of RXI-109 in humans and may provide preliminary evidence of surgical scar reduction. A second Phase 1 trial also initiated in 2012 evaluates the safety of multiple (3) administrations of RXI-109 over 2 weeks and will allow the evaluation of RXI-109's effect on scarring-related biomarkers. As there are currently no FDA-approved drugs to prevent scar formation, a therapeutic of this type could have great benefit for trauma and surgical patients, as a treatment during the surgical revision of existing unsatisfactory scars, and in the treatment, removal and inhibition of keloids (scars which extend beyond the original skin injury).

About RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (OTCQB: RXII) is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies based on its proprietary, next-generation RNAi platform. Therapeutics that use RNA interference, or "RNAi," have great promise because of their ability to "silence," or down-regulate, the expression of a specific gene that may be overexpressed in a disease condition. Building on the pioneering work of scientific founder and Nobel Laureate Dr. Craig Mello, RXi's first RNAi product candidate, RXI-109, which targets CTGF (connective tissue growth factor), entered into a human clinical trial in June 2012 to evaluate its safety, tolerability and potential efficacy for scar prevention. For more information, please visit www.rxipharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "intend," "believe," "expect," "may," "should," "designed to," "will" and similar references. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about: our ability to successfully develop RXI-109 and our other product candidates; the timing and future success of our clinical trials with RXI-109; our expectation that we are coming near the end of Phase 1 clinical development stage for RXI-109; and our ability to implement cost-saving measures. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others: the risk that our clinical trial with RXI-109 may not be successful in evaluating the safety and tolerability of RXI-109 or providing preliminary evidence of surgical scar reduction; the successful and timely completion of clinical studies; uncertainties regarding the regulatory process; the availability of funds and resources to pursue our research and development projects, including our clinical trials with RXI-109; general economic conditions; and those identified under "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other filings the Company periodically makes with the SEC. The Company does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views or events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release.

Natural Products Ingredient Innovator Generating Interest Among Investors, Institutions and Industry

Wed 15 May 2013 09:10:25 MST

ChromaDex (CDXC) emerging as significant player

Dietary supplements are Big Business. In fact, more than 150 million Americans take dietary supplements as part of their ongoing health and wellness efforts. The annual market for dietary supplements is estimated to exceed $30 billion. And investors are warming up to the sector.

According to Nutrition Capital Network (NCN), the health & wellness industry saw investments hit an all-time high in 2012, with 247 transactions recorded in categories ranging from food & beverages to dietary supplements, ingredients, fitness, and enabling technologies.

2012 saw over 50% growth in financings, to 92, indicating a strong interest among venture capital and other funds in fueling growth for the next generation of nutrition and health & wellness companies. And acquisition activity by large multi-national corporations looking for footholds into the space has been fervent.

Recent deals include:

* Pfizer acquiring Alacer Corp., maker and distributor of Emergen-C products for an estimated $350 million

* Procter & Gamble buying vitamin maker New Chapter

* BASF acquiring fish oil supplier Pronova BioPharma $900 million

* UK’s Rickett Benckiser Group snapping up Schiff Nutrition for $1.4 billion, and

* Royal DSM acquiring Omega-3 ingredient company Martek BioSciences for $1.1 billion; fish oil supplier Ocean Nutrition for $500 million; and, ingredient company Fortitech for $634 million.

We all remember our parents having us take our “daily vitamin”, but it’s not the run of the mill vitamins that have attracted such attention by consumers. It’s the new cutting edge ingredients that burst onto the supplements scene, and become substantial successes - seemingly overnight…like Omega-3 fatty acids, acai berries, chondroitin and glucosamine, CoQ10, resveratrol, and green tea.

One may argue that it is the ingredient players in the nutritional and supplement space that are the tail wagging the dog.

ChromaDex (OTCQB: CDXC) is just such a company.

Since its founding in 1999, ChromaDex’s business model has slowly evolved into a very unique symbiotic stacking of its two business units, which are:

1.) Its legacy business of providing quality control (QC) and research services in the natural products industry as well as maintaining a vast catalogue of phytochemicals (chemical compounds that are isolated from plants or botanicals) for food and beverage, cosmetics, nutritional supplement and pharmaceutical companies; and,

2.) its nutritional ingredient discovery and commercialization business that discovers, acquires, clinically studies, develops and commercializes proprietary ingredient technologies

To fully appreciate ChromaDex, we need to explain exactly how its business model has evolved.

ChromaDex’ legacy business maintains and serves a customer list of who’s who in the natural products enterprise and research communities. Customers include Pepsico (NYSE: PEP), Nestle, Kraft (NASDAQ: KRFT), Herbalife (NYSE: HLF), Cargill, Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL), the USDA, the FDA and dozens of highly esteemed universities and colleges like Dartmouth, Cornell and Ole Miss.

These enterprises and research centers contract with ChromaDex to provide analytical services and/or to acquire compounds from ChromaDex’ catalogue of phytochemicals – sometimes in meaningful quantities, which catches the eye of ChromaDex management. This service relationship gives ChromaDex very unique intelligence about what key researchers or industry players may be up to.

With such intelligence in hand, ChromaDex’s management is in an extraordinary and unique position to approach researchers and patent holders and acquire rights to novel compounds that it believes may have substantial market potential. Hence, the legacy service business provides a built-in avenue to an ever growing pipeline of newly discovered ingredients.

Once ChromaDex acquires patent and IP rights to these new ingredients, it develops a process to produce the ingredient in commercial scale; brands the ingredient concurrent with initial product launch; performs clinical studies to verify efficacy; and, finally begins monetization of the ingredient which can be in the forms of distribution, licensing, or partnering agreements.

This unique platform of market intelligence in the natural products space has evolved into the ideal model to discover and license novel, early-stage ingredient technologies and associated intellectual property, making ChromaDex (OTCQB: CDXC) a go-to provider for large vitamin, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product companies that do not maintain dedicated R & D resources.

ChromaDex’s current portfolio of novel patented, or patent pending ingredients include:

pTeroPure™ pterostilbene - Named North America’s Most Promising Ingredient of the Year in 2010 by Frost & Sullivan. ChromaDex acquired the exclusive worldwide patent rights on pTeroPure™ from the USDA and the University of Mississippi. The blueberry-based ingredient which has been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure is gaining considerable market acceptance and recently garnered the attention of media outlets including, The Dr. Oz Show and CTV, Canada’s national TV network. pTeroPure is the active ingredient in the BluScience line of products which can be found in more than 10,000 retail locations.

Nicotinammide Riboside (“NR”) - Sometimes referred to as the "Miracle Molecule" or "Hidden Vitamin," NR is found naturally in trace amounts in milk and other foods and is a more potent version of Niacin (vitamin B3). The beneficial effects of NR in humans include increased fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial activity, resistance to negative consequences of high-fat diets, protection against oxidative stress, prevention of peripheral neuropathy and blocking muscle degeneration. Findings from a recent study by Weill Cornell Medical College and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland researchers showed mice on a high-fat diet that were fed NR gained 60 percent less weight than mice eating the same high-fat diet without NR. Moreover, unlike the mice that were not fed NR, none of the NR-treated mice had indications that they were developing diabetes and they had improved energy and lower cholesterol levels, all without side effects. The Swiss researchers were quoted as saying the effects of NR on metabolism "are nothing short of astonishing."

PURENERGY™ - a patented co-crystal ingredient comprised of caffeine and ChromaDex's pTeroPure™ pterostilbene that forms a unique crystalline structure having superior benefits as compared to the two individual components alone. ChromaDex recently began its first human clinical (PK) study which is intended to confirm an earlier animal study which showed PURENERGY had a 6-8 times longer half-life as compared to caffeine alone. The results of the animal study suggest that PURENERGY may provide longer sustained energy and alertness with reduced amounts of caffeine and without the "crash" typically experienced when ingesting caffeinated energy products.

The ChromaDex story may resonate well with those familiar with Martek and its omega-3 and omega-6 additives for infant formula. Martek was ultimately sold to DSM for about $1.1 billion. But there are key differences between the two companies worth noting as well. In particular, whereas Martek was essentially a single product company, ChromaDex (OTCQB: CDXC) offers a multi-product portfolio and pipeline, and diversification that gives management multiple shots at the goal to have one, or more, of its ingredients become a blockbuster.

Lastly, it is important to note that Miami billionaire pharmaceutical entrepreneur Dr. Phillip Frost is the single largest shareholder of ChromaDex. According to the most recent ChromaDex investor deck, Dr. Frost owned approximately 15.2 million shares, or 16.5% percent of ChromaDex. Dr. Frost was chairman and CEO of IVAX Corp. which was sold in 2007 to Israeli giant Teva Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: TEVA) for $7.4 billion where Dr. Frost currently serves as Chairman of the Board. He is also currently the CEO and Chairman of Opko Health (NYSE: OPK).

Investors can learn more at
http://investors.chromadex.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=212121&p=irol-irhome.

Sign up to Follow ChromaDex
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About ChromaDex® (OTCQB: CDXC)

ChromaDex® is an innovative natural products company that discovers, acquires, develops and commercializes proprietary-based ingredient technologies through its unique business model which utilizes its wholly-owned synergistic business units, including ingredient technologies, natural product fine chemicals (known as "phytochemicals"), chemistry and analytical testing services, and product regulatory and safety consulting (as Spherix Consulting). The Company provides seamless science-based solutions to the dietary supplement, food & beverage, animal health, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. To learn more about ChromaDex please visit http://www.chromadex.com/.

American CryoStem Partners with Rutgers for Novel Wound Care Product

Tue 14 May 2013 11:24:43 MST

Regenerative medicine is constantly discovering new inroads to potential therapies utilizing adult stem cells for a variety of life threatening or debilitating conditions and diseases. Progress has accelerated in the past few years, fueled in part by President Obama’s 2009 Executive Order 13505 that “removed barriers” in responsible research which has opened doors to examination of new ways of thinking. It has also aided in the emergence of research in the area of adipose (fat)-based stem cell therapy, which could prove to be a major breakthrough in regenerative medicine. Not only has early research at Johns Hopkins suggested the possibility of superior efficacy with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells, or ADSCs, in the treatment of glioblastoma (a severe form of brain cancer), but ADSCs are easily harvested, meaning that they could become a standard as the most reliable and abundant source of stem cells for research, cultures and therapeutic processes.

Akin to institutions like Harvard’s Dana-Farber and University of Texas’ MD Anderson being recognized as two of the world’s leading cancer research centers, certain institutions have become established as pioneering experts in stem cell research. Johns Hopkins and Rutgers University sit amongst the leaders in this arena. This bodes very well for American CryoStem Corp. (OTCQB: CRYO), a developer, marketer and global licensor of patented adipose tissue-based and cellular technologies that on Tuesday disclosed entering into Material Transfer Agreements with three leading research scientists at Rutgers.

American CryoStem is a unique end-to-end provider in the stem cell business with its broad spectrum of technologies focused on adipose tissue. The small company is penetrating the cosmeceutical industry in addition to the adipose tissue cryopreservation business that is dominated by Life Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: LIFE). Additional offerings in stem cell processing and banking services diversify the company into competition with higher-priced peers like Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (OTCQB: CCEL), a Florida-based company specializing in cell preservation for family use. Now, with this announcement, American Cryostem is taking their experience with ADSCs into the therapeutic arena.

Combine the diversity of the company’s revenue streams with the emergence of ADSCs as an easier and perhaps more effective source of stem cells and American Cryostem starts to look severely undervalued compared to a company like Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (OTCQB: ACTC). Advanced Cell Technology is focusing on a few therapeutic platforms for their adult and human embryonic stem cells, with the Phase 1 trials for the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Program the furthest along. American Cryostem has growing revenue now with multiple short- to mid-term catalysts and trades at less than 10 percent of the ACTC valuation.

Rutgers’ Dean of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Dr. Kathryn Uhrich, hatched the idea of the collaboration with American CyroStem that now includes Drs. KiBum Lee and Prabhas Moghe as well. Per the agreement, the doctors will be utilizing American CryoStem’s autologous ADSCs and patented, serum free, GMP grade cell culture and differentiation mediums with the goal of developing and commercializing new cellular therapies in the global wound care market, estimated to be approximately $5 billion currently.

Here is the release…

American CryoStem Corporation (OTCQB:CRYO), a leading strategic developer, marketer and global licensor of patented adipose tissue-based and cellular technologies for the Regenerative and Personalized Medicine industries, today announced that it has entered into Material Transfer Agreements with three leading research scientists at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, distinguished as one of the world's premier universities for stem cell research and training.

American CryoStem has teamed with Kathryn Uhrich, PhD, Professor and Dean, Mathematical & Physical Sciences; KiBum Lee, PhD, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Biology; and Prabhas Moghe, PhD, Professor and Vice-Chair of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, all of whom will be utilizing the Company's autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and patented, serum free, GMP grade, cell culture and differentiation mediums to research, develop and commercialize innovative new cellular therapies addressing the $5 billion global wound care market.

"American CryoStem was founded in New Jersey in 2008, completed its initial research and development work in New Jersey, and built its FDA-registered tissue laboratory in the Burlington County College (BCC) High Technology and Life Science Incubators, where we perfected and validated our proprietary and patented technologies," John S. Arnone, CEO of American CryoStem, said. "Rutgers was the next logical step for development and expansion of our cellular therapy products. We are very proud to be collaborating with the State's top bio-tech academic research institution and to be part of the global development of cellular therapies."

The initial stage of collaboration with Rutgers University will provide for Drs. Uhrich, Lee and Moghe to identify, understand and publish their findings on engineered biomaterial interaction with adipose-derived stem cells, the Company's cell culture media and the resulting tissue growth when used in the treatment of chronic or hard-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic and pressure ulcers. American CryoStem developed and patented a new cell culture medium for growing human stromal cells (including all cells found in human skin, fat and other connective tissue) that is animal product free and suitable for human clinical and therapeutic uses. Future stages of collaboration will focus on testing and data collection with a goal of progressing to clinical studies and trials with an end result of the commercialization of effective, new cellular therapy products.

Anthony Dudzinski, COO of American CryoStem, noted, "Rutgers' intellectual resources and extensive research experience in the field of Regenerative Medicine, coupled with our Company's proprietary technologies and expertise with adipose-derived stem cells, provide a powerful combination of skill, knowledge and a common mission – to advance the study, development and commercialization of exciting new stem cell therapies that are capable of effectively treating human illnesses and diseases."

The Rutgers-American CryoStem interactions were conceived by Dr. Kathryn Uhrich, the Dean of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the Rutgers School of Arts of Sciences. Dr. Uhrich is widely recognized as one of the leading innovators in polymer research. She is engaged in the study of the synthesis and characterization of biocompatible polymers for medical and dental applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Dr. KiBum Lee obtained his PhD in Chemistry from the Northwestern University and completed his postdoctoral research in stem cell biology at the Scripps Research Institute. His primary research interest is in developing and integrating nanotechnologies and chemical functional genomics to modulate signaling pathways in cells (e.g. stem cells and cancer cells) towards specific cell lineages or behaviors.

Dr. Prabhas Moghe is a leading expert in stem cell bioengineering and profiling cell-biomaterial interactions. An International Fellow of Biomaterials Science and Engineering, he has directed a NSF funded IGERT Program on Stem Cell Science and Engineering, the first of its PhD training program in the USA and continues to direct a NIH CORE resource center on polymeric biomaterials on high content imaging technologies to purify and forecast stem cell fates in complex microenvironments. Dr. Moghe's team will investigate and benchmark stromal cell phenotypes in three-dimensional biomaterials.

About American CryoStem Corporation

A pioneer in the fields of Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, American CryoStem is a developer, marketer and global licensor of patented adipose tissue-based cellular technologies and related proprietary services with a focus on clinical processing, commercial bio-banking and application development for adipose (fat) tissue and autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs). The Company maintains a strategic portfolio of intellectual property and patent applications that form its Adipose Tissue Processing Platform, which supports and promotes a growing pipeline of biologic products and processes, clinical services and international licensing opportunities. Through its ACS Laboratories division, the Company operates an FDA registered, cGMP compliant human tissue processing, cryo-storage, cell culture and differentiation media development facility in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.americancryostem.com and www.acslaboratories.com.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management's view of American CryoStem Corporation's ("the Company") future expectations, plans and prospects. In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," or "may," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this press release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the results of the Company, its subsidiaries and concepts to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. Unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on the Company's future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. The Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements after the date of this release, except as required by law, and also takes no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by American CryoStem Corporation.

Loab’s Third Point Puts Sony in Its Crosshairs

Tue 14 May 2013 10:52:49 MST

Daniel Loab’s Third Point activist hedge fund has slowly amassed a $1.1 billion stake in Sony Corporation (NYSE: SNE) that it intends to leverage to push for changes. In a recent letter to the Board of Directors, Mr. Loab noted the massive opportunity given Japan’s economic reforms and outlined a series of recommendations to help realize those possibilities.

The American hedge fund billionaire is well known for targeting large corporations with activist intentions, including Yahoo Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO), where he ousted its former Chief Executive and installed Google’s Marissa Mayer to run the company. But, some investors believe he may face an uphill battle as a foreign hedge fund in Japan’s status-quo culture.

Two Point Plan to Unlock Value

“Sony stands at the crossroads of compelling corporate opportunity and massive Japanese economic reforms,” said Mr. Loab in the letter to the Board of Directors. “Under Prime Minister Abe’s leadership, Japan can regain its position as one of the world’s preeminent economic powerhouses and manufacturing engines.”

Mr. Loab’s two point plan calls for Sony to spin-off a 15% to 20% stake in Sony Entertainment by offering subscription rights to current shareholders and a focus on industry-leading businesses to bring growth back to Sony Electronics. With a valuation of just 8x management’s FY13 EBIT guidance, this division could be significantly undervalued relative to competitors.

“We believe our straightforward plan to strengthen Sony serves all of its stakeholders – employees, management, and fellow owners,” continued Mr. Loab. “This plan will reduce debt, increase profitability, and create significant shareholder value … Our plan could result in as much as 60% upside to Sony’s [current] share price.”

Other Opportunities to Unlock Value

The activist investor also noted a number of other opportunities to increase Sony’s valuation, including its stakes in Sony Financial, M3, Olympus, and Japan Display. Unused patents within its extensive intellectual property portfolio could also be divested without harming business prospects – such as its InterTrust patents.

“Third Point would not have made this substantial investment if we did not believe in a bright future for Sony’s global brands, superior technology, and dedicated employees,” concluded Mr. Loab in his letter to the Board of Directors. “We are confident that by acting as partners, Sony will grow stronger. For Sony to change, Sony must focus.”

In the end, Mr. Loab’s bet likely represents one on Japan’s economic reforms, which have already helped dramatically improve profits at companies like Toyota Motors Inc. (NYSE: TM). So while he may face an uphill battle convincing management to spin-off its entertainment division, there may be a built-in margin of safety for the famous activist investor.

Methes Energies (MEIL) Signs Agreement to Sell Denami 600 Biodiesel Processor

Mon 13 May 2013 09:47:29 MST

Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL), a renewable energy company that offers an array of products and services to biodiesel fuel producers, has made remarkable progress over the past couple quarters bringing its Sombra facility into production. But, the company’s recent agreement with BioFuel Aruba indicates that the other side of its business is also prospering.

Unlike biodiesel producers like FutureFuel Corp (NYSE: FF) or Renewable Energy Group Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI), the company develops and sells its own proprietary biodiesel production processors to small to medium sized organizations. The firm profits from this arrangement from both the upfront sale and ongoing recurring revenues from other products and services including royalty fees.

Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL), a renewable energy company that offers an array of products and services to biodiesel fuel producers, announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Methes Energies Canada Inc., has signed a Purchase and Cooperation Agreement with BioFuel Aruba of Oranjestad, Aruba, to initially purchase one Denami 600 biodiesel processor.

The agreement was signed during The "Europe Meets the Americas" business conference in Aruba on May 8, 2013. Methes Energies Canada Inc. was a sponsor of the conference which brought together 743 delegates from 203 companies from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean region. www.eumeetsamericas.com

As the first and only biodiesel producer in Aruba, BioFuel Aruba was planning to expand its biodiesel production capacity by as early as third quarter 2013. BioFuel Aruba also entered into pilot project agreements with the Aruba Airports Authority and the public transit company Arubus BV to implement a biodiesel blend into their fleets. Methes Energies and BioFuel Aruba will also be working with the Government of Aruba to develop a biofuels mandate to be incorporated into their national energy policy.

Mr. Abe Dyck, a cofounder and shareholder of Methes Energies, was in Aruba for the ceremonial signing of the agreement. "I believe the signing of this agreement accomplishes the objective Aruba has of becoming a Green Gateway for companies wanting to deploy their technologies in the region. I see this as the start of a great relationship. I have enjoyed working with Gregory and the staff at Arina (Aruba Investment Agency) and look forward to commissioning the first Denami 600 later this year," said Mr. Dyck.

"We can't wait for our first Denami 600 to be delivered. With two pilot projects soon to start with Arubus and the Airport, we are looking forward to a greater demand for biodiesel. Methes' technology is a great fit and will allow us to add more Denamis as the demand increases even more here in Aruba and in the surrounding islands," said BioFuel Aruba President, Gregory Fung-A-Fat.

John Loewen, VP, Operations of Methes Energies, said, "I want to thank and congratulate Gregory and Abe for the progress they've made in moving this project along and turning it into a local success story. We expect to start building their Denami in the next few weeks and deliver as quickly as possible."

About BioFuel Aruba

BioFuel Aruba is a national company which is focused on the development and implementation of island-based biodiesel projects utilizing non-food crop biodiesel feedstocks such as used cooking oil, and algae oil.

Founded by life-long biodiesel activist Gregory Fung-A-Fat, BioFuel Aruba believes that the use of sustainably-produced biodiesel in combination with demand reduction measures such as mass-transit and transportation alternatives and in concert with technological advances such as diesel hybrids and light rail systems, can create an Aruba that is both energy independent and sustainable.

BioFuel Aruba also believes that all used cooking oil generated by Aruba's restaurants should be captured and processed into biodiesel as part of this national sustainability strategy.

For more information, please visit www.biofuelaua.com.

About Methes Energies International Ltd.

Methes Energies International Ltd. is a renewable energy company that offers a variety of products and services to biodiesel fuel producers. Methes also offers biodiesel processors that are unique, truly compact, fully automated state-of-the-art and continuous flow that can run on a wide variety of feedstocks. Methes markets and sells biodiesel fuel produced at its showcase production facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and at its recently commissioned 13 MGY facility in Sombra, Ontario, to customers in the U.S. and Canada, as well as providing multiple biodiesel fuel solutions to its clientele. Among its services are selling commodities to its network of biodiesel producers, selling their biodiesel production and providing clients with proprietary software to operate and control their processors. Methes also remotely monitors the quality and characteristics of its clients' production, upgrades and repairs their processors and advises clients on adjusting their processes to use varying feedstock to improve the quality of their biodiesel. For more information, please visit www.methes.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and financial performance. In some cases, you can identify these statements by words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "except," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue," the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are based on numerous assumptions involving judgments with respect to future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the Company's control. There are or may be important factors that could cause our actual results to materially differ from our historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2012, filed on February 25, 2013, as amended, which is available at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon management's reasonable belief as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

TW Telecom (TWTC) Catches Corvex's Eye

Fri 10 May 2013 16:33:52 MST

TW Telecom Inc. (NASDAQ: TWTC), a national provider of managed network services ranging from Internet access to voice over IP (“VOIP”), caught the eye of at least one activist hedge fund pushing for changes. Corvex Management LP disclosed a 5.77% stake in a Schedule 13D filing with the SEC on May 8th, saying that it would be pursuing strategic alternatives.

Click Here: Read the Complete SC 13D Filing

According to Item 4 of the regulatory filing:

"Certain of the Reporting Persons have had multiple conversations and meetings with the management of the Issuer to discuss the Issuer’s business and strategies and will seek to have additional conversations with one or more of management, the board, other stockholders of the Issuer and other persons to discuss the Issuer’s business, strategies and other matters related to the Issuer. These discussions have reviewed, and may continue to review, options for enhancing shareholder value through various strategic alternatives including, but not limited to, improving capital structure and/or capital allocation through increased leverage and stock repurchases or dividends, among other actions, M&A, and general corporate strategies."

These types of “strategic alternatives” can often equate to significant price improvements for existing shareholders, which is one reason that stock may have jumped sharply higher on heavy volume during mid-day Wednesday when these plans were announced.

Potential M&A Target

The Schedule 13D filing was released on the same day that Corvex Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer Keith Meister spoke at the Sohn Investment Conference in New York. During this conference, he indicated that alternative carriers like TW Telecom and Level 3 Communications Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LLL) could be on par with industry heavyweights like AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ).

According to a recent Reuters report, Mr. Meister indicated that there were many people who, at the right time, would want to buy the company. He further stated that Level 3, Verizon, or even Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) could be among the buyers. These comments, in conjunction with the regulatory filing, seem to suggest that the hedge fund manager may be already actively exploring these types of strategic alternatives with the management team.

Investing in Growth

Shortly before the activist hedge fund publicly disclosed its stake, TW Telecom reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2013. While top-line revenues grew 6.2%, driven by a 14.3% gain in Data and Internet Services, the company’s net income fell 32% and its Modified EBITDA increased only 3.2%. These latter trends were attributed to higher network access, maintenance and employee costs as a percentage of revenues, in its 10-K filing with the SEC.

Fortunately, these declines weren’t entirely unexpected, as management had indicated their plans to invest in growth. Actions made to improve the company’s capital structure by retiring nearly 40% of the par amount of convertible debt via open market purchases or voluntary conversions also helped improve shareholder sentiment. Moving forward, the company plans to further differentiate its portfolio and improve its top- and bottom-line.

Interesting Opportunity

TW Telecom represents a potentially interesting opportunity for investors, with a management team committed to building long-term value and an activist hedge fund that appears to be pushing for some short-term value creation. In the end, both of these opportunities are bullish to potential investors in this $4.3 billion telecom stock.

Methes Energies Sombra Plant Could Boost Revenues to $50-55 Million

Fri 10 May 2013 09:46:56 MST

Methes Energies International Ltd.’s (NASDAQ: MEIL) plans to ramp up production at its new biodiesel facility in Sombra, Ontario could result in significant improvements to its top and bottom-line financial results, based on publicly available projections in its latest 10-Q filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

After a turbulent first quarter, improvements in the market for Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”) and new production from the Sombra facility could unlock tremendous value for investors over the coming quarters, particularly with the market’s low expectations. As a result, this is a stock that investors may want to take a closer look at moving forward.

Current Production at Sombra Facility

The Company’s new Sombra facility currently has two of the Denami 3000 processors with a total capacity of 13 million gallons of biodiesel per year. Once at full capacity, expected in the second half of 2013, Methes will become cash flow positive according to the company’s most recent 10-Q filing.

Digging deeper into the company filings, one learns that the Sombra facility actually has the capacity to handle as many as 6 total Denami 3000 processors, which could produce an impressive 39.6 million gallons of biodiesel per year. Management has stated in filings that while financing would be needed to obtain these additional processors, it is their goal to have a total of 4 processors installed and running by May of 2014.

Breaking Down the Sombra Facility’s Economics

With Methes Energies’ Sombra facility currently having two Denami 3000 processors, and each one having an approximately 6.5 million gallons per year (mmgy) capacity, the facilities current production capabilities are 13 mmgy. With biodiesel prices hovering around $4.30/gallon this production level could generate some $56 million in annual revenues. Notably, these figures are nearly 10x higher than the $5.8 million in FY2012 revenues reported in its latest 10-K filing. These dynamics should help boost net operating income to about $5.7 million per year, assuming a 10% gross operating margin.

Methes Energies’ fixed selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) totaled about $4.27 million in FY2012, which contributed to a net loss of approximately $4 million for the year. But with the Sombra facility generating an incremental $5.7 million in net operating income, the company could see profitability in FY2013 on a full-year basis, if it’s able to quickly ramp up production.

Future Expansion Plans take Sombra to Full Capacity

As stated above, the Sombra facility can in fact handle upwards of 6 total Denami 3000 processors, for a total production capacity of 39.6 mmgy. This translates into approximately $165 million per year in revenues, assuming that biodiesel stays at $4.30/gallon and that financing is available to build the machines.

While each of these additional Denami 3000 processors would cost the company an upfront capital investment of around $1.5 million per unit, the additional contribution towards diesel production would quickly offset this expenditure. With each processor capable of producing 6.5 mmgy, combined with biodiesel at $4.30/gallon and a 10% gross operating margin, it should take approximately 7 months of full capacity ($28M per year/per unit multiplied by 10% gross operating margin, divided by $1.5 million cost per unit) production to offset the capital expenditure. With only $4.3 million in SG&A expenses, Methes should be able to turn a handsome profit on their investment in the Sombra facility going forward, if they are able to expand to full production levels.

Even though Methes has not given a time frame to have the Sombra facility at the full production level of 39.6 mmgy, their stated goal of having an additional two processors online by May of 2014 is a realistic one that should have investors excited for the possible revenues to come.

Potential Investment Opportunity

Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL) represents a compelling investment opportunity for investors willing to assume a little risk. While the RIN market has been somewhat turbulent in the past, U.S. EPA regulations and support seem to have stabilized the market moving forward.

The company’s new Sombra facility will boost revenues past the $50 million per year mark once fully operational, while contributing more than $5 million to net operating income and potentially pushing the financials into the black. If successful, these results could be replicated and scaled with additional processors, providing investors with predictable income over time.

In the end, these dynamics could make for an interesting play for investors relative to other players in the industry such as KiOR Inc. (NASDAQ: KIOR) and Renewable Energy Group Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI), among others.

More Information
• http://www.methes.com/

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The Beauty of American CryoStem Now and in the Future

Thu 09 May 2013 14:10:51 MST

“What can I do with my unwanted body fat?” That is a question that is posed by American CryoStem (OTCQB: CRYO) on the home page of its website. There are plenty of finite resources in the world, but let’s face it, body fat certainly isn’t one of them. A little due diligence reveals the company’s answer to that question, but a more discerning examination uncovers the true growth potential of American CryoStem from an immediate, mid-term and long-term perspective.

American CyroStem is pioneering uses for adipose (fat) tissue-based cellular technologies in the field of regenerative and personalized medicine, two industries that are likely to assume dominant roles in the future of health care. It should be recognized that the company is still a small firm with limited resources, but our discussions with chief executive and chairman John Arnone unveil a succinct business model and allocation of those resources to shepherd the company to a far greater vision and valuation.

Short Term Revenue

In the present, the company has started generating revenue through its network of physicians with ATGRAFT™, a service for processing and storing adipose tissue for layered fat transfers and reconstructive procedures. Another attractive example of this type of present revenue is with Personal Cell Sciences (PCS), the maker of the upscale UAutologous line of stem cell-based skin care products, which delivers high margins for American CryoStem. The sales channel works through cosmetic surgeons, clinics and other organizations in the extensive PCS/CRYO network offering physicians different options to offer patients to use their adipose derived cells, cells that are loaded with human growth factors, cytokines and matrix proteins. American CryoStem receives the adipose tissue for processing and storage, adding one-time cash to its coffers for the processing services as well as recurring revenue for storage of the stem cells.

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) offers a somewhat comparable product, Lifeline Skin Care. The Lifeline product relies on stem cells derived from unfertilized human eggs, and the company touts that their process insures minimal immune rejections and can be used by people of all genders, ages and racial backgrounds. American Cryostem’s approach goes one step further by using the patient’s very own stem cells as the basis for its products.

In April, the company penetrated the Asian markets through receipt of its first commercial shipment of adipose tissue for processing, long-term cryo-storage and formulation of the U-Autologous anti aging product, from Biomedical and Life Sciences Institute, a Hong Kong-based regenerative medicine company and distribution relationship of PCS.

While the U.S. markets are formidable as part of the $30.5 billion cosmeceutical industry, the Asian markets represent a substantial opportunity. A cultural shift is happening in major markets around the world. After centuries of repressing individualization, people are “showing off” their wealth with imported products, such as high-end cosmetics from the United States and Europe, being chic and symbolic of status.

Medium Term Growth

Additionally, American CryoStem is building out its cell culture medium offerings that have the potential to revolutionize the business. The current global medium of choice for culturing stem cells utilizes fetal bovine serum (FBS), and that’s exactly as the name implies. FBS comes from bovine fetuses and, while generally accepted, there are ethical and biological arguments against the standard today. There has been talk for years of a dynamic shift to remove any trace of an animal component in the supply chain in specified risk materials in the European Union, not to mention the fact that human albumen based serums may be statistically superior to the fetal bovine serums.

American CryoStem has been awarded a series of patents with more pending on its proprietary formulation for non-animal based serums. With or without global initiatives mandating change, this aspect of the company offers a substantial upside in coming years as the biotechnology industry becomes more aware of benefits of the new medium. Simply, the company is at the forefront of the multi-billion-dollar business.

Longer Term Potential

Finally, there are other developments at American CryoStem that dovetail nicely with the burgeoning stem cell industry. In March, researchers at Johns Hopkins said “they have found that stem cells from a patient’s own fat may have the potential to deliver new treatments directly into the brain after the surgical removal of a glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of brain tumor.”

This approach to stem cell harvesting from adipose cells is relatively nascent, but quickly garnering attention as a possible alternative to the painful, expensive and invasive means of stem cell extraction from bone marrow. The discovery at Johns Hopkins, a world-renowned institute for its medical research, could be a bellwether of the clinical benefits of adipose-based stem cells.

Along these lines, the company has been actively discussing collaboration with leading universities to further the development of animal-free, novel wound healing products. New products are currently being identified to combine American CryoStem’s adult stem cell processing technologies and clinical cell culture medium with compatible scaffolds. For those familiar with the space, think of Advanced Cell Technology’s (OTCBB: ACTC) early-stage clinical pipeline, except that American CryoStem’s products utilize autologous stem cells.

It’s not difficult to surmise that the parts of American CryoStem right now are greater than the whole. The tiered approach to responsibly use resources to control debt while systematically launching products as the respective industries are ready could be the key to success for the company. As with any developmental company, there are certainly plenty of caveats and risks that could unfold, but with a market capitalization of under $13 million, it doesn’t seem to be a great stretch to deduce that the company is still undervalued at this point compared to peers.

AtheroNova Receives Russia’s Approval for Phase I Clinical Trials

Thu 09 May 2013 13:26:00 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and to improve lipid profiles in humans, has spent the last few months building up its scientific team ahead of clinical trials. And with Russia’s approval secured, the company is now ready to begin proving AHRO-001.

AHRO-001 is a novel drug for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. Rather than just targeting cholesterol levels like Pfizer Inc.’s (NYSE: PFE) Lipitor® statin or Merck & Co.’s (NYSE: MRK) non-statin Zetia®, the company’s drug works by using a pharmacological compound to reduce cholesterol levels as well as potentially regress plaque deposits.

With heart disease responsible for 600,000 deaths per year in the U.S., there is a significant demand for drugs capable of reducing heart disease. In fact, statins alone are expected to reach $12.2 billion in global sales by 2018. AtheroNova’s AHRO-001 has the potential to revolutionize this market in a big way, making this clinical trial extremely important for investors to watch.

Read the full press release below:

AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and to improve lipid profiles in humans, today announced that its Russian licensing partner CardioNova has received written notification of approval of the Phase 1 protocol in its Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation (Minzdrav). This notice clears CardioNova for distribution of the Phase 1 protocol to the participating clinical centers and application for its license to import AHRO-001 to conduct the Phase 1 trial. CardioNova expects to obtain approval of its importation license in the next few weeks and commencement of patient screenings once drug product is in the control of the clinical research organization (CRO) conducting and monitoring the Phase 1 trial.

"We are thrilled to announce the achievement of another key milestone and we are now within weeks of commencement of human trials of AHRO-001," said AtheroNova CEO Thomas W. Gardner. "Our partner CardioNova has been working tirelessly to ensure the fastest possible turnaround on any requests for supplemental information and we thank them for the extraordinary effort on this critical approval. We have finished the packaging and labeling of AHRO-001 and eagerly await the notification of the approval for importation into the Russian Federation."

"We are delighted to have achieved this milestone approval for AHRO-001 and to be able to initiate clinical development of this exciting compound," commented Dr. Alexey Eliseev, Managing Director of Maxwell Biotech Group, CardioNova's parent company.

"We are excited that our many months of planning and effort will shortly result in the initiation of human clinical trials, potentially addressing one of the major health risks facing both Russia and the rest of the world," remarked Andrey Boldyrev, General Director of CardioNova. "We are currently working with the CRO and the trial centers to distribute the approved protocol and making final preparations for the initiation of pre-screening and ultimately Phase 1 clinical trials in our Russian study centers."

About AHRO-001

AHRO-001 is AtheroNova's first novel application for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaque is the primary, underlying cause of heart disease and stroke in industrialized countries. AHRO-001 uses certain pharmacological compounds to regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits through a process known as delipidization. Delipidization dissolves plaques in artery walls, which are then removed by natural body processes. AtheroNova is developing, and seeks to eventually market AHRO-001, a product that has the potential to become a new standard of care for patients prone to atherosclerotic plaque accumulation.

About AtheroNova

AtheroNova Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AtheroNova Operations, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, research, development and licensing of novel compounds to reduce or regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits and to safely improve lipid profiles in humans. In addition to its lead compound AHRO-001, AtheroNova plans to develop multiple applications for its patents-pending therapies in market sectors that include: Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease, Dementia and Alzheimer's and Erectile Dysfunction, all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and its related pharmaceutical expenses for these indications cost consumers more than $41 billion annually in the United States alone. For more information, please visit www.AtheroNova.com.

About Maxwell Biotech Group

Maxwell Biotech Group is a development partner and financial resource for biotechnology companies. Maxwell provides investment capital and access to an established infrastructure for conducting high-quality clinical trials in Russia, and helps enable the rapid and cost-effective achievement of clinical objectives. Maxwell's unique business model can add value to its partners' pipelines and provide a commercialization path to one of the most lucrative emerging markets. Maxwell relies on an experienced international team of managers and financial and industry experts, with offices in Moscow, Boston and San Diego.

About OOO CardioNova

OOO CardioNova is an operational company in the Russian Federation founded by Maxwell Biotech Group to conduct clinical trials of AHRO-001, seek its approval, and then commercialize it in the territories covered by the license agreement.

RXi Pharma (RXII) to Showcase RXI-109 at Key Conference

Thu 09 May 2013 11:01:23 MST

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NASDAQ: RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, has been building awareness in both the scientific and investment communities at a number of conferences so far this year.

In addition to the presenting its technology at the IBC’s 15^th Annual TIDES: Oligonucleotide and Peptide Conference alongside companies like Sanofi SA’s (NYSE: SNY) Genzyme and AstraZeneca Inc.’s (NYSE: AZN) Medimmune, RXi Pharma will also be presenting today at the 2013 ARVO Annual Meeting, as well as, holding its first Investor and Analyst Symposium on July 12^th of this year.

For more information about the conference, please see the press release below:

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, today announced that the Company's Chief Development Officer, Pamela Pavco, Ph.D., will be presenting at IBC's 15^th Annual TIDES: Oligonucleotide and Peptide Therapeutics Conference. The TIDES Summit is prominently known as the premier meeting place for the oligonucleotide and peptide discovery, development and manufacturing industries.

On Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 4:15pm EDT, Dr. Pavco will deliver a speaker presentation entitled "Clinical Development of RXI-109 to Reduce Dermal Scarring", during the Clinical Progress of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics session. Dr. Pavco's presentation will be available on the Company's website.

This conference is being held May 12-15, 2013 at the Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA. For more information visit: http://www.ibclifesciences.com/TIDES

About RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXII) is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies based on its proprietary, self-delivering RNAi platform. Therapeutics that use RNA interference, or "RNAi," have great promise because of their ability to down-regulate, the expression of a specific gene that may be over-expressed in a disease condition. Building on the pioneering work of scientific founder and Nobel Laureate Dr. Craig Mello, a member of the RXi Scientific Advisory Board, RXi's first RNAi product candidate, RXI-109, targets connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to reduce dermal scarring (fibrosis), entered into human clinical trials in June 2012. For more information, please visit www.rxipharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future expectations, planned and future development of RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation's products and technologies. Forward-looking statements about expectations and development plans of RXi's products involve significant risks, and uncertainties: risks that RXi may not be able to successfully develop its candidates, or that development of RNAi-based therapeutics may be delayed or not proceed as planned, or that we may not develop any RNAi-based product; risks that the development process for our product candidates may be delayed, risks related to development and commercialization of products by our competitors, risks related to our ability to control timing and terms of collaborations with third parties, and the possibility that other companies or organizations may assert patent rights preventing us from developing our products. Actual results may differ from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. RXi does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views, events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release.

Hedge Fund's RMG Networks (RMGN) Stake Warrants a Closer Look

Wed 08 May 2013 09:32:41 MST

SCG Financial Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: RMGN) has already risen more than 40% after going public via a reverse merger back in April of this year. But interestingly, a popular activist hedge fund seems to be highly involved with a significant stake in the company.

PAR Investment Partners disclosed a 31.7% stake in the San Francisco-based digital signage company on May 3, 2013 in a Schedule 13D filing with the SEC, while noting that it may consider a range of “alternative courses of action” for its investment.

Investors may want to take a closer look at this young stock, particularly with this well-known activist hedge fund at the helm. With strong growth prospects and an apparent roll-up strategy, the company appears to be building a big presence in a growing industry.

Growing via Acquisitions

Shortly after going public through a reverse merger, RMG Networks announced the acquisition of Symon Communications, a leading global provider of intelligent visual communications. The purchase expands its presence in digital signage and offers a more comprehensive solution.

The combined entity now has more than 7,500 customers, including approximately 70% of the Fortune 100, a majority of the Fortune 500, and over one million installed screens. By Intel Corporation’s (NASDAQ: INTC) estimates, this is approximately a third of the current market.

Meanwhile, PQ Media projects that revenues from the company’s target market will increase at a compound rate of 12.5%, with the number of digital signage media players expected to hit 10 million by 2015, according to additional estimates from Intel.

Investment by Par Capital

Par Capital Management was founded by Paul Reeder in 1990 and Edward Shapiro in 1997 and has grown to include more than $2.2 billion in assets under management. Since its inception, the fund has become popular for its focus on travel-related industries.

In addition to their public holdings of stocks like Priceline.com Inc. (NASDAQ: PCLN), the fund has been active in many private companies raising venture capital, like Zillow and room77. These investments have all been fairly successful, despite downturns in the airline industry.

So far this quarter, the hedge fund’s portfolio is trading up 1.02% with a portfolio dominated by Priceline.com Inc., Alaska Airgroup Inc. (NYSE: ALK), and Avis Budget Group Inc. (NYSE: CAR).

An Opportunity to Watch

RMG Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: RMGN) trades with a market capitalization of almost $80 million, shortly after completing its reverse merger and making a key acquisition. But, with no full financial statements disclosed, investors will have to wait a quarter to get a full glimpse.

In the meantime, the fact that PAR Investment Partners has taken such a large stake seems promising, and investors should carefully watch for any future Form 4 insider transactions or other SC 13D/G hedge fund or mutual fund transactions moving forward.

To setup free e-mail alerts for RMG Networks Inc., visit their page on SECFilings.com.

Delivery Trucks may lead the way for Electric Vehicles

Tue 07 May 2013 09:46:41 MST

AMP Holdings (AMPD) focus on medium duty fleet EV market

Electric passenger vehicles such as the Tesla Model S (NASDAQ:TSLA) and the Chevy Volt from GM (NYSE:GM) have been making inroads toward changing how Americans power their automobiles. But in general, the EV revolution, while alive and well, has been going at a slower pace than many had predicted. Many analysts feel that the main deterrents toward mass adoption of EV’s are the lack of charging stations and a premium price tag. And similarly, most analysts seem to feel that both of those obstacles are diminishing as we go forward in time. However, there does appear to be one segment of the transportation market that may be ready to adopt EV’s now rather than in the future.

Most of the major package delivery companies as well as uniform companies like Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS) utilize medium duty step vans as their mainstay vehicles. These vehicles typically do hundreds of deliveries yet travel less than 100 miles a day. The stop/start nature of the delivery market is very difficult on gas mileage for diesel or gasoline engines, but is well suited for the power curve of an electric motor. Additionally, these vehicles, which can weigh up to 20,000 lbs usually return to base each night, which is ideal for charging. An All Electric step van can save it’s operator up to $15,000 per year in diesel savings alone, not to mention estimated lower maintenance and operating expenses. Many companies keep these type of vehicles for 10 or even 20 years, making the savings over the lifetime of a truck to be quite substantial and easily enables the fleet manager to justify the premium price tag.

Given the economic and the environmental advantages, America’s fleets are growing greener from year to year, giving savvy investors renewed confidence that the roadways of tomorrow will be dominated by fuel efficient, low emission vehicles. The most direct way to leverage this growth may be through companies supplying the e-truck market – they offer the opportunity to benefit from the wave of purchase activity we see today as well as the continued growth many expect as more and more of the nation’s older, less efficient fleet vehicles are replaced with contemporary, eco-friendly models. AMP Holdings (OTCBB: AMPD) is one such company, with a growing product line that has it positioned to be the first truck OEM in the U.S. to offer a range of alternative fuel vehicles produced in an automated assembly plant.

AMP has recently positioned itself to appeal even more widely to industry through the acquisition of the Workhorse® chassis manufacturing brand from Navistar (NYSE:NAV) – an acquisition that included the purchase of the company’s factory facilities. This gives AMP the flexibility to produce its own chassis and power them with an array of fuel options to meet specific market demands. The AMP Workhorse®-branded step-vans will be sold and supported through the existing Workhorse® network of 440 dealers nationwide.

AMP recently validated the toughness of its premier brand, a 100% electric medium duty step van, through successful completion of accelerated durability testing by leading independent testing authority Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, OH.

AMP’s distinctive products are complemented by the company’s recent appointment of former U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson to its Advisory Board. While in office, Richardson was known for making New Mexico the "Clean Energy State" by requiring utilities to meet 20% of New Mexico's electrical demand from renewable sources, as well as launching the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority to deliver New Mexico's world-class renewable resources to market. AMP is encouraged that he will bring that same vision for cleaner and more efficient solutions to their own efforts, leveraging his leadership to further distinguish them in the marketplace.

The company has the opportunity of becoming a go-to supplier for many of the country’s most well respected route-based businesses. Investors can learn more at http://www.ampelectricvehicles.com.

About AMP Holding Inc.

AMP Holding is the parent company of Amp Electric Vehicles, a manufacturer of electric drive systems for medium-duty class 3-6 commercial truck platforms. AMP Electric Vehicles, Inc. was founded in 2007 by entrepreneurs who have created several hi-tech companies. The AMP team is comprised of top automotive industry veterans and business executives. AMP has been focused on the electrification of fleet vehicles, including medium-duty class 3-6 trucks and vans. Over the past several years, the company’s vehicle electrification technology has provided new solutions to America’s energy demands. For additional information, visit http://www.ampelectricvehicles.com.

Japan's Growth, Abenomics & Investment Opportunities

Tue 07 May 2013 09:32:54 MST

Japan’s economy has experienced a brisk recovery under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s watch, with the Japanese yen returning to a normalized valuation, Nikkei 225 trading up nearly 30% over the past three months, and record profits at many large companies. These trends are also likely to continue under BOJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda, who promised to double the country’s monetary base and holdings of Japanese government bonds with a 2% inflation target.

After the Japanese yen spiked in late-2008 due to its status as a safe-haven, many Japanese companies saw profits deteriorate and began cutting costs to the bone. The yen’s return to a normalized valuation has helped restore profitability at these firms, while the low cost structure has translated to big improvements on the bottom line. For instance, Toyota Motor Co. (NYSE: TM) recently reported a 13.5% increase in U.S. sales and a 23% bump to its profits.

Where to Find Opportunities

Investors looking to capitalize on these trends have many options, including broad exchange-traded funds like the iShares MSCI Japan Index ETF (NYSE: EWJ). These ETFs offer diverisifed exposure across Japan’s entire economy in a single U.S.-traded security. Those interested in smaller companies may also consider ETFs like the WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (NYSE: DFJ) as an alternative with greater growth potential than large caps.

Over the long run, many studies have shown that small-cap stocks tend to outperform large-cap stocks during bullish economic cycles. The U.S. stock market saw its Russell 2000 index outperform the S&P 500 index by 2% in 2012, while analysts like Merrill Lynch’s Steven DeSanctis expect small-caps to return more than 20% in 2013. These same trends may come into play in Japan, where the economic recovery is even more pronounced.

Finally, there are a select few U.S. companies focused on Japan. For instance, Kinbasha Gaming International (OTCQX: KNBA) is the first and only SEC-reporting company with a majority of its operations in Japan to list on the OTCQX. With over $90 million in annualized revenue, the company is a leading operator of pachinko parlors – Japan’s leading leisure activity – employing over 1,000 people in 21 locations throughout the country.

Sign Up to Follow KNBA here:
http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/knba/knba_landing.php

Gaming Sector Catalysts

Shinzo Abe’s Abenomics has not only helped improve corporate profits by returning the Japanese yen to normalized valuation, but these higher profits are also flowing down to Japanese personal incomes. Japanese household spending surged last month to its fastest rate in nine years, while the jobless rate fell to the lowest in more than four years. Spending surged a real 5.2% in March in price-adjusted real terms, according to official documents.

Small public companies like Kinbasha Gaming International (OTCQX: KNBA), which are focused on Japan’s enormous pachinko industry, could also benefit from these trends. Since they were first introduced in the 1920s, pachinko has grown to become Japan’s most popular leisure activity. The government estimates annual pachinko and pachislot gross wagers to be close to $378 billion per year, creating an enormous opportunity for operators in the space.

With their plans to pursue a consolidation strategy within the industry, Kinbasha Gaming International (OTCQX: KNBA) is well positioned within the industry. Japan’s economic recovery under Shinzo Abe’s Abenomics has helped improve consumer incomes and spending, which could translate to higher gaming revenues over time. As a result, the stock may be worth a second look for western investors seeking exposure to Japan’s economic growth.

GrowLife (PHOT) Featured in Article by James Brumley

Mon 06 May 2013 11:18:58 MST

GrowLife Inc. (OTCQB: PHOT), a provider of highly effective indoor growing technology and unique lifestyle brands, was recently featured in an extensive article by James Brumley entitled Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Growlife (PHOT), But Were Afraid to Ask. In the article, Mr. Brumley highlights the company’s recent investor presentation that sums up its diversified and constantly growing operations in just a few slides.

These diversified and growing operations have helped set GrowLife apart from other companies in the space, ranging from medical marijuana plays like Nuvilex Inc. (OTC Markets: NVLX) to technology providers like MediSwipe Inc. (OTC Markets: MWIP). Notably, the company is also one of the few fully reporting companies in the space, making it a natural choice for more serious investors considering a long-term investment in the sector.

Read the full article on SmallCap Network here:
http://www.smallcapnetwork.com/Everything-You-Ever-Wanted-to-Know-About-Growlife-PHOT-But-Were-Afraid-to-Ask/s/via/10/article/view/p/mid/3/id/284/

Download the company’s recent investor presentation:
http://growlifeinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/PHOT-DECK-4_30_13.pdf

About GrowLife Inc.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) (formerly Phototron Holding, Inc.) (www.growlifeinc.com) is a company with core holdings in innovative technology-based products and services for the indoor gardening industry and specialty markets. These brands include Stealth Grow, a producer of grow room automation equipment and hi-powered LED grow light products for indoor horticulture (www.sgsensors.com and www.stealthgrow.com), Greners.com, the online hydroponics superstore (www.greners.com) and Phototron, producer of hydroponic grow containers, which are designed to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits in any environment (www.phototron.com). GrowLife is also the US distributor for the Urban Cultivator brand—the greens machine (www.urbancultivator.net).

Visa Earnings Skyrocket Due To Data Processing Improvements

Fri 03 May 2013 08:54:43 MST

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) recently announced second quarter adjusted net income of $1.3 billion, or $1.92 per share, led by a 25% increase in data processing revenues to $1.2 billion. Net operating revenues hit $3 billion, a 15% increase year over year, while GAAP net income fell 2% due to a one-time non-cash benefit of $208 million related to deferred tax liabilities in Q2 2012.

According to the company’s 10-Q filing with the SEC, the growth in operating revenues reflected ongoing strength in nominal payment volume, processed transactions, and cross-border volume, as well as pricing modifications made on various services. These benefits were partially offset by lower volumes and increases to client incentives to offset Dodd-Frank Act changes.

Click Here: View the Entire 10-Q SEC Filings

Data Processing Drives Results

The majority of Visa’s improvements were due to the 25% increase in data processing revenues that resulted from its strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of the Dodd-Frank Act through pricing modifications and collaboration with clients and partners. In particular, a new Fixed Acquirer Network Fee helped offset reductions in other fees and improve results.

Data processing volumes also benefited from a 6% increase in processed transactions and solid growth in CyberSource billable transactions. Processed transaction growth from Interlink decreased 30%, however, due to an anticipated decline in U.S. debt processed transactions as a result of certain provisions within the Dodd-Frank Act that went effective in Q3 2012.

Cash Flow to Unlock Value

Looking at Visa’s cash flow statement, cash provided by operating activities would have totaled $2.6 billion, an increase over the prior year, without a $4.4 billion payment from the litigation escrow account. The company used approximately $3.1 billion of this cash flow to repurchase Class A common stock in the open market and pay dividends totaling $437 million.

While the company’s dividend yield may be lacking right now, investors can take comfort in the fact that it has risen steadily over time, from 11 cents in 2008 to 33 cents per distribution today. Investors have also benefited from significant capital appreciation over that timeframe, amounting to a 172.7% increase in share price, while share buybacks have been on the rise.

Solid Company, Solid Stock

Visa’s latest 10-Q filing demonstrated the company’s ability to generate higher profits in the face of the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as ongoing positive trends in transaction growth and nominal payment volume. At the same time, the company is taking numerous shareholder-friendly actions to utilize its strong cash flows to unlock long-term value.

Looking ahead, the company anticipates annual net revenue growth in the low double digits, with an operating margin of about 60% and about $6 billion in free cash flow. The firm also has approximately $1 billion in funding remaining for its share repurchase program, which could further reduce the number of outstanding shares and improve shareholder value.

Cardium's (CXM) Generx Published in April Issue of Molecular Therapy

Thu 02 May 2013 12:38:58 MST

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM), a health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on unlocking the value in medical assets, has pioneered a new gene therapy targeting heart disease that takes a different approach than stent-makers like Medtronic Inc. (NYSE: MDT) or molecular therapy companies like Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN).

Generx is a DNA-based angiogenic growth factor therapeutic developed to stimulate the growth of supplemental collateral blood vessels in the heart of patients with advanced coronary artery disease. The treatment has already been tested in clinical trials involving 650 patients at more than 100 medical centers in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere.

Recently, Generx was featured in the April issue of Molecular Therapy – the official journal of the American Society for Gene & Cell Therapy. Read the full press release below:

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) today announced a publication, "Mechanistic, Technical, and Clinical Perspectives in Therapeutic Stimulation of Coronary Collateral Development by Angiogenic Growth Factors", authored by Gabor M Rubanyi, M.D., Ph.D., Cardium's Chief Scientific Officer in the April issue of Molecular Therapy. The publication outlines current scientific knowledge about the mechanistic basis of adaptive coronary collateral growth, the biological processes to be targeted by therapeutic angiogenesis, and the optimization of clinical trial designs, including the selection of appropriate clinical trial endpoints, selection of patients who are likely responders to therapeutic stimulation of collateral development, and potential genetic and molecular markers in patient screening. The abstract of the publication is now available at www.nature.com/mt/journal/v21/n4/abs/mt201313a.html (membership required for full viewing). The Company will mail the full article to interested parties upon request by contacting Cardium at 858-436-1000.

"In this recent publication, I have summarized the lessons learned during the past 15 years of pre-clinical and clinical research and development efforts in the field of therapeutic angiogenesis using growth factor proteins and genes. I also described in some detail the specific insights that our team, first at Schering AG (now part of Bayer Healthcare) and now at Cardium, has gained in the course of the development of Generx, one of the most advanced therapeutic angiogenesis product candidates. These lessons have been invaluable and they have been incorporated into the trial design of the Generx ASPIRE pivotal Phase 3 clinical study now underway at several leading cardiovascular centers in the Russian Federation," stated Dr. Rubanyi. Before joining Cardium in March 2006, Dr. Rubanyi was vice president of gene therapy at Berlex Biosciences (a subsidiary of Berlex Laboratories, the U.S. pharmaceutical affiliate of the Schering AG Group, Germany). He played a leading role in the development of angiogenic gene therapy at Schering/Berlex in association with a strategic partnership with Collateral Therapeutics. In 2002, Schering AG acquired Collateral Therapeutics, and in 2005, Cardium Therapeutics acquired the technology and product candidates, including Generx, from Schering AG.

About Generx

Generx is an interventional cardiology-focused product candidate that is being developed to offer a one-time, non-surgical option for the treatment of a medical condition termed cardiac microvascular insufficiency (CMI) in patients with myocardial ischemia and symptomatic chronic stable angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease. Patients with CMI have had an insufficient angiogenic response to their current disease state and may benefit from a biological therapy that enhances cardiac perfusion through the facilitation of collateral vessel formation. Currently, patient inclusion in the ASPIRE study requires evidence of stress induced reversible myocardial ischemia as measured by SPECT imaging. The goal of the Company's Generx product candidate is to improve blood flow to the heart muscle by promoting and enhancing cardiac perfusion through the enlargement of pre-existing collateral arterioles (arteriogenesis) and the formation of new capillary vessels (angiogenesis). Various catheter-based imaging diagnostics including fractional flow reserve and washout collaterometry could enhance the clinical adoption of this non-surgical therapeutic angiogenesis approach following initial registration.

Cardium's extensive preclinical and clinical studies have been instrumental in identifying cardiac ischemia as a key facilitator of non-surgical DNA-based angiogenic therapy. Improved adenovector administration methods combine non-surgical, percutaneous balloon catheter-based delivery to transiently induce ischemia together with the use of nitroglycerin to enhance vector uptake. By increasing cell transfection efficiency and reaching both the peri-ischemic regions and pre-existing collaterals in the heart, this modified approach offers the potential to effectively simulate both angiogenesis and arteriogenesis to bring about improved blood flow. Cardium's new delivery techniques are also designed to provide uniform Generx uptake, to reduce response variability and to allow for the potential treatment of patients with a broader range of associated coronary artery disease.

Cardium has modified the primary endpoint of the ASPIRE clinical study from the traditional measure of improvement in treadmill exercise time (ETT) to a more objective efficacy endpoint of reduction in reversible perfusion deficit based on SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging. Similar to mechanical/surgical cardiac revascularization approaches, the goal of Generx treatment is to improve myocardial perfusion (blood flow). SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging can be used to quantitatively evaluate Generx's effectiveness by measuring improved myocardial blood flow under stress, a key prognostic indicator that is associated with the regenerative process of new collateral vessel formation in and around the regions of ischemia. While walking time during ETT has been a traditional efficacy measure of anti-anginal drugs, it is based on a subjective assessment of chest pain (angina pectoris), does not directly measure improvements in cardiac blood flow, and can be affected by other variables. Positive results from the prior Phase 2 clinical study (Grines et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2003; 42:1339-47) showed that Generx improved myocardial blood flow in the ischemic region of the hearts of patients following a single intracoronary infusion as measured by the objective efficacy endpoint of SPECT imaging. The observed treatment effect for patients receiving Generx was similar in magnitude to that reported in the literature for patients undergoing angioplasty/stent or revascularization procedures with reversible perfusion defects of comparable size at one year following these procedures.

ASPIRE Study

The ASPIRE study is a 100-patient, randomized and controlled multi-center study currently enrolling patients at up to eight leading cardiology centers in the Russian Federation. The ASPIRE study is designed to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Cardium's Generx DNA-based angiogenic product candidate, which has already been tested in clinical studies involving 650 patients at more than one hundred medical centers in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. The efficacy of Generx is being quantitatively assessed using rest and stress SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) myocardial imaging to measure improvements in microvascular cardiac perfusion following a one-time, non-surgical, catheter-based administration of Generx. The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Nuclear Cardiology Core Laboratory in Los Angeles, California, is the central core lab for the study and is responsible for the analysis of SPECT myocardial imaging data electronically transmitted from the Russian medical centers participating in the ASPIRE study. The Russian Health Authority has assigned Generx the therapeutic drug trade name of Cardionovo^® for marketing and sales in Russia.

An independent long-term prospective study published in Circulation (Meier et al, Circ. 2007; 116:975-983) provided key evidence indicating that men and women with more recruitable collateral circulation have a better chance of surviving a heart attack than patients who have less developed collateral circulation. This important study quantitatively evaluated coronary collateral blood flow in 845 patients with coronary artery disease during a 10-year follow-up period and showed that long-term cardiac mortality was approximately 66% lower in patients with a well-developed coronary collateral network (p=0.019). For the first time, this study showed the importance of collateral circulation beyond simply the relief of angina and provided further support of the potential for long term benefits from angiogenic therapy.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's newly-acquired To Go Brands^® nutraceutical business. The Company's lead commercial product, Excellagen^® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx^® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands^® develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that results or trends observed in one clinical study or procedure will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that imaging endpoints will be accepted as a basis for product approval or that diagnostic information such as fractional flow reserve or collaterometry will lead to enhanced adoption of therapeutic angiogenesis; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized and their use reimbursed, or will enhance our market value; that our To Go Brands business can be successfully integrated and expanded; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2013 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved. For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Cardium Therapeutics^®, Generx^®, Cardionovo^®, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, Excellagen^®, Excellarate™, MedPodium^®, Linée^®, Alena^®, Cerex^®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy^®, Neo-Carb Bloc^®, Neo-Chill^™, and Nutra-Apps^®are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company. To Go Brands^® is a trademark of To Go Brands, Inc.

Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Staffing 360 Solutions (STAF) Completes Acquisition of The Revolution Group

Wed 01 May 2013 10:03:25 MST

Staffing 360 Solutions Inc. (OTCQB: STAF), an emerging provider of international staffing services in IT, financial, accounting, healthcare and cyber security industries, completed its acquisition of The Revolution Group to round out its new Cyber 360 Solutions division. The new division will provide mission critical staffing to a market expected to reach $120.1 billion by 2017.

Unlike larger and broader staffing companies like Trueblue Inc. (NYSE: TBI), the company’s niche focus on cyber security through its Cyber 360 Solutions division should help it realize enhanced growth rates and profit margins. The company’s growth may instead be on par with other cyber security companies like Symantec Corporation (NASDAQ: SYMC) that has seen its stock jump nearly 30% since January alone.

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: STAF), an emerging growth public company engaged in the provision of international staffing services in IT, financial, accounting, healthcare and cyber security industries, announced today that it has closed the acquisition of The Revolution Group, Ltd. from its sole shareholders Mark Aiello, Michael Consolazio and Heather Haughey.

The Revolution Group is a staffing services company specializing in the deployment of highly trained personnel for the Cyber Security industry with a focus on Cyber Terrorism. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition that was completed on April 26, 2013, Staffing 360 Solutions acquired all the issued and outstanding stock of The Revolution Group and became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Revolution Group is expected to commence business under the Company's newly formed Cyber 360 Solutions division.

"Closing this acquisition is a significant milestone for Staffing 360 Solutions as we penetrate the emerging Cyber Security market," stated Allan Hartley, CEO of Staffing 360 Solutions. "The Revolution Group provides us with a platform of some of the most qualified security professionals in the United States as we implement our initiatives in Cyber Security consulting, which is quickly becoming a critical focus for protecting our fragile national and international digital infrastructure."

Established in 1999 with headquarters in Boston's high-tech corridor, The Revolution Group is one of the few Cyber Security consulting firms in the United States solely dedicated to identifying some of the top Cyber Security professionals available for consulting assignments. The company has won numerous accolades, including a Diversity Supplier Award, and Fastest Growing IT firm in the United States.

"We are thrilled to officially become part of Staffing 360 Solutions," stated Mark Aiello, President and CEO of The Revolution Group. "As we transition our operations to Cyber 360 Solutions branding, we look forward to increasing our presence in the market and solidifying our leadership position for supplying the most qualified individuals in the fight against the growing cyber threat for our major corporations, as well as our national security needs." In addition to his position as President of Cyber 360 Solutions, Mr. Aiello has been named Senior Vice President to Staffing 360 Solutions, the parent Company.

Management of the Company will host an investor conference call to discuss in detail the acquisition of The Revolution Group on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 10:30 am Eastern. Speakers will include: Allan Hartley, CEO of Staffing 360 Solutions; A.J. Cervantes, President of Staffing 360 Solutions; and Mark Aiello, President and CEO of The Revolution Group and President of Cyber 360 Solutions. The purpose of the call is to provide in-depth analysis of the world Cyber Security market as well as the impact of The Revolution Group acquisition by Staffing 360 Solutions. The conference call will include a Q&A session where investors will have the opportunity to ask questions of senior management.

The teleconference can be accessed by dialing 877-407-0778 when calling within the United States or 201-689-8565 when calling internationally. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call. There will be a playback available until May 16, 2013. To listen to the playback dial 877-660-6853 when calling within the United States or 201-612-7415 when calling internationally and use replay ID number: 413528. The conference call will be simultaneously webcast and available at: http://www.investorcalendar.com/IC/CEPage.asp?ID=170935

About Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc.

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: STAF) is an emerging public company in the international staffing sector that intends to acquire high-growth domestic and international staffing agencies. As part of its targeted consolidation model, Staffing 360 Solutions is pursuing broad spectrum staffing companies in the IT, financial, accounting, healthcare and cyber security industries. The Company believes the staffing industry offers opportunities to create a successful public company with a longer term objective of accretive acquisitions that will drive annual revenues to a minimum of $250 million. For more information, please visit: www.staffing360solutions.com

JANA Eyes Breakup of Oil States International (OIS)

Wed 01 May 2013 09:31:33 MST

Oil States International Inc. (NYSE: OIS), a provider of specialty products and services to natural resource companies and provider of open camp accommodations, could see some changes down the road after JANA Partners LLC disclosed a 9.1% stake in the company, according to a Schedule 13D filing made with the SEC on April 29, 2013.

According to the SEC filing, JANA held discussions with the company’s management team on April 26th, discussing the separation of its Well Site Services segment from its Accommodations segment, which could be spun off into a more tax-efficient REIT. The activist hedge fund also noted that it may discuss capitalization, operations, strategy and future plans down the road.

Click Here: Read the Complete SC 13D Filing

Investors Applaud the Idea

Oil States International’s stock soared more than 15% during Tuesday’s trading session after the 13D filing was made with the SEC, suggesting that investors largely support the idea of at least exploring a breakup of the company. The obvious advantages would be a large tax savings and potential distributions to investors in the form of a dividend yield.

Notably, JANA Partners also has a strong track record of generating shareholder value. Barry Rosenstein founded the value-orientated, event-driven investment firm in 2001, with the tag line “ignore the crowd” that it has clearly embraced. According to data from InsiderMonkey, this strategy has resulted in exceptional performance among its top holdings.

Investors should watch for additional details of the plan to be laid out in a public letter to the Board of Directors in the future. These letters will typically be filed in subsequent amendments to the original Schedule 13D filings in what are known as Schedule 13D/A filings. (Click Here: Setup a Free SEC Filings E-Mail Alert)

Remembering the Risks

JANA Partners may have identified a promising opportunity to unlock value, but management teams do not embrace all opportunities. Some introduce poison pills to thwart potential takeover attempts, while others have performed well and are well liked by the existing shareholder base, making large actions like a breakup or spin off more unlikely.

For example, Pershing Square’s William Ackman proposed a spin-off of Target Corporation’s (NYSE: TGT) real estate assets into a REIT back in 2009, but lost a proxy battle with management and ended up selling at a loss in 2011. While the strategy seemed rather straightforward and profitable, existing management held enough sway with shareholders to avoid it.

Whether or not Oil States International will be open to exploring such alternatives for its assets remains to be seen. Shareholders may have reacted positively to the news, but management may decide to stay the course. And, fresh off a strong first quarter that handedly beat analyst earnings estimates, management remains in a strong position with shareholders.

Best Ways to Play

Investors looking to capitalize on this opportunity have a number of different options. Simply holding the stock runs the aforementioned risks, but using stock options can help minimize these risks. For example, long-term equity anticipation securities offer investors the same equity upside with just a fraction of the upfront investment.

Currently, at-the-money December ’13 call options are trading at $8.90, creating a breakeven price of $98.90 per share. Purchasing these options would mean that the stock must appreciate 11.8% over the next eight months in order to break even, with any additional upside occurring at a more highly leveraged rate (e.g. $890 invested to buy 100 shares at $90 per share).

In the end, investors may want to keep a close eye on Oil States International, given JANA Partners LLC new 9.1% activist stake. While outright equity ownership may be risky at this stage, investors can consider one of many options strategies designed to lower this risk.

Cardium (CXM) Expands Awareness of Excellagen® at Industry Conference

Tue 30 Apr 2013 13:36:50 MST

Cardium Therapeutics Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CXM), an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on unlocking the value in innovative medical assets, continues to expand awareness of the clinical benefits of its Excellagen® product for wound care. The FDA-cleared, syringe-based collagen gel targets patients in the same industry as companies like Synovis Life Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SYNO) and Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE: SNN).

After bringing Excellagen® to market in March 2012, the company obtained ISO certification and signed a sales and distribution agreement with Academy Medical to market, sell and distribute the product to a growing base of over 35 U.S. government medical providers. Additional agreements were signed to commercialize Excellagen® in South Korea, and in the Russian Federation through BL&H Co. Ltd. and Advanced Biosciences Research, respectively.

Cardium also continues to expand awareness within the scientific community by creating a medical advisory board of leading practitioners, clinicians and researchers, as well as attending industry conferences like the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care and Wound Healing Society that it will present at between May 1st and May 5th in Denver Colorado.

Here’s the full press release announcing the presentation:

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) today announced that the Company will present a poster demonstrating the clinical benefits of Excellagen® in advanced regenerative wound management at The Symposium on Advanced Wound Care and Wound Healing Society (SAWC/WHS) meeting to be held May 1-5, 2013, in Denver, Colorado. The presentation titled "Accelerated Granulation and Healing of Problematic Post-Surgical Wounds with Formulated Collagen Gel 2.6%" was authored by Steven Smith, M.D., Mohs Surgeon, of Wellesley, MA, and will be presented by Lois Chandler, Ph.D., Cardium's Vice President of Biologics Development. The presentation highlights Excellagen's capability of promoting rapid granulation and complete healing in three difficult and complex post-surgical wounds, including Mohs surgery and wound dehiscence, and concluded that Excellagen eliminated the need for costly secondary reconstruction and/or skilled nursing care. The poster presentation can be viewed at www.excellagen.com/meetings-and-publications.html.

The 2013 Spring SAWC/WHS meeting provides Cardium with the opportunity to showcase its Excellagen advanced wound care product to more than 2,000 attendees, including physicians, podiatrists, nurses, therapists and researchers, who specialize in wound management. Medical professionals and distributors can learn more about Excellagen by visiting Cardium's representatives at Booth 1013.

About Excellagen

Excellagen is a novel syringe-based, professional-use, pharmaceutically-formulated 2.6% fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel that functions as an acellular biological modulator to activate the wound healing process and significantly accelerate the growth of granulation tissue. Excellagen's FDA clearance provides for very broad labeling including partial and full-thickness wounds, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, chronic vascular ulcers, tunneled/undermined wounds, surgical wounds (donor sites/graft, post-Mohs surgery, post-laser surgery, podiatric, wound dehiscence), trauma wounds (abrasions, lacerations, second-degree burns and skin tears) and draining wounds. Excellagen is intended for professional use following standard debridement procedures in the presence of blood cells and platelets, which are involved with the release of endogenous growth factors. Excellagen's unique fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel formulation is topically applied through easy-to-control, pre-filled, sterile, single-use syringes and is designed for application at only one-week intervals. Already-established standard CPT® procedure reimbursement codes may apply when Excellagen is used with surgical debridement procedures and through the DRG reimbursement system for in-hospital surgical procedures. Cardium is also moving forward with the reimbursement process for Excellagen with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurance providers.

There have been important, positive findings reported by physicians using Excellagen as part of Cardium's physician sampling, patient outreach and market "seeding" programs. In several case studies, physicians reported a rapid onset of the growth of granulation tissue in a wide array of wounds, including non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (consistent with the results of Cardium's Matrix clinical study), as well as pressure ulcers, venous ulcers and Mohs surgical wounds. In certain cases, rapid granulation tissue growth and wound closure have been achieved with Excellagen following unsuccessful treatment with other advanced wound care approaches. From a dermatology perspective, a previously unexplored vertical market, remarkable healing responses have been observed following Mohs surgery for patients diagnosed with squamous and basal cell carcinomas, including deep surgical wounds extending to the periosteum (a membrane that lines the outer surface of bones). Additionally, because of the easy-use and platelet activating capacity, physicians have been employing Excellagen in severe non-healing wounds at near-amputation status, in combination with autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy and collagen sheet products. These case studies and positive physician feedback provide additional support of Excellagen's potential utility as an important new tool to help promote the wound healing process. Excellagen case studies are available at http://www.excellagen.com/surgical-wounds.html.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's newly-acquired To Go Brands® nutraceutical business. The Company's lead commercial product, Excellagen® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands® develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from stated expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that awareness of and interest in Excellagen can be effectively enhanced through professional symposia or otherwise; that results or trends observed in a clinical study or follow-on case studies will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that product reimbursement will be obtained; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that we can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that such partners will successfully commercialize our products; that our exchange listing compliance can be maintained; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to other competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive; that results or trends observed in one clinical study or procedure will be reproduced in subsequent studies or procedures or in actual use; that efforts to broaden commercialization of Excellagen outside of the United States will be successful; that clinical studies and regulatory clearances even if successful will lead to product advancement or partnering; that the FDA or other regulatory clearances or other certifications, or other commercialization efforts will effectively enhance our businesses or their market value; that our products or product candidates will prove to be sufficiently safe and effective after introduction into a broader patient population; that new collaborative partners will be found; that additional product opportunities will be established; or that that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated.

Actual results may also differ substantially from those described in or contemplated by this press release due to risks and uncertainties that exist in our operations and business environment, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties that are inherent in the development of complex biologics, the conduct of human clinical trials and the introduction of new products, including the timing, costs and outcomes of such trials, our ability to obtain necessary funding, regulatory approvals and expected qualifications, our dependence upon proprietary technology, our history of operating losses and accumulated deficits, our reliance on collaborative relationships and critical personnel, and current and future competition, as well as other risks described from time to time in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2013 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved.

For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Cardium Therapeutics®, Generx®, Cardionovo®, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium®, Appexium®, Linée®, Alena®, Cerex®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc®, Neo-Chill™, and Nutra-Apps®are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company. To Go Brands® is a trademark of To Go Brands, Inc.

Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Why Pharmacies, and Investors, Care about Biometrics

Tue 30 Apr 2013 10:05:18 MST

Biometrics has the potential to save pharmacies billions of dollars per year, while increasing their earning potential with the ability to extend after-hours shopping. While the term biometrics may sound futuristic, the technologies already exist and should soon be seen in pharmacies nationwide. Biometric systems will benefit pharmacies like Walgreen Company (NYSE: WAG) and CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), as well as the technology providers like Medbox Inc. (OTCQB: MDBX) that develop and sell the technology.

Costs of Pharmacy Theft & Fraud

On May 15, 2012, New Jersey police responded to a call from the Rock Ridge Pharmacy at 6:45pm, where a man was attempting to fill a prescription for a narcotic drug. With the police having circulated information from similar incidents earlier, the pharmacist became suspicious, called the police, and the man was arrested after a short foot chase. After questioning, the man was charged with numerous felonies for using a stolen prescription pad and a stolen driver’s license to obtain prescriptions illegally.

All it took was a petty theft from a doctor’s office to set off a potential life threatening chain of events. The thief could have then turned around and sold prescription narcotics to individuals unaware of the drug’s side effects or potency. In 2010, there were 80,000 drug and alcohol related overdose deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WONDER database. Adding up all categories, the rate of reported overdoses in the U.S. more than doubled between 1999 and 2010, with about half of those coming from the “pharmaceutical” category. Of note is the fact that nearly three-fourths of the pharmaceutical deaths are opioid analgesics – that is, prescription painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin.

Crimes like these have become commonplace in a world where the street price of prescription drugs like OxyContin can be as high as $65 to $80 per 80mg pill, making them more profitable for criminals to sell than many illegal drugs. In addition to outright fake prescriptions, many criminals also use “doctor shopping” techniques to acquire prescriptions by going to multiple doctors and pharmacies with the same prescriptions and ailments. Ultimately, frauds like these have added hundreds of billions of dollars each year to already rising healthcare costs.

Biometrics Offer Better Solutions

Biometrics solutions make it impossible for many types of prescription fraud to occur by verifying the identity of patients with fingerprints and digitally filling prescriptions. Some biometrics solutions, like Medbox’s suite of products, are also completely automated, removing the threat of pharmacists themselves being involved in the fraud. Reducing these types of frauds could not only help save pharmacies money, but also help them meet any existing or future regulatory requirements designed to reduce such illegal activity.

Interestingly, Medbox’s automated solutions can also help enhance revenues by enabling customers to access prescriptions or other retail products after normal pharmacy hours via an automated and secure dispensing machine. For example, pharmacy customers could upload their prescription to the pharmacy’s website, add products to the order, and then come and pick up the order at any time securely via the automated dispensing machine. The pharmacies have the added bonus of knowing their customer’s buying habits, and can cater coupons and promotions directly to the customer via this online ordering portal.

Looking at Medbox’s Product Line-Up

Medbox offers turnkey solutions to pharmacies that help control inventories, lower overhead costs, prevent fraud, guarantee compliance, and provide safe and easy access to patrons. The patented technology powers numerous products, including Medbox Machines, Safe Access Storage Lockers, Medbox Rx Lockboxes, Medbox OTC Machines, and Medbox “Sample-Safe” machines. These products target numerous end markets, including pharmacies, dispensaries, urgent care centers, drug rehab clinics, hospitals, prison systems, hospice facilities, and many others.

This exposure was enhanced in March when the company acquired a 50% stake in MedVend LLC, a Michigan-based biotechnology company that developed a patented, automated medicine-dispensing machine that is used for traditional prescription pharmaceutical dispensing. The remote pharmacy solution uses state-of-the-art video and e-scripting technologies to provide patients with remote, face-to-face consultation with a pharmacist to have their prescription medications filled in less than a minute.

Investment Opportunity

Investors looking to capitalize on biometrics and its impact on the pharmacy industry have numerous options. Companies like Walgreen’s and CVS will certainly benefit from the long-term advantages of this automated technology, but with market caps of $47B and $72B respectively, their growth potential (and risk) is not as great as a smaller player like Medbox.

On April 10th, the company also announced that they have filed their Form 10 to become a fully reporting public company with the SEC. A licensing agreement with PVM International, Inc. that calls for exclusive rights to the issued patents was also mentioned in the press release, alongside four other pending patents at a cost of $1/year for the duration of the patent lives.

With Medbox setting record volume for any trading day in their history on April 23rd, it is apparent that investors are taking note of this company that has carved out a promising corner of this niche market.

For more information, please see the following resources:

• Company Website

RXi Pharmaceuticals Announces Investor and Analyst Symposium

Mon 29 Apr 2013 11:04:52 MST

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NASDAQ: RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, today announces that it will be holding its first Investor and Analyst Symposium on Friday July 12th, 2013 at the OTCQX Market Center in New York City.

The Symposium will feature company Management and members of its Scientific Advisory Board, who will provide more details on RXi’s current clinical developments for RXI-109. Company management expects to announce the formal transition of RXI-109 into a Phase 2 clinical development program at the symposium, which is another stride forward towards joining the ranks of successful, high-level market cap companies such as Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY) and Sarepta Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SRPT).

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, today announced that it will hold its first Investor and Analyst Symposium.

During this meeting, the company Management and members of its Scientific Advisory Board will provide more details on RXi's current clinical development compound for the treatment of dermal scarring, RXI-109, as well as insights into the company's other research programs and their potential. "As mentioned on several occasions, RXi Pharmaceuticals will have the complete unblinded data of their two Phase 1 studies available around the middle of this year", said Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh, President and CEO of the Company. He added that, "At this Investor and Analyst Symposium, we expect to announce the formal transition of RXI-109 into a Phase 2 clinical development program, and also provide more detail on the indications and patient population we will target in our Phase 2 studies. In addition the company will also give an update on its other earlier stage programs, with special emphasis on the ophthalmologic applications of its game changing self delivering RNAi platform."

This event will be held on Friday July 12, 2013, from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the OTCQX Market Center, 304 Hudson Street, New York, NY. Registration is required to attend this event, please contact Tamara McGrillen at tmcgrillen@rxipharma.com or 508-929-3646. A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the "Investors" section of the Company's website, www.rxipharma.com. A replay of the presentation will be available for 90 days.

About RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation
RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXII) is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies based on its proprietary, self-delivering RNAi platform. Therapeutics that use RNA interference, or "RNAi," have great promise because of their ability to down-regulate, the expression of a specific gene that may be over-expressed in a disease condition. Building on the pioneering work of scientific founder and Nobel Laureate Dr. Craig Mello, a member of the RXi Scientific Advisory Board, RXi’s first RNAi product candidate, RXI-109, which targets CTGF, entered into human clinical development in June 2012. For more information, please visit http://www.rxipharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future expectations, planned and future development of RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation’s products and technologies. Forward-looking statements about expectations and development plans of RXi’s products involve significant risks, and uncertainties: risks that RXi may not be able to successfully develop its candidates, or that development of RNAi-based therapeutics may be delayed or not proceed as planned, or that we may not develop any RNAi-based product; risks that the development process for our product candidates may be delayed, risks related to development and commercialization of products by our competitors, risks related to our ability to control timing and terms of collaborations with third parties, and the possibility that other companies or organizations may assert patent rights preventing us from developing our products. Actual results may differ from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. RXi does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views, events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release.

Contact:
RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Tamara McGrillen, 508-929-3646
tmcgrillen@rxipharma.com

Griffin Securities Issues Update on RXi Pharmaceuticals (RXII)

Fri 26 Apr 2013 13:01:31 MST

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corp. (OTCBB: RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, received a BUY recommendation with a 12-month price target of $0.40 from Keith Markey, Ph.D., MBA, at Griffin Securities on April 25, 2013.

Click Here to Read the Full Report or visit http://www.rxipharma.com/investors/reports/

According to the report, "the company has multiple commercialization opportunities to pursue and several milestone approaching," due to its focus on connective tissue growth factor as a central player in fibrotic diseases. The analyst also suggested that the company might be considering a stock split to make it more suitable for institutional investors.

Griffin Securities is a research driven investment banking firm providing corporate finance, merger & acquisitions, account management, trading and research services for institutional, corporate and private clients. The New York City-based firm is also registered with both FINRA and the SIPC, with a very experienced management and research team.

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXII) is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies based on its proprietary, self-delivering RNAi platform. Therapeutics that use RNA interference, or "RNAi," have great promise because of their ability to down-regulate, the expression of a specific gene that may be over-expressed in a disease condition. Building on the pioneering work of scientific founder and Nobel Laureate Dr. Craig Mello, a member of the RXi Scientific Advisory Board, RXi’s first RNAi product candidate, RXI-109, which targets CTGF, entered into human clinical development in June 2012. For more information, please visit www.rxipharma.com

RXi Pharmaceuticals: Realizing RNA's Revolutionary Potential

Fri 26 Apr 2013 09:31:11 MST

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (OTCQB: RXII) is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing therapies leveraging its breakthrough RNAi delivery platforms. After spinning off from Galena Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: GALE) in April of 2012, the company has made significant strides developing its proprietary delivery platforms and has acquired Opko Health Inc.’s RNAi assets (NASDAQ: OPKO) as of March 2013.

In this article, we’ll take a look at RNA and its potential therapeutic potential, analyze how RXi Pharmaceuticals’ RNAi-based platforms and compounds improve upon the current therapeutics, and then take a look at why investors might be interested.

What Exactly Is RNA?

Ribonucleic acid (“RNA”) is a macromolecule that performs multiple vital roles in the coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes. When cells need to produce proteins, they activate the portion of DNA that codes for a given protein, which produces multiple copies of that piece of DNA in the form of messenger RNA, or mRNA. These mRNA are then used to translate the genetic code into protein using the cells’ manufacturing ribosomes.

Aside from acting as a DNA photocopier for protein manufacturing, RNA can act as an enzyme (“ribozyme”) to speed up chemical reactions. The macromolecule also plays an important role in regulating cell processes, while defects in RNA have been implicated in a number of clinically important diseases, including heart disease, some cancers, stroke and others. As a result, RNA has come to the forefront of clinical research over the past few years.

RNA Interface and Its Applications

A particularly interesting area of RNA research is RNA interference (“RNAi”), which is a biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression by destroying mRNA. These processes can play an important role in not only defending cells against viruses and other parasitic nucleotide sequences, but also in directing gene expression on a more generic level. In diseases where certain genes are overexpressed, for instance, RNAi may be able to help regulate them.

By 2002, RNAi was selected as the “Breakthrough of the Year” by the journal Science, bringing the new process into the limelight. And in 2006, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to the co-discoverers of RNAi, including Dr. Craig Mello, a co-founder of RXi Pharmaceuticals. The novel approach to drug development processes enables scientists to potentially highly selectively treat any one of the thousands of human genes, including those untouchable using other modalities.

Breakthrough Platform Technology

The problem with RNAi therapeutics has traditionally been delivering the compounds to the right areas in the body. While encapsulating RNA in a lipid-based particle has improved circulation time and cellular uptake, the process remains far from efficient at achieving the desired response rate in a reasonable amount of time. Apart from increasing side effect profiles of the treatments, these additional delivery vehicles also add uncertainty to the compound’s overall efficacy depending on various conditions.

RXi Pharmaceuticals has taken an entirely different approach by building drug-like properties in to the RNAi compound itself. These “self-delivering”, proprietary, and novel compounds have been developed under the trade name sd-rxRNA®. The company’s suite of such compounds can be used to treat a variety of acute and chronic diseases, using both local and systemic administration, providing a significant competitive advantage in the field.

Robust Therapeutic Pipeline

RXi Pharmaceuticals has developed a robust therapeutic pipeline led by RXI-109, a self-delivering RNAi compound (sd-rxRNA®) being developed for the reduction of dermal scarring in planned surgeries. In two Phase I clinical trials, the compound was well tolerated with no serious local or systemic side effects observed, and the company expects to report full top-line results during the second quarter of this year, with Phase II clinical trials following afterwards.

Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs to prevent scar formation, meaning a therapeutic of this type could have great benefit for trauma and surgical patients, as a treatment during the surgical revision of existing unsatisfactory scars, and in the treatment, removal and inhibition of keloids – scars that extend beyond the original skin injury. With approximately 42 million surgical procedures per year, the market could be worth up to $4 billion annually in the U.S.

The company also has a number of other earlier stage therapeutic candidates in development, but remains largely focused on developing its RXI-109 before investing significant time and capital into them. These assets encompass those purchased in March of 2013 from OPKO Health, including 12 patent families with claims relating to important biological targets believed to play a role in diseases of the eye, cancer, immune disorders and inflammation.

Potential Investment Opportunity

RNA plays an important role in gene expression, making it an important clinical target for therapeutics companies. With its robust clinical pipeline and extensive experience with RNAi, RXi Pharmaceuticals represents a unique play on the space. The company’s lead candidate has significant promise targeting a large $4 billion per year market with no FDA-approved treatments, while its innovative platform yield significant long-term potential in many areas.

For more information, please see the following resources:

Insider Builds Up Stake in Navistar amid Turnaround

Thu 25 Apr 2013 10:29:22 MST

Navistar International Inc. (NYSE: NAV), developer of engines and parts for commercial vehicles, has made somewhat of a turnaround over the past few months, rising more than 27 percent from its lows. Director John Pope seems to think these trends will continue, after scooping up 6,370 shares at $31.28 per share on April 15, 2013, according to a Form 4 filing with the SEC.

Interestingly, the nearly $200,000 purchase is the first made by Mr. Pope, suggesting that there may be an especially compelling reason to buy the stock at these levels. And, the move also comes after the stock has already moved sharply higher over the past few months.

In Good Company

Navistar has attracted the attention of some famous investors after its fall from grace, including billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn. After unsuccessfully pushing for a merger with Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) in late-2012, the activist has instead been pushing the company towards a turnaround the old fashioned way with some success over the past few months.

The company has also attracted the attention of MHR, another famous hedge fund ran by Icahn’s former con padre Mark Rachesky. While the two activists had an out for each other fighting over Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: LGF), they appear to have joined forces in helping Navistar navigate its way through a turnaround.

Both investors have a well known activism track record of unlocking value for shareholders in the form of outright sales, special dividends, share buybacks or other events.

Turnaround Underway

Navistar has struggled with profitability after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) denied approval for its new diesel engine. But, first quarter losses narrowed to $123 million, cash balances improved to $1.19 billion, according to its 10-Q filing, while management indicated that they expect to see a return to profitability by the end of the year.

In March, the company also named Troy Clark as its new Chief Executive Officer, after the company fired Daniel Ustian over the failure of the next generation diesel engine.

With its strong cash position and pathway to profitability, the stock has also fallen off the radar of many short sellers, which may be the reason for some of the recent price spike.

Investment Opportunity

Investors looking to place money alongside Carl Icahn and MHR may want to consider building a stake in Navistar. While the two activists are already sitting on a gain, investors could have a cost basis similar to that of Director John Pope. The company’s experienced new CEO could also help drive long-term growth for shareholders in a still-growing market.

Investors looking for targeted exposure to the company may also want to consider purchasing stock options, which trade on the stock with some liquidity. The company’s at-the-money 32 JAN ’15 LEAPS trade at just $7.00, suggesting a $39.00 breakeven point. Another 20% move higher between now and then could result in a 37% gain for LEAPS holders.

Staffing 360 (STAF) Closes Financing to Complete Acquisition

Wed 24 Apr 2013 12:43:27 MST

Staffing 360 Solutions Inc. (OTCQB: STAF), an emerging provider of international staffing services targeting numerous vertical end markets, announced its agreement to acquire The Revolution Group back in March of this year. By building exposure to the cyber security market, the acquisition should set it apart from other temporary staffing agencies, like Kelly Services Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA) or Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI).

The company today announced that it completed a $1.05 million private placement and intends to finalize the acquisition of The Revolution Group within the next 10 days, which should add approximately $5 million per year to its top-line results moving forward. Once this first acquisition has closed, the company intends to continue its roll-up strategy by acquiring and integrating additional niche acquisition targets in the industry.

Read the full press release below:

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: STAF), an emerging growth public company engaged in the provision of international staffing services in IT, financial, accounting, healthcare and cyber security industries, today announced the closing of a private placement for total gross proceeds of $1,050,000 to certain accredited investors.

"We are pleased to raise over $1 million to support Staffing 360's consolidation strategy," stated Peter J. Goldstein, Chairman of Staffing 360 Solutions. "As previously announced, we are implementing initiatives in Cyber Security, an industry that is becoming a critical focus for protecting our nation's fragile digital framework. This financing provides us with the necessary capital to complete the acquisition of our first Cyber Security target, The Revolution Group, which is anticipated to close within the next 10 business days, if all closing conditions are met."

Allan Hartley, CEO of Staffing 360 Solutions, added, "We view this as a threshold event. Once the first acquisition has been completed, we intend to continue to execute our rollup initiatives by acquiring and integrating additional acquisition targets in the staffing industry."

As part of Staffing 360 Solutions' growth strategy, its management team has been engaged in the development of a comprehensive program to create a pipeline of prospective acquisitions, including The Revolution Group, Ltd., which is expected to become part of the Company's newly formed Cyber 360 Solutions division at closing. In connection with the private placement, Staffing 360 Solutions issued units consisting of the Company's common stock and warrants to certain accredited investors. The private placement was in reliance upon exemptions from registration pursuant to the provisions of Section 4(a)(2), Rule 506 of Regulation D.

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc.

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. is an emerging public company in the international staffing sector that intends to acquire high-growth domestic and international staffing agencies. As part of its targeted consolidation model, Staffing 360 Solutions is pursuing broad spectrum staffing companies in the IT, financial, accounting, healthcare and cyber security industries. The Company believes the staffing industry offers opportunities to create a successful public company with a longer term objective of accretive acquisitions that will drive annual revenues to a minimum of $250 million. For more information, please visit: www.staffing360solutions.com

TranSwitch (TXCC) Activist Pushes for Change in 13D

Wed 24 Apr 2013 09:19:04 MST

TranSwitch Corporation (NASDAQ: TXCC), a designer, developer and supplier of semiconductor solutions that provide core functionality for voice, data and video communications equipment, has fallen more than 80% over the past 52 weeks. As one would expect, the drop has led some disgruntled shareholders to voice their opinions about the stock.

Perhaps the loudest such voice has been that of Gabriel Brener, whose Brener International Group LLC owns approximately 1.02% of the outstanding shares. Mr. Brener sent a letter to TranSwitch’s Board of Directors on April 18, 2013 demanding some big changes, including a sale of the company, in a Schedule 13D filing made with the SEC.

Click Here: Read the Complete Letter to the Board of Directors

Complete Lack of Performance

Mr. Brener’s letter begins with a scathing review of management’s performance over the past several years, calling the current team “completely incapable of operating the company”. Since Dr. Khatibzadeh took control of the company in 2009, Mr. Brener indicated that the company has moved from revenues of $56 million and a net loss of $11.5 million to revenues of less than $18 million and a net loss of more than $18.2 million last year.

The company’s two restructurings have also been largely unsuccessful, with the first failing to restore profitability and Mr. Brener believes “it is doubtful that the second restructuring will be any more successful than the first”. The company’s auditors have also expressed doubts as to whether it could continue as a going concern, underscoring these sentiments. All of these trends suggest that management has been destroying rather than creating shareholder value.

Overpaid Management Team

Despite the lackluster performance of TranSwitch’s management, Mr. Brener notes that they have been compensated at lofty levels. In 2012, the company paid its five named executive offers more than 11% of its total gross revenues, or $1.365 million in cash. The company also granted several stock awards that will significantly dilute shareholders, while the Board of Directors receive compensation of about $270,000 in cash.

Finally, Mr. Brener notes that the 90% of the short-term incentive plan award for the five named executive officers is based on the company’s revenues. He suggested that instead the Board of Directors should set “these targets based on profit… [as] stockholders do not benefit if revenues grow but the company does not move towards profitability”.

Pushing for an Outright Sale

Mr. Brener ended his letter to the Board of Directors calling for an outright sale of the company, or at least that substantial change is made to the management and Board.

“As the Company changes its business strategy yet again, I would hope that the Board would also explore a sale of the Company. If the Board insists on remaining independent substantial changes should be made to management and the Board.”

In the end, investors will have to wait and see whether or not the Board of Directors heeds this advice or continues with business as usual. But if they do take action, investors may want to keep a close eye on this stock, as a potential buyout or shift in the management team could unlock shareholder value, either over the short-term or long-term.

American Cryostem (CRYO) Goes International

Tue 23 Apr 2013 14:19:18 MST

American Cryostem Corporation (OTCQB: CRYO) put out a major announcement that signals the company’s effective launch into the international market. After months of wading through international logistics and licensing issues, the company is now able to receive, process and store adipose, or fat, tissue from any country served by FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX). This initial announcement covers a relationship with a Hong Kong-based company but American Cryostem should be able to replicate this success in other international markets as well.

The process goes something like this: adipose tissue is collected from patients of American Cryostem’s international partners and shipped to the company’s laboratory and storage facilities in New Jersey. There, the tissue is cultured and processed for a number of uses. In this case, the patients are using personalized skin care products developed in collaboration with Personal Cell Sciences Corp., so American Cryostem cultures the stem cells contained in the tissue for this purpose. The patient gets skin care products developed from their own stem cells. At the same time, the company stores and preserves both adipose tissues and stem cell cultures for future uses. These could include stem cell therapies (either existing or yet-to-be-developed) as well as cosmetic enhancements using the patient’s own fat tissues.

This unique, end-to-end service puts American Cryostem right in the middle of several potential revenue streams. Through the partnership with Personal Cell Sciences, the company competes in the stem cell based cosmeceutical market with products like International Stem Cell Corporation’s (OTCBB: ISCO) Lifeline Skin Care. The adipose tissue storage service establishes a niche in an industry dominated by giants like Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE), and the stem cell processing and banking service puts the company in a quickly emerging market with companies like Neostem, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NBS).

American Cryostem combines all of these industry niches into one intriguing company, definitely worth a look as autologous stem cell treatments gain traction around the world. We wrote about these emerging markets at length not too long ago, take a look at our article for some background.

To sign up to receive more information about American Cryostem, please visit: http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/cryo/cryo_landing.php

Here’s the release…

American CryoStem Corporation, a leading strategic developer, marketer and global licensor of patented adipose tissue-based cellular technologies for the Regenerative and Personalized Medicine industries, today announced receipt of its first commercial international shipment of adipose tissue for processing and long term cryo-storage.

The master sample was shipped to the Company by BALS (Biomedical and Life Sciences) Institute (BALS), a Hong Kong-based regenerative medicine company and client of Personal Cell Sciences Corp. (PCS), the developer of U-Autologous(TM) skin care products and formulations. The product uses an individual's own adult stem cells to create and supply that individual with his or her own personalized anti-aging skin care line.

As part of the previously announced contract manufacturing arrangement between American CryoStem and PCS, American CryoStem is responsible for clinically testing, processing, culturing and storing samples shipped from PCS clients to create Autokine-CM(TM), the key ingredient in theU-Autologous formulation. BALS Institute has teamed with PCS to ensure the people in Greater China gain access to safe, quality and effective life science technologies through partnerships with leading international corporations.

"American CryoStem has committed extensive resources to establishing and perfecting our international shipping methodologies and protocols, ensuring that our processes meet the highest possible standards of regulatory compliance for shipment of biologic materials," stated John Arnone, Chairman and CEO of American CryoStem. "As a result, our FDA registered laboratory and cryo-storage facilities in New Jersey are now able to send and receive viable tissue samples to and from clients globally."

Continuing, Arnone added, "The receipt of our first international shipment from BALS Institute marks a very important milestone in our Company's commercial development and triggers what we expect will be rapid global expansion of our proprietary platform for clinical processing and commercial bio-banking of adipose tissue."

Mathew Fan, Director of Marketing and Corporate Development for BALS Institute, stated, "We are committed to providing our clients with the most advanced life science treatments and products from around the globe. Working in close collaboration with leading world class companies, such as American CryoStem and Personal Cell Sciences, provides great comfort to our clients, knowing that their stem cells are safely processed, tested and stored in a United States facility for their future use."

About BALS Institute

Based in Hong Kong, BALS (Biomedical and Life Sciences) Institute, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Hong Kong-listed company HK Life Science and Technology Group Limited, is a healthcare operational platform providing medical professionals in China access to the latest developments in life science and biomedical technology available in the world today. For more information, please go to www.bals-institute.com.

About Personal Cell Sciences Corp. (PCS)

Personal Cell Sciences Corp. (PCS) is a privately held Life Sciences company dedicated to the development and distribution of personalized Adipose Derived Stem Cell-based anti-aging, topical skin care products formulated using an individual's own stem cells. PCS not only produces unique skin care products, branded under its U Autologous(TM) skin care line, but it also helps prepare individuals for the future of Regenerative Medicine by cryogenically storing a clinical grade sample of an individual's adult stem cells through its affiliation with American CryoStem Corporation. For more information, go to www.personalcellsciences.com.

About American CryoStem Corporation

A pioneer in the fields of Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, American CryoStem is a developer, marketer and global licensor of patented adipose tissue-based cellular technologies and related proprietary services with a focus on clinical processing, commercial bio-banking and application development for adipose (fat) tissue and autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs). The Company maintains a strategic portfolio of intellectual property and patent applications that form its Adipose Tissue Processing Platform, which supports and promotes a growing pipeline of biologic products and processes, clinical services and international licensing opportunities. Through its ACS Laboratories division, the Company operates an FDA registered, cGMP compliant human tissue processing, cryo-storage, cell culture and differentiation media development facility in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.americancryostem.com and www.acslaboratories.com.

Arrayit (ARYC) Featured on PBS NOVA Series

Tue 23 Apr 2013 14:13:10 MST

Arrayit Corporation (OTCQB: ARYC), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation, biological function, and diagnostics worldwide, has been a leader in the microarray market for some time, having been featured on popular documentaries like PBS’ NOVA series.

In the short NOVA documentary, the company’s products and management were showcased within the context of genetic research, highlighting their use within industries that are still growing in importance, with companies like Sequenom Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM) and Affymetrix Inc. (NASDAQ: AFFY) actively participating in the marketplace.

The company also produced a video showcasing how its protein microarray platform works, spotted with different antigens designed to identify, measure and report levels of immunoglobin G proteins in the presence of human serum or plasma.

Arrayit Corporation develops and supports microarray tools and components, custom printing and analysis of microarrays for research, and the identification and development of diagnostic microarrays and tools for early detection of treatable disease states. Its Variation Identification Platform technology allows diagnostic tests to be performed on up to 100,000 patients at a time. The company also manufactures consumables, including glass substrates and slides, reagents, solutions, kits and clean room supplies.

For more information, please see the following resources:

• Company Website
• Recent SEC Filings

RXi Pharma (RXII) Appoints Two New Board Members with Significant Industry Expertise

Mon 22 Apr 2013 12:54:39 MST

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NASDAQ: RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, has had a remarkable year after spinning out from its parent company, Galena Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: GALE).

In addition to its stock price more than doubling since May of 2012, the company has advanced its lead candidate RXI-109 through Phase I clinical trials and reported promising initial data. The addition of H. Paul Dorman and Curtis Lockshin to its Board of Directors promises to help further support the development of this drug and others in its robust pipeline, with their deep industry expertise at companies like OPKO Health Inc. (NYSE: OPK).

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, today announced that H. Paul Dorman and Curtis Lockshin, Ph.D. have been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Dorman and Dr. Lockshin both bring significant industry experience that will be instrumental to supporting RXi’s growth and development initiatives.

Mr. Dorman brings nearly three decades of executive experience in the pharmaceutical industry with Johnson & Johnson and Baxter, in various leadership roles, to RXi. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of DFB Pharmaceuticals, a Fort Worth, TX based holding company that, over the last 20 years, has successfully invested in and operated multiple pharmaceutical businesses. In that role, he acquired several companies, three of which were turned around to profitability, from Chapter 11 status at acquisition, and later sold to a large, multi-national, public corporation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University and a Juris Doctor of Law from Loyola University. “Mr. Dorman is one of the remarkable icons in the healthcare industry and we are thrilled to have him join our Board,” said Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh, President and CEO of RXi Pharmaceuticals. He added that, “Paul’s experience and network in both the large and small pharma world, as well as his wisdom in leading companies to success, will be major contributing factors to the RXi Board of Directors and the growth of our Company.”

Dr. Lockshin comes to RXi providing exceptional industry insight and functional, hands-on experience. Most recently, he has been an Independent Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Consultant for OPKO Health, Inc. Prior to this role, Dr. Lockshin served as Vice President, Corporate R&D Initiatives for OPKO Health, Inc., with operational responsibilities inside several of OPKO's R&D units. He currently serves as a Director of the Ruth K. Broad Biomedical Research Foundation, a Duke University Support Corporation. He previously served as a Director of Sorrento Therapeutics and Winston Pharmaceuticals. He initially began his career as a scientist with Sepracor and eventually became the research director responsible for the strategy and operations of Sepracor's new leads initiative. He is a Co-Inventor on several U.S. patents and applications, covering pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and optics for remote biochemical sensing. Dr. Lockshin holds a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “Dr. Lockshin has an impressive career track record in research and development of new drugs”, commented Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh. “With RXi Pharmaceuticals in the midst of a game changing drug in development with RXI-109 for dermal scarring, Curt will provide valuable insights into the development of our drugs. With Paul Dorman and Curt Lockshin joining our current Board members Bob Bitterman and Keith Brownlie, RXi Pharmaceuticals has a well rounded Board of Directors with an appropriate balance of all key elements needed for success.”

About RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXII) is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies based on its proprietary, self-delivering RNAi platform. Therapeutics that use RNA interference, or “RNAi,” have great promise because of their ability to down-regulate, the expression of a specific gene that may be over-expressed in a disease condition. Building on the pioneering work of scientific founder and Nobel Laureate Dr. Craig Mello, a member of the RXi Scientific Advisory Board, RXi’s first RNAi product candidate, RXI-109, which targets CTGF, entered into human clinical development in June 2012. For more information, please visit www.rxipharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future expectations, planned and future development of RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation’s products and technologies. Forward-looking statements about expectations and development plans of RXi’s products involve significant risks, and uncertainties: risks that RXi may not be able to successfully develop its candidates, or that development of RNAi-based therapeutics may be delayed or not proceed as planned, or that we may not develop any RNAi-based product; risks that the development process for our product candidates may be delayed, risks related to development and commercialization of products by our competitors, risks related to our ability to control timing and terms of collaborations with third parties, and the possibility that other companies or organizations may assert patent rights preventing us from developing our products. Actual results may differ from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. RXi does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views, events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release.

BioLargo (BLGO) Focused on Two Core Product Lines

Mon 22 Apr 2013 09:13:57 MST

To the untrained eye, BioLargo Inc. (OTCBB: BLGO) can seem like an octopus with its tentacles in every business under the sun. That initial perception, however, merely reflects the fact that its technology is applicable in so many diverse end markets. The reality is that management has been keenly focused on developing two core products for the near-term – pet/consumer products and wound care products. In this article, we’ll take a look at these two divisions and where they are headed in 2013 and beyond.

Launching Consumer Brands

BioLargo’s Commercial, Household and Personal Care Products (CHAPP) division began in May 2009 with the launch of three odor and moisture control products focused on the equine industry under the award-winning Odor-No-More® brand. Thanks to their unique package designs and remarkable deodorizing capabilities, the products won a “Best New Product Design Award” at one of the pet industry’s most prestigious tradeshows – SuperZoo – in late 2009, as well as a Horse Journal’s “Product of the Year Award” in 2010.

Based on test marketing and customer feedback, these product designs were subsequently refined, rebranded and expanded under the Nature’s Best Solution® brand name in 2012 and are now available for sale on www.naturesbestsolution.com. The company has also engaged ‘The Pet Firm’ to develop national pet specialty retail accounts and expand the reach of these products into both large and small pet stores throughout the United States.

During the latter half of 2012, the company also unveiled several household consumer products, including a niche product targeted towards the sports market called DeodorAll® Sport. The product tackles hard to manage sports-related odors for equipment, shoes pads, helmets and other things, and is available for sale on www.deodorallsport.com. Notably, the company is also working with a marketing firm on a wholesale basis targeting ice hockey equipment. On April 15th, BioLargo announced that it had expanded the www.deodorall.com line to now also include pet products to be sold into mass market sales channels and it had added three leading rep firms to assist in the company’s focus to develop sales.

These CHAPP products could generate significant near-term value for shareholders, given that they are based on an award-winning platform and already available for sale. Now that Central Garden’s exclusive rights to the pet products has expired, the company is also free to pursue all venues to develop sales of its pet products. Spending on pet supplies alone in the U.S. topped $11.77 billion in 2011, according to the APPA. Meanwhile, the market for household cleaning supplies reached $5.1 billion that same year, according to Transparency Market Research, led by companies like Procter & Gamble Inc. (NYSE: PG).

Advanced Wound Care Products

BioLargo’s second major area of focus is in the advanced wound care industry, where its formulation combines broad-spectrum antimicrobial capabilities with iodine’s natural and well-understood metabolic pathway to promote healing. In 2012, the company formed a subsidiary called Clyra Medical Technologies Inc. to commercialize these products, with a significant competitive advantage in the form of reduced product costs.

Later that year, the subsidiary organized a strategic supply agreement with Formulated Solutions, a FDA-registered drug and device manufacturing company, to make final preparations and apply for a FDA 510(k) approval for its first two products targeting advanced wound care. While the FDA process can be lengthy and complex, the company anticipates product sales during the first half of 2014 and is focused on finding licensing partners in the meantime.

Also during late-2012, the company began the process of test marketing newly developed wound care products for animals. Free samples are being provided to veterinarians, farriers, trainers and rescue organizations to gather information about their experience and refine a business plan to sell these products into a potentially large market. Because of the company’s extensive work to validate the efficacy and safety of its wound care products the company can begin selling them as soon as it develops the resources or strategic partnerships.

The U.S. wound care industry is expected to grow from $16.8 billion in 2012 to nearly $21 billion by 2015, according to Kalorama Information, driven by negative pressure wound therapy that uses special dressings and vacuum technology to speed healing. While the market is led by companies like Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE: SNN), price-competitive entrants like BioLargo could end up taking an increasingly large market share in the space.

Potential Investment Opportunity

BioLargo Inc. (OTCBB: BLGO) represents an attractive investment opportunity for many different reasons. First, the company launched a revamped and expanded product line in late-2012 addressing the enormous market for pet and household odor control. And second, the company’s focus on advanced wound care has set the stage for significant long-term potential, with catalysts in the form of potential licensing agreements in the near-term and targeted commercialization in 2014.

Recently, the company also announced the retirement of debt and accounts payable claims that have cleared its balance sheet. More than $1 million in debt was relieved through the issuance of common stock and options at a 20% premium to the market price of the stock at the time of the announcement. These actions represented an ongoing sign of management and the board of directors’ commitment to the company and its innovative technology platform.

For more information, please see the following resources:

• Company Website
• Management Bios
• Recent SEC Filings

Is Growing Portable Solar Sector the Answer for Grid Independence?

Fri 19 Apr 2013 14:48:12 MST

There’s little question demand for renewable portable power is being driven by the recognition that our power grid is becoming less reliable whether from crumbling infrastructure, climate change driven storms of greater frequency and intensity or a combination of both. Power outages in the Northeast states as well as in the Southwest were more frequent and longer in duration than many of us can remember and predictions are for another volatile hurricane season in 2013.

Consumers increasingly seek mobile power for a growing number of devices as well as large commercial appliances in addition to phones and laptops; companies need reliable access to power in the field or on the road; governments require power solutions that deliver during emergency situations like natural disaster response.

Despite diesel “genset” historical dominance in portable power, RENEWABLE portable power is capturing market share largely due to its indoor use possibilities and as a more economical, more reliable, cleaner and quieter option. Meanwhile, the renewable mobile power market for forward military bases and temporary installations alone is forecast to reach $6.1 billion by 2030, according to an industry reports. The genset market is estimated by industry reports to be as high as $22B globally and as battery storage technology advances, demand for renewable portable power so does demand for portable power.

As one could imagine, investors are taking notice. In January of 2013 portable power leader, Goal Zero raised $7 million in a Series C venture round with Mercato Partners. Meanwhile, a publicly traded portable power pure-play IDS Solar Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: IDST) has been well received by the public market, with growing volume resulting perhaps from their announcement of advanced lithium iron phosphate Battery Management and control electronics as the centerpiece of their product development plan.

Portable Solar’s Competitive Landscape

The market abounds with publicly traded renewable names: First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE) and Suntech Power (NYSE: STP) – the list goes on... However, only a handful of companies operate in the portable solar space, including IDS Solar Technologies (OTCQB: IDST) and two privately held competitors that include the industry leader Goal Zero and recent entry Wagan Corporation.

As possibly the only publicly traded renewable portable power pure-play, IDS Solar Technologies may be interesting, with its improving product pipeline and advanced Battery Management Systems and control electronics customized for use with lithium iron phosphate batteries, which many see as the highest growth potential as a storage medium.

The Competitive Field

Goal Zero - primarily solar in its focus and a leader in solar portable power for low-load applications like phones or emergency kits. Their flagship utility-scale solar kit is its Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit, which powers USB, 12V and AC devices ranging from lights to refrigerators.

Wagan Corporation began in the auto appliance field, but expanded into portable solar with a wide range of products from consumer electronics to utilities. The company’s flagship utility-scale solar kit is its Solar e Power™ Cube 1500, which includes USB and AC outlets for functional flexibility.

A Competitive Edge in LiFePO4?

While Goal Zero may be commercially established, IDS Solar Tech is catching up with its unique lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology and ability to rapidly scale via a growing distribution network.

Since January of this year, IDST has been establishing a nationwide distribution network for its portable solar products and has expanded this network to include fifteen states, while also in discussion with regional assemblers to provide faster supply and lower distribution cost.

In April, the company announced completion of its first LiFePO4 Battery Management and Charge Controller which will improve safety, cost, power density and a lifespan of the energy storage within its products, which all translates into ROI for the userits products. Numerous channels are evidently being developed including OEMs.

Renewable Portable Power – Innovation Rising to Meet Demand

So IDS Solar Tech may warrant a look as an interesting opportunity as it moves closer towards large-scale commercialization. Its products are in high demand targeting numerous end markets; its distribution framework is filling out; and lithium-iron phosphate battery controller is clearly differentiating its products lines and opening access to the market.

For further information on IDS Solar Technologies:

http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/idst/idst_landing.php

Reading into AeroVironment's (AVAV) Insider Buying

Fri 19 Apr 2013 11:11:38 MST

AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), developer of unmanned aircraft systems primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense, has been trending towards its 52-week lows thanks to ongoing and anticipated U.S. military budget cuts as part of the sequester. But, one insider’s buying suggests that those most familiar with the company are starting to take advantage of the low price. In this article, we’ll take a look at these transactions and explore whether they’re worth mimicking.

AeroVironment’s Fall from Grace

There’s no secret that the U.S. military loves unmanned aircraft – or drones as they are affectionately called. As of January 2012, it’s estimated that the military owns nearly 7,500 drones across all of its branches. But, military spending on drones moving forward is a lot less certain, with the sequestration putting a $475 billion cap on the Pentagon’s non-war funding that would entail some $52 billion in budget cuts that need to be made.

AeroVironment felt some of this impact during the quarter ended January 26, 2013, with revenues falling 35% year over year, according to its 10-Q filing with the SEC. The company’s funded backlog also decreased considerably year over year, from $93.2 million in 2012 to $70.5 million in 2013. Notably, approximately 42% of the company’s sales were made to the U.S. Army during the fiscal year ended 2012, equating to significant exposure.

The result has been painfully apparent to the company’s shareholders over the past six months, with the stock falling more than 22% to just over $18.00 per share today. Whether or not the company’s financial results and share price recover is largely dependent on the government’s sequestration decisions, the company’s ability to further diversify its customer base, and the company’s ability to diversify its revenues into EVs and other product lines.

One Insider Views Fall as Opportunity

AeroVironment has seen numerous sell transactions back in April, but Director Arnold Fishman made a big purchase worth more than $900,000 this week, according to a Form 4 filing with the SEC. The insider purchased stock at prices ranging from $18.03 to $18.09 per share for his personal trust, bringing his total ownership stake up to 276,617 shares. And notably, such insider buying has been historically uncommon for the drone stock.

Looking at other recent Form 4 transactions, however, investors may be a little more hesitant to give Mr. Fishman’s transaction much weight. Chairman and CEO Timothy Conver had a planned sale of nearly $100,000 in March, SVP and CFO Jikun Kim sold some $17,000 in March, SVP and GM Roy Minson sold more than $35,000 in April, and Senior VP and COO Tom Herring sold over $17,000 in March, all painting more of a bearish picture.

In the end, the large insider purchasing stems from only one of the company’s insiders, who is a director versus an officer. Investors may therefore want to be careful before assigning too much weight to the transaction, although the transaction size was certainly notable. Many other officers have clearly been selling throughout the year, too, although Chairman and CEO Timothy Conver’s sale was a planned sale and shouldn’t be taken into account as sentiment.

The Takeaway

AeroVironment has suffered from both actual and anticipated reductions in military spending on unmanned drones. While one insider took a significant stake in the company this week, investors should be careful, given that it was a director and many other officers have been selling throughout the year. If the company is to turnaround, the most likely catalysts will come from bullish news on military spending or diversification of its revenues and customer base.

PMX Communities (PMXO): Cleaning Up & Ramping Up in 2012

Fri 19 Apr 2013 09:38:41 MST

PMX Communities Inc. (OTCQB: PMXO), a precious metal incubation company focused on deploying precious metal dispensing terminals throughout the U.S. and internationally, recently released its 10-K filing with the SEC. After bringing in a new management team, the SEC filing details significant progress in cleaning up the financial statements and ramping up for 2013. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the critical details within the regulatory filing.

Click Here: Read the Entire 10-K SEC Filing

New Management Cleans Up the Books

PMX Communities had a transformational year in 2012, cleaning up its books and setting the stage for growth in 2013. While the company recorded 700 gold transactions yielding $266,256 in revenue between December 17, 2010 and March 23, 2011, the company never detailed the profitability of the tested gold machine, and at that time, it was run by a former management team that was unable to meet the promises they had made to early investors or build their own gold terminal. The culminating result of this was the hiring of a new managing director of PMX Gold Bullion Sales, Inc. in May of 2012 to take the helm.

Despite the lackluster performance of the former management in executing its plans, even the initial gold machine proved a core business model that has since been greatly refined, as was noted in this excerpt from the company’s recent 10-K filing:

“Although our tests were limited to one physical location, management is satisfied with the results of the test marketing program given the fact that the machine was operational in a cash only mode, together with a number of other significant technology and operational challenges that were faced.”

Looking further at the filing, the company has made real strides actualizing what they promised to shareholders. PMX Communities, Inc. made adjustments correcting a $62,651 overstatement of derivative liabilities and wrote off the company’s legacy gold machine for $54,342. With the goal of going forward with a clean slate, PMX Communities is now set to report numbers in 2013 that will accurately reflect the true sustainability and growth potential of the company.

Aside from these changes, the new team has dramatically reduced SG&A expenses by 83%, from $1,614,406 to $278,233, while making significant operations progress outlined below. These changes were made without any executive salaries and employing a lean approach that involved hiring only consultants that are scalable with PMX Communities’ long-term growth plan.

This lean business model shows tremendous potential in capitalizing on a unique market opportunity. The main shareholder took control of 33M common shares of stock on August 8th, 2011 – nearly half of the company – suggesting that shareholder dilution is likely to be minimal in the future. And, the aforementioned strategy of using consultants on an as-needed basis should keep SG&A expenses to a minimum and ultimately keep the company on track.

Many Signs of Operations Ramping Up

Since joining the company, the new management team has made significant operational progress. After obtaining ownership rights to the ATM patent applications for the first phase of its gold dispensing terminal production, they entered into an agreement with Sunshine Minting Inc. to produce its gold products, launched a redesigned website, and setup its first gold dispensing terminal in Boca Raton, Florida at the Town Center Mall on January 4, 2013.

In the 10-K’s Statement of Cash Flows, the company indicated that it spent $161,563 purchasing the gold products to stock its dispensing terminals and $114,370 purchasing the gold dispensing terminals themselves. These actions paint the picture of a company that’s ramping up its operations moving into FY 2013, with gold dispensing terminals in its possession and gold products to stock all their locations.

Operational expenses have been minimal, with a near $1,400 per month office lease, a $3,500 per month lease for the first gold dispensing terminal in the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton, and minimal accounts payable after the assumption of expenses from prior management. And at the same time, the company’s total assets increased four-fold and shareholders’ deficit dramatically improved from -$180,000 to -$88,000.

Finally, the company also hinted at larger potential plans in the 10-K:

“The registrant intends to sell gold bullion bars and coins through its dispensing terminals in the United States first. Later plans are to sell globally, doing business primarily through credit and debit card transactions. The registrant also plans to build an online gold bullion store...

“The registrant is actively seeking gold properties and claims for development, including mineral lease purchase option transactions and reviewing several precious metal mining properties for development. We will consider a wide range of worldwide project opportunities, and we do not have fixed criteria for the consideration of such projects.”

Unique Opportunity for Investors

PMX Communities represents a unique opportunity for investors, as new management transforms dream to reality after taking the reigns from prior management. With a modest market capitalization of just around $3 million, the stock represents an attractive play for a portfolio seeking a consumer demand for precious metals, particularly after the marked progress seen in its most recent 10-K filing with the SEC analyzed in the paragraphs above.

Shareholder Relations: (866) 525-4714, Interactive Business Alliance, ?Maxwell Farrell,info@ibaconsultingllc.com

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Adipose Derived Stem Cells Providing a Bridge to the Future of Regenerative Medicine

Thu 18 Apr 2013 09:47:10 MST

Regenerative medicines are finally coming into their own as validated therapies for treatment of a wide spectrum of conditions and diseases. Years of research are now behind the industry and naysayers have been silenced with compilations of data demonstrating the use of stem cells to help the body heal itself. Of course, regenerative medicine is still relatively young and a moving target with new discoveries popping up and then being reinforced. A case in point is the recent work of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine showing that mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose (fat) tissue might be far more efficient in the treatment of glioblastoma, the most common form of brain cancer, than those derived from bone marrow, as scientists first thought. Cells derived from fat tissue can obviously be gathered in a far less invasive – and less expensive – manner.

Cytori Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CYTX) recently received a new patent protecting its technology using adipose-derived regenerative cells, or “ADRCs,” for a broad range of renal disorders, including acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease. Cytori’s laboratory research shows that ADRCs can improve renal function and reduce mortality in acute kidney injury, with a survival rate of 100 percent versus only 57 percent in the control group. This type of data signals the potential of stem cells derived from adipose tissue and certainly merits greater examination.

As more research is conducted on adipose stem cells, the industry could be aligning for a transformational shift away from harvesting stem cells from bone marrow or other expensive, invasive and painful points of origin towards the easily obtained adipose tissue. This type of adult stem cells can divide and regenerate into multiple types of cells and have an extensive self-renewal capacity. This development is going to increase demand from companies already well positioned in the industry, such as American CryoStem (OTCQB: CRYO), a company focused on providing clinical processing and storage of adipose tissue and adult stem cells.

American CryoStem poses an interesting proposition through its prescient decisions to build itself a full-scale enterprise by leveraging several components of adipose-based stem cells in high-growth areas. Its processing and cryopreservation facilities are being used to grow its presence across a wide array of industries, including cosmetic and reconstructive procedures; wound healing, PCS skin care and cell culture media; and the broad regenerative medicine and cell therapy arena. Each is particularly attractive in its own right.

For starters, the company has several patents protecting its adipose-based medium for cell cultures. The most widely used medium today for storing and growing cell cultures for in vitro diagnostics is fetal bovine serum, raising questions about utilizing animals for the medium as well as potential cross-contamination debates. American CryoStem quells any of those discussions with its proprietary human albumin product and puts them in the thick of the $2.3-billion cell culture market.

American CryoStem is generating revenue from it presence in the cosmetic and plastic surgery industry with its newly launched ATGRAFT™ fat storage and retrieval service. With one liposuction, patients can now store their excess tissue for their physician to performed multiple fat transfers The topic of using your own tissue has been hot for years, but ever since Suzanne Somers became the first woman in America to lose her breast to cancer and undergo breast reconstruction surgery using adipose tissue in 2011, the topic of autologous (patient derived) fat transfer to the breast has been rampant. Somers has stated that her “new breast” is very similar to the one she had before cancer. It’s not just re-growing a breast that is possible with adipose tissue, the door to many areas of reconstructive or cosmetic surgery are opened. The U.S. market alone for cosmetic procedures is projected by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. to hit $17.6 billion in 2015 with another $2.7 billion in cosmetic surgery products. Worldwide, it’s a $30.5 billion market today and projected to grow at nearly 8 percent annually. American CryoStem already has a footprint in that industry through its partnership with Personal Cell Sciences and it’s network of nation wide physicians for its ATGRAFT™ fat transfer/storage procedures. The technology has garnered wide national exposure through publications like Glamour, Allure, Elle and Forbes, including Forbes recognizing Personal Cell Science’s U Autologous Skin Care as a Top 10 Fashion and Beauty Startup of 2012.

Back to glioblastoma and other treatment for other indications, it’s well known that mesenchymal cells are hawkish in seeking out damaged cells and have the potential to serve as a drug delivery system to treat those cells. If the research of Johns Hopkins starts to get dialed-in with more supportive data, it could change the landscape of oncology (and other indications) as we know it today.

The body has an acute ability to mend itself, but regenerative medicine has been brushed aside to some extent as scientists persistently remained focused on small molecule and other therapies for curative technologies. While the emergence of regenerative medicine by no means implies that traditional biotechnology is going anywhere or that it doesn’t provide a benefit, there is no denying that regenerative medicine is moving front and center over the past few years. While many companies are targeting specific therapeutics and could find themselves with “all their eggs in one basket,” American CryoStem has taken a road somewhat less traveled and diversified their operations to capitalize on what adipose-based stem cells have to offer across various segments both now and in the future.

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Methes Energies Long-term Benefits to Be Found in 10-Q

Wed 17 Apr 2013 10:32:13 MST

Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL), a renewable energy company that offers an array of products and services to a network of biodiesel fuel producers, experienced a drop during its latest quarter, after problems in the RIN market, alongside other companies in the space, including KiOR Inc. (NASDAQ: KIOR) and Renewable Energy Group Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI).

Fortunately, the market has now rebounded and many of these companies may be trading at bargain levels, given federal biodiesel mandates. Methes Energies in particular is bringing a new plant online that could capitalize on rising demand and unlock value for shareholders over the long-run, as outlined in the article below.

Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL), a renewable energy company that offers an array of products and services to a network of biodiesel fuel producers, reported a not so attractive first quarter on the surface. Revenues fell 93% to $2.98 million as biodiesel sales dried up, while higher SG&A expenses doubled the net loss to nearly $1.4 million. But looking under the surface, these results were just a temporary roadblock in an otherwise bullish long-term story.

Revenues Take a One-Time Hit

Methes Energies’ revenues were the biggest surprise for investors last quarter, thanks to a 95% drop in biodiesel sales. These declines were driven by uncertainty about the integrity of RINs in the U.S. following several recent issues in the biodiesel industry. For instance, Absolut Fuels pilfered more than $50 million in fake RIN credits without producing any biodiesel and Clean Green Fuel LLC allegedly make $9.1 million selling credits that were never delivered.

The end markets for these credits – large oil and gas companies – purchase these credits to meet federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) guidelines. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) had forced these large companies to purchase new RINs after the fraud, resulting in a complete loss on their part. As a result, many of these large customers began purchasing RINs from only large and established biodiesel providers to reduce risk.

The good news is that things are changing. In early February 2013, the EPA introduced quality assurance programs (“QAPs”) that would enable RIN buyers to verify their validity. The system provides a clear path for EPA-approved independent third parties to audit and monitor the production of biodiesel and verify that RINs have been correctly generated. Consequently, the uncertainty in the market should be greatly reduced moving forward.

Sombra Facility Should Pay Off

The second big surprise last quarter was a 52% increase in SG&A expenses to $1.29 million, which may have been a hard pill to swallow after the lower revenues. But, a look deeper into the financial statements shows that these expenses primarily included salaries, wages, utilities, and equipment necessary to bring its Sombra facility online. These efforts may have been painful in the short-term, but they should pave the way for strong top-line improvements in the long-term.

According to the 10-Q filing, the company anticipates that the Sombra facility will generate positive cash flow from operations and will operate profitably once sufficient level of commercial operation is achieved in the second half of the current fiscal year. While some additional capital is needed, the rapid payback period suggests that the project will generate a high return on equity for shareholders over the long-term, justifying the high expenses.

Long-term Picture Remains Intact

Methes Energies’ long-term outlook remains very healthy, despite the hiccup in the most recent quarter. The EPA mandates that 1.28 billion gallons of biodiesel be produced for domestic use in 2013, which is a figure that will be difficult to meet with existing production. Meanwhile, the RIN market has now stabilized and larger companies have the incentive to look for RINs in all corners of the market, including small to medium producers like Methes Energies.

The company has also passed the start-up phase for its Sombra facility, which means that full production should be reflected in upcoming financial results. These top-line improvements should occur with relatively modest expenses moving forward, paving the way towards bottom-line improvements, too. And finally, ongoing growth and stability in the biodiesel market could drive demand for its equipment sales and royalties moving forward.

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It's Time to Re-Think the Clinical Approach to Battle Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis

Wed 17 Apr 2013 09:32:19 MST

The use of statins to control cholesterol levels has a growing body of evidence supporting a broad range of potential side effects that may outweigh the benefits of the drugs, particularly in specific demographics. The University of Massachusetts discovered that postmenopausal women taking statins, such as blockbusters drugs like Pfizer Inc.’s (NYSE: PFE) Lipitor stood a increased risk of developing a type 2 diabetes side effect. Simply, that’s a large group of women, considering that the American Heart Association has said that half the women over age 40 will show clinical levels of the effects of atherosclerosis, or thickening of arterial walls due to plaque buildup.

Separate research on leading cholesterol busters in high doses, like AstraZeneca plc’s (NYSE: AZN) Crestor or Merck & Co.’s (NYSE: MRK) Zocor, has detailed substantial risks related to kidney failure or injury, elevated blood sugar levels, liver damage and more. In fact, research through the ASTEROID and SATURN studies has put forth not only questions of the effectiveness of statins, but suggested that statins may have a negative effect overall as discussed in a research report by Crystal Research Associates, LLC on AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO).

View the Crystal Research Associates Business Review on AtheroNova here: http://www.crystalra.com/Portals/150154/docs/atheronova-ahro-quarterly-update-04-05-2013.pdf

As is typical, big pharma is looking to create reformulations to improve the efficacy and safety profiles of their blockbuster drugs as well as bolster their intellectual property portfolio to shelter the company from generics. Such is the case with Merck’s IMPROVE-IT study, evaluating Vytorin (a combination of its Zetia and Zocor drugs) with Zocor alone to reduce heart attacks and strokes in high-cholesterol patients.

This doesn’t appear to be the right path. It’s time to build a better cholesterol mousetrap and shift focus away reductions in enzyme production in the liver to combat LDL cholesterol. AtheroNova is initiating a Phase I clinical trial for their flagship compound, AHRO-001, as a new therapeutic that demonstrates delipidization, the dissolving of plaque within arterial walls and safe removal through the metabolic process.

A synthesis of a naturally occurring bile salt, AHRO-001 has shown in laboratory studies to provide a therapeutic benefit while being well tolerated, even in high doses. The drug is in the same classification as Ursodiol, the only drug with FDA approval as a treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis, perhaps giving it a competitive edge as it maneuvers down the regulatory pathway.

Learn More and Sign Up to Follow AtheroNova (AHRO) here: http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/ahro/ahro_landing.php

The possible implications of a new, disruptive cholesterol-fighting drug are obviously enormous. While many big companies like Merck continue to pursue the PCSK9-inhibitor route to block LDL cholesterol production, AtheroNova is taking a different approach…one that could substantially change the landscape of atherosclerosis and its deadly effects. If Merck’s study fails to provide statistically significant data on the reduction of occurrence rates of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events related to cholesterol, one has to wonder if the FDA will approve another drug that can only reduce LDL cholesterol levels. It could also derail the efforts of other major pharma, causing them to re-think the approach and possibly start looking in different directions.

At that point, AtheroNova should be uniquely poised to attract big pharma with their accumulation of clinical data on AHRO-001.

Hedge Fund Pushes for Change at FairPoint Communications

Wed 17 Apr 2013 09:06:18 MST

FairPoint Communications Inc. (FRP), a leading communications provider in northern New England, has undertaken initiatives over the past few months to improve its capital structure and operating performance by, among other things, cutting its workforce. But, at least one hedge fund isn’t satisfied quite yet, and outlined some changes it would like to see made.

Maglan Capital LP noted in a recent Schedule 13D filing with the SEC that it was concerned that there’s a “serious discrepancy” between the issuer’s improving prospects and the current valuation of its common stock in the marketplace. In a letter sent on April 11th, the fund outlined these concerns to the board along with several suggestions to remedy the problem.

Click Here: Read the Complete Letter to the Board

Maglan Believes FairPoint Is Undervalued

Maglan Capital believes that FairPoint’s stock trades at a significant discount, despite its many operational improvements and brighter prospects. In its recent 10-K filing with the SEC, the company reported significant operations improvements, including a reduced rate of loss in its business voice access lines (-5.1% to -3.7%), 3.9% growth in broadband subscribers to 34.3% of its voice access lines, and a 4.9% reduction in employees to improve the bottom line.

Despite these improvements, the hedge fund notes that the stock trades at a 2x EV/EBITDA discount to its peers with a share price sharply lower than when it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy – in part due to a large and growing short interest. Meanwhile, the company’s projected FY 2013 free cash flow of $54 million could be used to implement a dividend or other initiative to unlock shareholder value over the long-term and close the gap with its comps.

Suggestions to Unlock this Value

Maglan Capital made several suggestions to unlock value for shareholders, which could provide a strong catalyst for new investors to take a position. These changes include a $1.50 annual cash dividend, a potential sale of the “Telecom Group” business at 6x trailing EBITDA, and a review of the company’s growing capital expenditures in order to cut costs and spend money only in the areas that offer the highest possible long-term returns.

Those initiatives could improve shareholder value in a couple ways:

• The cash dividend could bring the company in line with many of its peers and substantially increase the cost to short the stock. Short-term, short sellers would likely reduce their positions, and long-term, more generic investors may consider the stock for its dividend yield and apparent discount to its peers.

• The Telecom Group sale at 6x trailing EBITDA (the multiple it realized on the sale of its Idaho business) would generate some $500 million, or roughly 50% of the company’s enterprise value on April 11th. Eliminating just 20% of its total subscribers, the sale would also draw attention to the remaining NNE Group business at less than 3x EBITDA.

Investing in Change Moving into 2013

FairPoint Communications has been very responsive to shareholder efforts in the past, with its operational improvements clearly moving in the right direction. If the board takes these factors into consideration, the company could see significant value unlocked over the coming year, particularly if a cash dividend is introduced for the common stock. And, short covering alone could send the stock significantly higher given the large short interest right now.

These catalysts make FairPoint a stock that’s worth watching over the coming months, as Maglan Capital pushes for changes. Even just one of these actions being adopted by the Board of Directors could result in an appreciating share price. Investors looking to hedge their risk may also consider options strategies, including purchasing LEAPS options in lieu of stock or writing covered call options over time to reduce breakeven and take money off the table.

AtheroNova (AHRO) Sets the Stage for Upcoming Clinical Trials with New Board Member

Mon 15 Apr 2013 12:15:57 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, is gearing up for clinical trials for its AHRO-001 compound after pre-clinical studies showed a 95% reduction in innominate arterial plaque formation versus the control group.

In a market dominated by statin-makers like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK), the company’s fresh approach to treating atherosclerosis and cholesterol levels has attracted a lot of talent for its advisory board. In the press release below, the company announced the addition to John Kastelein, who will also be an investigator for its trials.

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, is gearing up for clinical trials for its AHRO-001 compound after pre-clinical studies showed a 95% reduction in innominate arterial plaque formation versus the control group.

In a market dominated by statin-makers like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK), the company’s fresh approach to treating atherosclerosis and cholesterol levels has attracted a lot of talent for its advisory board. In the press release below, the company announced the addition to John Kastelein, who will also be an investigator for its trials.

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCBB:AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, today announced that John J.P. Kastelein, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine at the Department of Vascular Medicine at the Academic Medical Center and Strategic Chair of Genetics in Cardiovascular Disease at the University of Amsterdam, has joined the Company as a member of the Medical Advisory Board and will be a Co-Principal Investigator in the Company’s upcoming clinical trials.

“We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kastelein has joined AtheroNova in this very important advisory role as we continue to expand our scientific and medical teams essential for transition to a clinical stage company,” stated Thomas W. Gardner, CEO of AtheroNova. “Dr. Kastelein’s leadership in the area of lipidology and his Lipid Research Clinic in Amsterdam has been an integral part of many atherogenesis studies including IDEAL, TNT, CAPTIVATE, ENHANCE, ILLUMINATE, JUPITER and RADIANCE. We feel that adding Dr. Kastelein to the AtheroNova team is significant in its impact on the knowledge he will contribute to our clinical efforts.”

“Professor Kastelein is world renowned for his cutting edge clinical care of cardiovascular patients and for his pioneering clinical research activities that have contributed to a very significant reduction in the ravages of cardiovascular disease in this decade,” commented Mark K. Wedel, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of AtheroNova. “We are honored that John will be bringing his talents and leadership to AtheroNova’s efforts to further improve the plight of cardiovascular patients.”

"I was initially attracted to AtheroNova by the team that they are building, including my colleagues Dr. Mark Wedel and Dr. Steve Nicholls,” remarked Dr. Kastelein. “AtheroNova's science, though early-stage, has a chance to become an important part of the treatment of cardiovascular disease. I am looking forward to building on the research success of AHRO-001 and the opportunity to evaluate the drug in clinical trials."

Dr. Kastelein is Professor of Medicine at the Department of Vascular Medicine at the Academic Medical Center (AMC) of the University of Amsterdam, where he holds the Strategic Chair of Genetics of Cardiovascular Disease. He founded the Lipid Research Clinic at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam in 1989 which has become part of the department of Vascular Medicine. Last year he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Dutch Heart Foundation and awarded a CVON grant. He was president of the Dutch Atherosclerosis Society (DAS) until 2009 and chairs the National Scientific Committee on Familial Hypercholesterolemia (EHC). He also is a member of the Royal Dutch Society for Medicine & Physics, the Council for Basic Science of the American Heart Association and the European Atherosclerosis Society. He also is a board member of the International Task Force for CHD Prevention and was recently appointed to the Executive Board of the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) and Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology.

Dr. Kastelein’s current research interests can be found in the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and low HDL cholesterol, all conditions associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. He has published over 700 research papers in peer reviewed journals, including Nature Genetics, Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA and Circulation.

Besides the scientific programs aimed at the etiology of atherogenesis, Dr. Kastelein also serves on a number of executive and steering committees of large intervention studies, including the IDEAL, TNT, CAPTIVATE, ENHANCE, ILLUMINATE, JUPITER, RADIANCE and numerous others of which TNT (2005), RADIANCE 1 (2007), ENHANCE (2008) and JUPITER (2008) are published in the New England Journal of Medicine, IDEAL (2006) in JAMA and RADIANCE 2 (2007) in Lancet. He also serves as an International Associate Editor of the European Heart Journal.

Dr. Kastelein was also one of the founders of Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics Inc. (AMT), a gene therapy company based on the concept of gene replacement in hereditary lipoprotein disorders. AMT was a successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) at EuroNext in Amsterdam in 2007. The results of the first successful human gene therapy trial were widely publicized in the media and were published in ATVB in 2008. Furthermore, this gene therapy (Glybera) has now been approved by the European commission and constitutes the first approved gene therapy worldwide. Dr. Kastelein also founded Dezima Inc., a company that develops assets for the treatment of dyslipidemia and is currently developing TA-8995, a CETP inhibitor. In 1995, Dr. Kastelein set up a foundation for the active identification of patients with classical familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in the Netherlands (StoeH), for which he currently holds a position in the board of directors. This program has now been fully institutionalized and is financially supported by the Ministry of Health with a total grant of approximately 30 million Euros. Since its inception, the StoeH has found over 27,000 individuals for whom a molecular diagnosis of FH could be made. The subsequent improvement of the treatment of these FH carriers has saved many lives, as published in Lancet in 2001 and very recently in the British Medical Journal in 2008. In 1997 and 1998 while serving as a visiting Professor at the Center for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, Dr. Kastelein was a co-founder of Xenon Genetics Inc., a drug discovery company (now Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.) based in Vancouver, Canada.

He received his medical degree in Amsterdam in 1980 where he subsequently received specialty training in internal medicine. Then, between 1986 and 1988, he was trained in medical genetics, lipidology and molecular biology at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver under the guidance of Prof. Dr. M.R. Hayden.

About AtheroNova

AtheroNova Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AtheroNova Operations, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, research, development and licensing of novel compounds to reduce or regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits and to safely improve lipid profiles in humans. In addition to its lead compound AHRO-001, AtheroNova plans to develop multiple applications for its patents-pending therapies in market sectors that include: Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease, Dementia and Alzheimer’s and Erectile Dysfunction, all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and its related pharmaceutical expenses for these indications cost consumers more than $41 billion annually in the United States alone. For more information, please visit www.AtheroNova.com.

American Cryostem Exhibiting at Important Plastic Surgeon's Conference

Fri 12 Apr 2013 12:55:54 MST

American Cryostem (OTCQB: CRYO) announced that they are currently exhibiting at the leading-edge plastic surgeons’ conference in New York City. The company has developed an end-to-end solution for the collection, processing and storage of tissues and stem cells derived from patients’ own fat. Surgeons can then use the patients’ own fat for cosmetic procedures while the stem cells derived from the tissue can be used for personalized procedures and treatments.

The show is an important arena for the company as it expands its network of referring physicians. American Cryostem has been flying under the investment radar while developing the business but the connections already made within the medical community have built a solid foundation for expansion. Keep an eye on CRYO as they compete in the stem cell space with companies like Neo Stem, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NBS) and Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYTX) (processing and banking), and International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (cosmetics). We will be writing more in this space about the company’s competitive advantages in the weeks to come.

Here is the release...

American CryoStem Corporation, a leading biotech company in the field of Regenerative Medicine, today announced that the Company is scheduled to exhibit at The Aesthetic Meeting 2013, held this week, April 11-16^th in New York City, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The Company will be showcasing its latest adipose tissue (fat) collection, processing and storage service, ATGRAFT(TM) and complimentary personalized skin care products. With one liposuction, ATGRAFT(TM) is a complete fat tissue storage solution for physicians to perform layered fat transfers and provides patients additional opportunities to use their stored fat tissue to create personalized skin care products or clinically processed stem cells for use in Regenerative Medicine treatments.

This premier event for surgeons, is to learn and be updated on the latest news, technologies and trends in the cosmetic industry. These informative sessions are straight from plastic surgeons that specialize in aesthetic plastic surgery and are on the cutting edge of new technologies and methodologies. This year is especially poignant and effective, offering the hottest topics and procedures in the industry. The week entails ideas in improvement in patient safety, overall efficiency, with innovative practice and skill enhancements. The Aesthetic Meeting is hosted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and will disclose some of the most exciting new developments in the fields of health and beauty.

If you are a physician and would like to receive information concerning the conference or American CryoStem's ATGRAFT(TM) service, please email info@americancryostem.com, or contact John DiFolco at 732-747-1007.

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHO:	American CryoStem Corporation
	John Arnone -- Chairman and CEO
	Anthony Dudzinski -- COO

WHEN:	Thursday, April 11, 2013 -- Tuesday, April 16, 2013

WHERE:	Booth #968
	Jacob Javits Convention Center
	655 W 34^th Street
	New York, New York 10001

NOTE TO PRESS:	The media also is invited to attend the event on a complimentary basis. Please contact; Adeena Babbitt or Ashley Barton at 800-364-2147 or media@surgery.org to register for the event. To arrange one-on-one interviews with the executive management team of American CryoStem, please contact Erin Palmer at Hanover\|Elite at 407-585-1080 or via email at CRYO@hanoverelite.com.

About American CryoStem Corporation

A pioneer in the fields of Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, American CryoStem is a developer, marketer and global licensor of patented adipose tissue based cellular technologies and related proprietary services with a focus on clinical processing, commercial bio-banking and application development for adipose (fat) tissue and autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs). The Company maintains a strategic portfolio of intellectual property and patent applications that form its Adipose Tissue Processing Platform, which supports and promotes a growing pipeline of biologic products and processes, clinical services and international licensing opportunities. Through its ACS Laboratories division, the Company operates an FDA registered, cGMP compliant human tissue processing, cryo-storage and cell culture and differentiation media development facility in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. For more information, please visitwww.americancryostem.com and www.acslaboratories.com.

Athersys Recognized in Peer-Reviewed Journals as Stock Maintains Strong Upward Move

Fri 12 Apr 2013 11:08:20 MST

Patients, clinicians, and leading stem cell and regenerative medicine companies from around the world are gathered this week at the Vatican along with members of the media for the Second International Conference on Regenerative Medicine being hosted there. The three-day event seeks to educate and inform patients, the public, and the medical community on the exciting progress being made in the field of cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

The stem cell industry has passed an inflection point, transitioning from a “possibility” into a “matter of when,” according to leading analysts, as broad acceptance has been attained through a substantial body of research evidencing the incredible potential across a broad array of indications. As with any industry, there are ebbs and flows, and while many regenerative medicine companies seem to move in tandem based upon industry developments, recent trends suggest that some order is becoming delineated, with leaders rising to the top and holding higher, more consistent valuations based on their own merits.

Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX) is one such company that now has not just a single footprint, but rather a pathway of prints in the proverbial leadership ground of regenerative medicine. Further developments and greater exposure of its MultiStem® technology has led to an influx in volume and liquidity in the stock in the past six months and, subsequently, an impressive rise in share value to reach a new high of $1.90 - but even with the recent momentum the company has a market capitalization of barely more than $100 million - despite a rich portfolio of programs and broad network of collaborative relationships in areas that could easily represent blockbuster returns if the programs pan out in clinical development.

From industry to investor, the company and MultiStem have been the topic of a steady stream of articles detailing the intrinsic value of MultiStem on what it can mean from medical and investment perspectives. That trend has remained strong with Athersys announcing earlier this week the publication of articles in two peer-reviewed scientific journals, Journal of Immunology and Circulation, that describe the potential for multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC®s), or MultiStem cells.

The articles detail separate research, with the Journal of Immunology article discussing the findings of a collaboration between King’s College, London, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Athersys pertaining to autoimmune disease and inflammatory conditions and the Circulation publication focused on the efforts of the Oregon Health and Science University and Athersys evaluating MultiStem as a therapeutic for peripheral vascular disease.

Athersys already has a host of clinical and pre-clinical research in progress researching its MultiStem cell therapy. These latest data provide a sturdy scientific foundation supporting the need for further research that could lead to additional clinical trials or commercial opportunities in the future for Athersys and its MultiStem franchise.

On the investor front, shortly after the conference in Rome concludes, Athersys will be represented at the 2013 Regen Med Investor Day to be held Wednesday, April 17, 2013 in New York City by Chairman and CEO Dr. Gil Van Bokkelen. Organized by the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine in partnership with leading financial firms Burrill & Company, Maxim Group and Piper Jaffray, this flagship event features sixteen of the regenerative medicine field's leading small- and mid-cap companies.

Dr. Van Bokkelen will be a presenter, exhibiting information on Athersys and MultiStem, as well as a panelist in a discussion on advanced approaches in regenerative medicine to address unmet medical need in the neurological area.

A live video webcast of the company presentations will be available at: http://alliancerm.org/rmdaywebcast and will also be published on the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine's website shortly after the event.

Learn More and Sign Up to Follow ATHX here: http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/athx/athx_landing.html

Insider Transactions Suggest Apache May Be Undervalued

Fri 12 Apr 2013 09:18:58 MST

Apache Corporation (APA), an independent energy company with its hands in oil and gas fields all around the world, may not be the first company that comes to mind when looking for undervalued investment opportunities. But, insiders have been picking up a significant number of shares over the past couple months, judging by recent filings made with the SEC.

Over the past three months, company insiders have purchased some $1.14 million in stock at prices ranging from $73.11 to $76.00 per share. Directors Randolph Ferlic, George Lawrence and William Montgomery accounted for most of these open market transactions, purchasing $744,780, $228,000 and $146,210, respectively, for their personal accounts.

Apache Appears Cheap For A Reason

Apache trades with a price-earnings ratio of 15.4x and a price-book ratio of 1.0x, placing it well below both industry and S&P 500 averages, according to Morningstar data. Looking ahead, the company has a forward price-earnings ratio that’s nearly half of the S&P 500’s figure at just 7.8x, while its price-earnings to growth (PEG) ratio stands at an undervalued 0.7x.

Of course, many investors attribute the discount to lower oil and gas prices, which have negatively impacted the entire sector. Crude oil prices remain below $100 per barrel, while natural gas prices only recent surpassed $4.00 per MCF. And, the prospects of increased oil and gas production in U.S. shale formations have dampened the prospects of price appreciation.

The Market Remains Undecided

Apache shares have fallen more than 17% over the past 52 weeks and more than 42% over the past five years, despite being considered undervalued for much of that time, under performing many of its major competitors, like EOG Resources Inc. (EOG) and Anadarko Petroleum (APC), which have risen 1.73% and 36.75% over the five year period, respectively.

Instead of looking purely at valuation, Apache may require a catalyst to unlock its value, which has been hard to come by in the past. But, with crude oil and natural gas prices bottoming out, there could be limited downside risks at these levels. As one SeekingAlpha contributor writes, a move lower could drive buyout interest, given the firm’s strong replacement ratios.

Looking At Ways To Play Apache

Apache’s track record suggest sideways trading as a worst-case scenario, while there are renewed interest in the stock by analysts could lead to some upside. Investors should therefore try to limit their capital tied up in the stock, while leaving upside exposure in the event of a turnaround, which is possible using several different equity options strategies.

Long-term equity anticipation securities (“LEAPS”) may be one of the best options, providing investors with a long-term time horizon for a catalyst to materialize, without tying up a significant amount of capital by purchasing stock. Simply put, these options have expiration dates longer than a year ago and typically trade with less volatility than shorter options.

Specific Strategies to Consider

Currently, at-the-money 75 JAN ’15 LEAPS call options trade at 10.75 per contract, creating an $85.75 breakeven price between now and January 16, 2015. At the current price of $76.00 per share, this represents a 12.8% premium to the current market price. But, instead of committing $7,600 to the position, investors can commit only $1,075 for the rights at $75.00 per share.

Traders willing to be a little more creative may also consider writing shorter term call options against this long-term call option in what’s known as a diagonal spread. The premiums from these shorter options can help offset the $10.75 premium paid, but could force the trader to sell or take a loss (in opportunity cost) on the trade if the strike price is met.

Key Takeaway Points to Remember

Apache appears to be fundamentally undervalued, but this is nothing new for investors following the stock. The difference this time around is that insiders have purchased large amounts of stock over the past couple months and there’s heightened focus on the company on the part of analysts and investors in the space, given improving energy prices.

Investors looking to capitalize on this scenario may want to consider an options strategy that would limit their upfront capital requirements while maintaining their long-term earnings potential. LEAPS provide one way to do this, while a diagonal spread could help reduce the position’s breakeven point over time to make returns more attractive.

AtheroNova Names Veteran Cleveland Clinic Researcher to Advisory Board

Thu 11 Apr 2013 12:29:18 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, has been assembling an impressive team of executives and advisors over the past few months. This team will be critical in guiding the introduction of its revolutionary AHRO-001 into the market to compete with or complement statin drugmakers like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK).

In addition to the recently announced appointment of Dr. Stephen Nicholls below, the company named Joan Shaw as its Senior Director of Clinical Operations and Mark D. Wedel, MD, JD as its Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. These talented executives have extensive experience working with large pharmaceutical companies to successfully bring drugs to market in the United States and around the world.

AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, today announced that Stephen Nicholls, M.B.B.S., PhD., Heart Disease Theme leader at the South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), has been appointed as chair of the newly renamed Clinical Advisory Board, replacing the recently retired Dr. Giorgio Zadini, one of the co-founders of AtheroNova. Dr. Nicholls will also be a Co-Principal Investigator in the Company's upcoming clinical trials.

"As we continue to make positive strides, this is a key step in our evolution from a pre-clinical to a clinical stage pharmaceutical company as we move toward entry into Phase 1 in the near future. Dr. Nicholls brings a wealth of experience in the imaging and analysis of cardiovascular plaque as we target the treatment of both serum cholesterol as well as atherosclerosis with AHRO-001," stated Thomas W. Gardner, CEO of AtheroNova. "Dr. Nicholls' experience with clinical developments during his time at the Cleveland Clinic as well as his new role as the key theme leader in one of the premier research organizations in Australia is essential in leading our Clinical Advisory Board. We would like to thank Dr. Zadini for all of his tremendous efforts and accomplishments as the key medical advisor of the Company during the development stage and wish him well."

"Steve is one of the world's most respected authorities in the imaging of atherosclerosis," commented Mark Wedel, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of AtheroNova. "We are profoundly fortunate and appreciative to benefit from his leadership and expertise as we move forward. His legacy in the battle against cardiovascular disease first at the Cleveland Clinic and now at SAHMRI is world renown and look forward to his contribution. In addition to the other recent additions at the Company, Steve's role is an exponential addition to our clinical developments efforts here at AtheroNova."

Dr. Nicholls assumed the position of Heart Disease Theme leader at the South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute in May 2012 in conjunction with the Heart Foundation as a direct effort of the Australian government to provide research in one of the leading causes of death in Australia and around the world. He has taken his efforts to educate and research directly to the major media in Australia and has been overseeing a major building initiative to unite the various research efforts currently conducted by the institute in numerous locations around Adelaide. His research emphasis includes the functional properties of HDL, the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in atherogenesis and the development of new imaging modalities to assess factors that influence the natural history of atherosclerosis. He plays a lead role in clinical trials that employ intravascular ultrasound to investigate the impact of novel anti-atherosclerotic therapies. He is Professor of Cardiology at the University of Adelaide and a Consultant Cardiologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Prior to joining SAHMRI, Dr. Nicholls was Medical Director of Intravascular Ultrasound and Angiography Core Laboratories at Cleveland Clinic and Clinical Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention. Dr. Nicholls was also Associate Director of the Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research and Assistant Professor of Molecular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He held dual faculty appointments in the Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine in the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic, and the Department of Cell Biology in the Learner Research Institute. He has played a lead role in clinical trials that investigate the impact of novel anti-atherosclerotic therapies and is the principal investigator of the SATURN (high dose statins for evaluating plaque regression), AQUARIUS (renin inhibition), ASSERT (apoA-I induction) and ASSURE (apoA-I induction) studies, ACCELERATE (CETP inhibition), study chair of VISTA-16 (sPLA2 inhibition) and serves on the steering committees of the DalOutcomes (CETP inhibition) and ALECARDIO (PPAR a/g agonist) studies. He has also authored more than 400 original manuscripts, meeting abstracts and book chapters.

Dr. Nicholls received his medical degree from the University of Adelaide in Australia. Following residency in internal medicine at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, he completed a clinical fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at John Hunter Hospital. He subsequently undertook his doctoral studies, focusing on the protective properties of high-density lipoproteins (HDL or "good cholesterol") at the Heart Research Institute in Sydney. Following this training, Dr. Nicholls completed a postdoctoral fellowship in plaque imaging at Cleveland Clinic prior to his faculty appointment.

He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Heart Association. He received the Helen May Davies Research Award from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the Young Investigator Award at the 13th International Symposium on Atherosclerosis and was a finalist for the Samuel A. Levine Clinical Young Investigator Award at the 2005 Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association.

About AtheroNova

AtheroNova Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AtheroNova Operations, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, research, development and licensing of novel compounds to reduce or regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits and to safely improve lipid profiles in humans. In addition to its lead compound AHRO-001, AtheroNova plans to develop multiple applications for its patents-pending therapies in market sectors that include: Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease, Dementia and Alzheimer's and Erectile Dysfunction, all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and its related pharmaceutical expenses for these indications cost consumers more than $41 billion annually in the United States alone. For more information, please visit www.AtheroNova.com.

Blue Calypso (BCYP): Enforcing Its Social Media Patent Portfolio

Thu 11 Apr 2013 12:23:04 MST

Blue Calypso Inc. (OTCBB: BCYP) is an innovator in digital social advertising, mobile content syndication and analytics, specializing in digital word-of-mouth marketing and advertising that harnesses the power of friend-to-friend referrals. Leveraging its patented platform and real-time analytics, corporate brands can achieve a measurable ROI against their social media investment, acquire high value customers and ultimately increase their sales.

A part of many technology companies’ value is its intellectual property. Blue Calypso’s patent portfolio contains two issued patents and three pending applications that should issue in 2013. Notably, the first of these patents was filed in December of 2004, before Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Groupon, LivingSocial and others became popular, and mobile texting became a regular occurrence.

The company has engaged Fish & Richardson, a global leader in patent protection, to help unlock the value in this patent portfolio by enforcing patent infringement claims against Groupon, Yelp, Foursquare, IZEA, and MyLikes.

Enforcing a Valuable Patent Portfolio

Blue Calypso’s two issued patents cover peer-to-peer advertising between mobile communication devices. In these method and system patents, among other things, an advertiser provides a profile they wish to target, a consumer provides specific attributes or demographic information, and bilateral matching occurs enabling the brand content to be shared by the consumer within their social media – a system that’s now commonly used by many social media companies.

Meanwhile, the company’s three pending applications encompass geo-location enabled coupon redemption and sharing rich media content. These patents combine to create a powerful patent portfolio. With many social media companies utilizing these methods and systems in their daily operations, there is a clear opportunity for patent enforcement.

On July 31, 2012, the company filed its first patent infringement complaint against Groupon Inc. (NASDAQ: GRPN) for infringing on its patents 7,664,516 and 8,155,679. Similar patent infringement complaints were filed on August 24, 2012, October 17, 2012, and November 6, 2012 against Living Social, Inc., Yelp Inc. (NYSE: YELP), IZEA Inc. (OTCQB: IZEA), MyLikes and Foursquare, respectively, setting the stage for potentially significant licensing revenues down the road.

Importance of the Upcoming Markman Hearing

On March 27, 2013, Blue Calypso announced that its patent infringement lawsuit filed on August 24, 2012 against LivingSocial has resulted in a Claim Construction Hearing – or “Markman” hearing – scheduled for August 27, 2013. [1] These hearings can be an important part of a patent case and are designed to determine the scope of the claims in the asserted patents, in other words, the metes and bounds of the claims that will be presented to the jury.

Looking at recent cases, Markman hearings have had a strong impact on other technology companies’ intellectual property portfolios including Vringo Inc.’s (NYSE MKT: VRNG) in its case against Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) and VirnetX Holding Corporation’s (NYSE MKT: VHC) in its case against Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT).

Unique Investment Opportunity

Investors may have a unique opportunity in Blue Calypso Inc. (OTCBB: BCYP), as it continues to build its business and moves to protect that business through enforcement of its patents against competitors in the social media space. With an upcoming Markman hearing in August of this year in the case against LivingSocial and another Markman hearing in December in the cases against the remaining defendants acting as potential catalysts, investors should be watching Blue Calypso closely.

For more information, see the following resources:

• Company Website

Medbox (MDBX) Reports Progress in 2012 Annual Report Filing with SEC

Wed 10 Apr 2013 10:46:36 MST

Medbox Inc. (OTC Pink: MDBX), a leader in providing industry specific consulting services and patented systems to medical and retail businesses worldwide, recently released its 10-K annual report filing to the SEC. Among other things, the filing mentions a new license agreement with its patent-holding affiliate at a rate of $1 per year per issued and pending patent.

These strong patents represent the backbone of the company’s proprietary offerings to companies ranging from HEMP Inc. (OTCQB: HEMP) in the medical marijuana industry to Walgreen Company (NYSE: WAG) in the prescription pharmacy space. Medbox, Inc. (OTC Markets: MDBX) (www.medboxinc.com), announced it has filed its Form 10 to become a fully reporting public company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

One of the many highlights of the filing is a licensing agreement that illustrates the devotion the company's patent holding affiliate, PVM International, Inc., has towards the company's shareholders. The agreement calls for exclusive rights to the issued patent as well as 4 other pending patents at a rate of $1 per year, per issued and pending patent, for the duration of the patents.

"We are fortunate to have such strong leadership in key positions here at Medbox and our affiliate companies," stated Dr. Bruce Bedrick, CEO of Medbox, Inc. "The last few weeks have been a test of our resolve, but we have demonstrated that we are up for the challenge in running a public company and enjoy being a leader in shaping new industries."

The Form 10 document, financial statements, auditor's footnotes, and opinion letter can be found at the following link on the company's website: http://www.thedispensingsolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Form-10-PDF1.pdf The company retracts the release last week announcing the completion of the audit process. However, the company has engaged a replacement PCAOB registered firm to complete any and all filings for the company on a going forward basis.

About Medbox, Inc:

Medbox is a leader in the development, sales and service of automated, biometrically controlled dispensing and storage systems for medicine and merchandise. Medbox has offices throughout the world, including New York, Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Tokyo, London and Toronto, and has their corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. Medbox provides their patented systems, software and consulting services to pharmacies, dispensaries, urgent care centers, drug rehab clinics, hospitals, prison systems, hospice facilities, and medical groups worldwide.

Medbox, Inc. is a publicly traded company, and is quoted on the OTC Markets, ticker symbol MDBX.

For more information on Medbox, please contact the Medbox Investor Relations Department at (800) 762-1452 or go online to www.medboxinc.com.

Tecumseh Products Could See More Upside from Activism

Wed 10 Apr 2013 09:57:15 MST

Tecumseh Products Company (NASDAQ: TECUA), a global manufacturer of hermetically sealed compressors for residential and specialty air conditioning, household refrigerators and freezer applications, may not be the most exciting company in the market, but its recent performance has been exceptional. During FY 2012, increased the volume of goods that it sold, significantly improved its profitability and achieved positive cash flow from operations, despite challenges from regulatory activities and industry overcapacity.

Management Efforts Paying Off

Management has made a concerted effort over the past couple years to refocus on its product roadmap and drive shareholder value. During FY 2012, the company reported revenues that jumped 6.2% excluding foreign currency, dramatically enhanced gross margins from 4.4% to 7.6%, and recorded positive cash flow from operations of $8.8 million for the year in its 10-K filing with the SEC. These results were largely due to successful new product launches, cost containment activities, and an optimized production system under its TOPS plan.

Looking forward, the company expects the first half of 2013 to be challenging due to the economic environment in Europe and the U.S., but sees full year net sales increasing between 3% and 8% over 2012 results. Meanwhile, operating cash flows are expected to be sufficient to maintain current cash balances and for ongoing cash requirements, with 2013 capital expenditures expected to range between $20 million and $25 million. These dynamics suggest ongoing improvement not only in the top line, but also in the firm’s bottom line.

The company’s stock price has certainly been boosted by these improvements, too. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has jumped 118% from around $4.00 per share to over $9.00 per share today. These results have far outpaced many of its competitors, like Lennox International Inc. (NYSE: LII) and AAON Inc. (NASDAQ: AAON), although their performance has hardly been poor with gains of 60% and 36%, respectively. If the company is able to keep improving into 2013, investors may see more of the same, especially if the macro environment improves.

Active Investors Keep Things Moving

On February 28th, Aegis Financial Corporation filed a Schedule 13D with the SEC disclosing a 6.39% Class A and 9.41% Class B stake in Tecumseh Products. The disclose was accompanied by a letter to the board of directors supporting CEO James Connor’s appointment as Chairman of the Board, suggesting that the appointment would “efficiently address operational challenges, to evaluate in an unbiased and dispassionate manner its current manufacturing assets, and to make any necessary future changes to protect or enhance shareholder value.”

These sentiments were reflected during the company’s annual conference call in March, where CEO James Connor noted, “we’ve engaged an advisor and are exploring strategic alternatives in many areas … we feel energized and excited to move into 2013 and the prospects for the future … I could not be more bullish on Tecumseh at any time than as of right now.” Mr. Connor also outlined plans to expand the board of directors by two members, as well as move towards consolidating its two classes of stock into one by the 2014 annual shareholders’ meeting.

While these strategic initiatives remain officially undefined, the value story has been driven by the company’s enormous tangible book value relative to its market capitalization. Back in January, the stock was trading with a market capitalization of around $80 million with about $270 million in tangible book value, with the real estate and reported offers for some of its businesses being of particular value. Selling some of these assets and returning the value to shareholders could therefore unlock significant value over the short-term.

Takeaway Points to Remember

Tecumseh Products is an interesting opportunity for investors, because management is improving long-term value and short-term value could be unlocked by the realization of strategic alternatives. Meanwhile, the stock continues to trade below its tangible book value, meaning investors have a decent margin of safety when purchasing the stock. For more information, check out the company’s SEC filings at www.secfilings.com.

Stocks with Technologies that Address Rising Healthcare Costs

Wed 10 Apr 2013 09:30:06 MST

U.S. healthcare costs are skyrocketing and it’s no secret that it could bankrupt the country if left unchecked. Medical Payment Advisor Commission chairman Glenn Hackbarth warned lawmakers in March that “pressure on the federal budget would continue as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, other health insurance programs, and net interest are projected to account for more than 16% of GDP in 10 years, whereas total federal revenues have averaged just 18.5% of GDP over the past 40 years” – big problems, indeed.

While President Obama’s healthcare reform has been a point of contention, there are fewer disagreements around some other ways to lower healthcare costs. For instance, Mr. Hackbarth insisted that increasing primary care physicians, who tend to be more efficient at providing care than specialized doctors, would undoubtedly lower costs. But perhaps more importantly to investors, there are many public companies focused on developing new technologies designed to lower costs and ultimately resolve these big issues facing the U.S.

Promise of Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine represents one of the most promising new fields that could help dramatically lower long-term healthcare costs. According to the Personalized Medicine Coalition, the term personalized medicine refers to the “tailoring of medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient to classify individuals into subpopulations that differ in their susceptibility to a particular disease or their response to a specific treatment … in order to spare the expenses and side effects for those who will not [benefit].”

Given personalized medicine’s tremendous promise to improve treatment efficiency, PricewaterhouseCoopers expects the $232 billion market to grow 11% annually to as much as $452 billion by 2015. The analyst expects most of this growth to be driven by the core diagnostic market ($24 billion growing at 10% annually), telemedicine ($4-12 billion growing exponentially), and the nutrition and wellness market ($196 billion growing at 7%). Investors may want to look towards these sectors in order to capitalize on the growth.

Diagnostics is the Best Bet

The core diagnostics market represents the best opportunity for investors for a variety of different reasons. First, the diagnostics market received a big boost with the mapping of the human genome and ongoing breakthroughs in DNA sciences. Second, the telemedicine market may have the largest potential growth, but it’s contingent on the concept being accepted both legally and among consumers, which may be a stretch. And third, the health and wellness market may be the largest, but it’s also the slowest growing with just a 7% CAGR.

Diagnostics also directly play into addressing rising healthcare costs, particularly in diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. In fact, a new study appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine put the cost of dementia at $109 billion, making it more expensive to society than either cancer or heart disease. The World Alzheimer Report suggests that early detection of these diseases could generate a net savings of around $10,000 per person with dementia by introducing therapeutic interventions to delay institutionalization.

Opportunities for Investors

There are many different companies capitalizing on personalized medicine, ranging from Myriad Genetics Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN) to Life Technologies Corp (NASDAQ: LIFE). But, one small company that’s often overlooked is Arrayit Corp (OTC: ARYC). While the company began as a pioneer in microarray manufacturing where it holds a significant market share, it’s new molecular diagnostics efforts are now squarely focused on realizing the potential of personalized medicine by developing proprietary diagnostic tests.

The company has leveraged its proprietary life sciences platform to develop OvaDx®, the first definitive diagnostic screening test for early stage detection of ovarian cancer, and has established a pipeline for Parkinson’s Disease, Plavix®, male fertility, and prostate cancer, with the microarray-based tests becoming available upon FDA approval. Meanwhile, its VIP™ genotyping platform enables diagnostics tests to be performed by depositing as many as 100,000 patient samples onto a single microarray, dramatically reducing per-patient cost and increasing performance.

With the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine by making molecular diagnostics faster and more scalable, investors will want to be aware of Arrayit Corporation’s position in this burgeoning sector.

More Information

• Company Website
• Recent SEC Filings

Analyst Believes AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO) Could See $2.00 per Share

Mon 08 Apr 2013 09:41:55 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), a biotech company focused on developing compounds to regress atherosclerotic plaque and safely improve lipid profiles in humans, was recently featured in an equity research report by Mont Blanc Capital Management AG. With a price target of $2.00 per share, a 277% premium to a recent market price of $0.53 per share, the analyst maintains a very bullish outlook on the company’s upcoming clinical development programs.

The price target was calculated using Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY) and The Medicines Company (NASDAQ: MDCO) as comparables and 20% discount rate, with the assumption that commercial sales would scale to a $1 billion run rate over the first five years, which is reasonable given that it would put AHRO-001 in the bottom half of the current top 10 branded cholesterol modulation drugs, rather than a position as a market leader. In addition to establishing a $2.00 price target the report also provides a comprehensive outline of the companies Q4 2012 Results and Upcoming Events.

Read the complete research report:
http://emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/ahro/AHRO_MontBlancUpdate_04-03-13.pdf

About AtheroNova Inc.

AtheroNova Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AtheroNova Operations, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, research, development and licensing of novel compounds to reduce or regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits and to safely improve lipid profiles in humans. In addition to its lead compound AHRO-001, AtheroNova plans to develop multiple applications for its patents-pending therapies in market sectors that include: Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease, Dementia and Alzheimer's, all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and its related pharmaceutical expenses for these indications cost consumers more than $41 billion annually in the United States alone. For more information, please visit http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/ahro_landing.php.

Raging Capital Pushes for Change at Sigma Designs

Fri 05 Apr 2013 08:33:47 MST

Sigma Designs Inc. (NASDAQ: SIGM) is a small-cap company that provides system-on-a-chip solutions serving the Internet Protocol (“IP”) television, connected media player, residential gateway and home control system markets. While the company reported an 18.6% increase in revenues in FY 2012 and projected profitability starting in the first quarter, these efforts have failed to impress some shareholders including Raging Capital Master Fund Ltd.

On April 3, 2013, Raging Capital filed a Schedule 13D filing with the SEC, disclosing a 5.6% stake in Sigma Designs worth more than $9.3 million. The filing detailed concerns with the pace of the Board of Directors’ efforts to reduce expenses and improve operational focus and execution, while requesting decisive and expedient action to effect a turnaround, by focusing on cost rationalizations, implementing management changes, and exploring strategic options.

Many of these efforts have already been a work in progress for the company, which reduced its headcount by 15% and use of external contract labor in R&D. During the fourth quarter of the year, these efforts resulted in a non-GAAP gross margin that would have been 52.0% without a $3.4 million write down on its inventory valuation. The firm further expects these margins to improve to between 52% and 53% moving into the first quarter of the year.

Raging Capital’s efforts could have several beneficial effects for shareholders. First, the push to management should help cost cutting continue, while the request to explore strategic options to unlock shareholder value could generate value of its own long-term. And second, the hedge fund’s increased stake in the company suggests confidence that either management’s turnaround plans are working, or at least that the valuation discount remains.

About Sigma Designs, Inc.

Sigma Designs, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIGM) is a leader in connected media platforms. The company designs and builds the essential semiconductor technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s leading IPTV set-top boxes, connected televisions, connected media players, residential gateways, home control systems and more. For more information about Sigma Designs, please visit www.sigmadesigns.com.

GrowLife (PHOT) Expands Hydroponics Presence with New Acquisition

Thu 04 Apr 2013 12:40:20 MST

GrowLife Inc. (OTCQB: PHOT), a provider of highly effective indoor growing technologies and unique lifestyle brands, recently signed a letter of intent to acquire Evergreen Garden Center (“EGC”) in a stock, debt and cash transaction that will bring in over $4 million in incremental revenue and an experienced management team that includes CEO Robert E. Hunt.

The news comes shortly after the company reported a 300% increase in its fourth quarter revenues and its first quarter of profitability, exclusive of cash used to pay obligations that carried over from prior accounting periods and charges to G&A that reflect stock-based incentive to employees, setting itself apart from competitors within the industry, like Cannabis Sciences Inc. (OTCQB: CBIS) and Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTCQB: MJNA).

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT), a provider of highly effective indoor growing technologies and unique lifestyle brands, is pleased to announce that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Rocky Mountain Hydroponics, LLC., Evergreen Garden Center, LLC. and 58Hydro.com ("EGC") in a transaction that involves a combination of common stock, debt securities and cash. The signed agreement will bring over $4 million in EGC revenue to GrowLife's revenue.

"GrowLife is delighted to add the EGC team to our core talent base led by their majority owner and Chief Executive Officer Robert E. Hunt. GrowLife believes that the strength of a company is determined by its personnel and recognizes Rob and his team as the best in class for our industry," states Sterling Scott, Chief Executive Officer, GrowLife. "Evergreen's multi-regional, brick and mortar retail footprint perfectly complements GrowLife's existing online superstorewww.Greners.com.

"This acquisition allows GrowLife to efficiently and elegantly expand its brick and mortar retail sales capability with immediate synergies for Greners.com which will now provide lower-cost, next-day distribution throughout the Northeastern states and Colorado using existing EGC locations. We believe this is a strong strategic play for GrowLife and its perpetual growth in the legal marijuana industry with long term benefit to our valued shareholders. "

"We are very excited to be a part of the expansion of GrowLife companies in the marketplace. GrowLife has quickly become one of the premier marijuana brands. The EGC companies are a natural fit for the rapid expansion of the retail and online sales capability of GrowLife to the Northeastern States and Colorado where EGC is well-established and rapidly expanding," states Robert E. Hunt, CEO, Rocky Mountain Hydroponics & Evergreen Garden Center. "EGC's current business base of more than $4 million in annual sales, joined with that of GrowLife, will significantly expand the leverage and efficiencies of the combined companies; a huge advantage in our industry. It also clearly positions GrowLife as one of the largest and most diversified fully-reporting marijuana centric publicly traded companies in the market."

The agreement between the Evergreen companies and GrowLife is expected to close no later than June 7, 2013 following the customary completion of definitive documents and due diligence. As part of the commitment between the companies, Mr. Hunt is expected to join the Board of Directors for GrowLife, and assume the executive officer position of Executive Vice President and President of GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release may contain financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in GrowLife's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, all industry products are subject to additional uncertainty, including the risks of delay, cancellation and poor critical or financial reception. GrowLife disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

Picking the Winners in Wind Energy

Thu 04 Apr 2013 10:55:23 MST

Wind energy capacity grew 30 percent in 2012, with 13,000 megawatts in new wind turbines installed, according to data released by the Energy Information Administration. The growth was driven by a federal tax credit that was set to expire at the end of the year, giving wind farm operators a rebate for each kilowatt-hour of electricity generated.

While uncertainty surrounding the federal tax credit has led to a lack of new projects in early 2013, the newly passed legislation should encourage more wind installations by requiring them to begin – rather than finish – before the end of the year. This year could therefore become one of increasing backlogs, with strong revenue potential moving into 2014 and 2015.

With significant growth required to meet the Department of Energy’s 20%-from-wind goal for 2030, government incentives are unlikely to dry up anytime soon. Meanwhile, the dramatic improvements in turbine technologies have reduced wind energy’s cost per kWh by 90% since the early 1980s. These trends yield a very favorable outlook in 2014, 2015 and beyond.

Building Wind into a Portfolio

There are many companies involved in the wind energy industry, including the industry’s leader, General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). With over 16,500 turbines installed globally, the company’s 1.5 MW Series is the most widely deployed wind turbine in the world, while its larger 2.5 MW Series has been deployed in the world’s two largest wind farms.

Unfortunately, General Electric doesn’t offer investors very specific exposure to the wind industry as a diversified conglomerate, with just 19% of its revenues coming from its Power & Water segment as a whole. Investors seeking more specific exposure may consider one of many exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) focused on the global wind energy space.

The First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (NYSE: FAN) and the PowerShares Global Wind Energy (NASDAQ: PWND) are the two most popular funds in the industry, offering broad exposure to the global wind markets. For instance, the former has exposure to over 50 different stocks weighted primarily in Spain (21%), Germany (15%) and the United States (13%).

Broadwind’s Attractive Play on Wind

While blue chips and ETFs certainly have their place, those willing to assume a little more risk for a little more potential upside may want to look at adding companies like Broadwind Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: BWEN) to their diversified portfolios. With about 62% of its 2012 revenues coming from wind energy, the company offers great exposure to the sector.

The market for wind towers also appears to remain strong, judging by $65 million in tower orders from U.S. wind turbine manufacturers in Q1 2013. CEO Peter Duprey noted that the “level of activity in our wind tower business remains strong”, despite the industry’s headwinds coming from the unpredictable federal tax credit that is expected to impact 2013 sales.

Between 2010 and 2012, the company has also reduced its manufacturing footprint, lowered SG&A from 20% to 10% of revenues, and diversified its revenues from 76% to 62% new wind installations. These efforts have resulted in a 10-point increase in EBITDA margins, while the company now projects reaching a positive operating income by FY 2014.

Looking Ahead for Broadwind

Broadwind Energy ultimately aims to have wind account for roughly half of its overall revenues, according to management. With projected revenues of $215 to $225 million and adjusted EBITDA of $9 to $12 million in 2013, the company is well positioned to continue scaling its revenues and reach profitability by the end of 2014, capping its 4-year turnaround.

For more information, see the following resources:

• Broadwind Energy Website
• Recent SEC Filings & Alerts

Methes Energies Provides Turkey Solutions for Biodiesel Infrastructure

Wed 03 Apr 2013 12:05:09 MST

Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL) is a renewable energy company that offers a variety of products and services to biodiesel fuel providers, operating in the same industry as companies like Renewable Energy Group Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI) and Amyris Inc. (NASDAQ: AMRS). Investors looking to capitalize on the sector’s growth may want to consider companies like these that provide turnkey solutions to the industry with a network-building model.

There’s little question that biodiesel will grow over the coming years, with improving economics and growing federal mandates. The National Biodiesel Board – an industry trade association – envisions biodiesel production equal to 10% of the on-road diesel market by 2022. While these estimates may seem aggressive to some, the group’s prediction in 2005 for biodiesel to encompass 5% of the market by 2015 may be surpassed before the target date.

Investors looking to capitalize on the growth in biodiesel have a number of options, including larger companies like Renewable Energy Group Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI) and Amyris Inc. (NASDAQ: AMRS) But, Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL) may offer the greatest potential for investors, as a provider of turnkey solutions within the industry. These solutions yield a razorblade business model that could generate significant long-term value for shareholders.

Why Now’s the Time for Biodiesel

The benefits of biodiesel are clearly apparent in various studies; showing a 47% reduction in particulate matter, 67% reduction in unburned hydrocarbons, and a 48% reduction in carbon monoxide in its pure form. Given these benefits, the U.S. government established the Renewable Fuel Standard program (“RFS2”) to encourage the production of biodiesel fuels in recent years, with production hitting some 1.1 billion gallons in 2012.

In 2013, the industry appears set for even greater growth rates. The federal biomass-based diesel requirements have been raised to 1.28 billion gallons (28% higher than 2012), and a $1.00 per gallon tax credit has been set. These items coupled with rebounding RIN prices all promise to boost the industry well past the 1.1 billion gallons sold during 2012. As well, more and more end markets are also accepting both B5 and B20 or higher biodiesel blends in their equipment.

And finally, problems with RIN fraud are being addressed in order to instill greater confidence in the market, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). A newly proposed rule would offer obligated parties an affirmative defense against civil liabilities from buying, trading or retiring bad RINs, and include an option that also relieves obligated parties from paying for the replacement of any invalid RINs, solving a key problem.

Methes Energies’ Offers a Unique Play

Methes Energies develops and sells fully automated, compact biodiesel processors that come in two different sizes; the Denami 600, which can produce up to 1.3M gallons a year, and the Denami 3000 which can produce upwards of 6.5M gallons per year. Methes Energies is targeting the rapidly growing small and medium-scale segment of the biodiesel market with these processors, which are flexible with regards to feedstocks and operate with low production costs, low labor costs, and without wastewater discharge.

The sales of these processing units generate upfront income for Methes Energies that is supplemented over the long-term by recurring network revenues. By purchasing bulk feedstock, methanol, catalyst and related products, the company distributes these necessary biodiesel ingredients to its growing network of customers. Meanwhile, the company operates two biodiesel processing plants in Canada that it uses as small-scale production and demonstration facilities.

Combined, these attributes make the stock an attractive opportunity for investors. While scaling up its Denami sales and network, the company already generates revenues using its own technologies as a proof of concept. These sales are expected to increase with the additional capacity at Methes’ Sombra facility, capable of producing 13M gallons a year, which will help fund sales and marketing efforts for its Denamimachines and ultimately expand its higher margin network revenues.

Potential Investment Opportunity

Methes Energies, along with all biofuel producers, had a degree of uncertainty in 2012 due to the expiration of the blender’s tax credit on December 31, 2011 and ambivalence about the integrity of some RINs in the U.S. These developments particularly hurt small producers, which the company falls under given that its revenues come largely from its two processing plants in Canada.

Fortunately, the market has shown signs of recovery 2013 with a number of actionable news events including; President Obama calling for climate action in his State of the Union, the EPA approving Camelina as an additional biodiesel feedstock, and the rejection of New Mexico’s legislative efforts to repeal their B5 law requiring a 5% biodiesel blend. With biodiesel now being produced in all 50 states, and supporting 64,000 jobs nationwide in 2012, it is apparent that this industry is a crucial cog in the overall energy plan of both the Unites States and Canada.

With Methes Energies recent press release (http://ir.methes.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=251486&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1785582&highlight=) announcing a contract of 50 rail cars of ASTM quality biodiesel (B100) from its Sombra facility, the company has taken significant strides towards a goal of establishing recurring, long term relationships, with clients throughout the US and Canada. The contract was their largest to date, and with a fleet of 28 rail cars transporting feedstock and biodiesel to and from the it’s Sombra facility, increased production and revenue numbers are likely to be close behind.

For more information, please see the following resources:
http://www.methes.com/

Sign Up for Additional Updates on Methes Energies International, Ltd.:
http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/meil/meil_landing.php

About Emerging Growth LLC

EGC is a marketing and consulting firm that specializes in creating ongoing communications strategies for public and private companies. Disclosure: Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Emerging Growth LLC is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. For full disclosure please visit: http://secfilings.com/Disclaimer.aspx

SEC Filings Round Up: Lowe’s Earnings, Smithfield’s Activists & Geron’s Buying

Wed 03 Apr 2013 08:52:09 MST

SEC filings provide investors with a great source of information, ranging from annual reports and activist filings to insider purchasing and spin-offs. In this SEC filings round up, we’ll take a look at Lowe’s 10-K annual report, Smithfield’s activist situation, and Geron’s recent insider purchase and what it means for investors in these companies.

Lowe’s 10-K Shows Signs of Improvement

Lowe’s Companies Inc. (LOW), a home improvement retailer in the United States, Canada and Mexico, reported FY 2012 revenues that increased 0.6% to $50.5 billion due to a recovering housing market that led to a 1.3% higher average ticket amount and a 1.4% increase in comparable sales, according to the company’s recent 10-K filing with the SEC.

With Freddie Mac projecting home sales to jump 8-10% and housing starts to increase to 950,000 during 2013, home improvement retailers like Lowe’s should continue to benefit from the trends. The company expects FY 2013 sales to increase approximately 4% with 10 new stores opening, while its margins are expected to improve 60 basis points.

Compared to others in the sector, like The Home Depot Inc. (HD) or Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc. (LL), Lowe’s is attractively priced with lower P/E, P/S and P/B ratios.

Smithfield Targeted by Activist in 13D Filing

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (SFD), a provider of fresh and packaged meats domestically and internationally, has been the target of an activist investor since early March 2013. Continental Grain recommended in a 13D/A filing that the Board of Directors engage an independent investment banking firm to evaluate various alternatives.

These suggestions include splitting the company into three independent firms, instituting a share repurchase or dividend, adding board members with experience in new agribusiness segments, and tying management compensation to performance. In response, Reuters reported that the company hired Goldman Sachs to weigh its options.

But on April 1st, Reuters reported that JP Morgan analyst Ken Goldman believes that the company’s latest move indicates a potential struggle between the company and investors.

Geron’s John Scarlett Makes Big Buy

Geron Corporation (NASDAQ: GERN), a biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for cancer, Chairman and CEO John Scarlett recently purchased 50,000 shares in the open market, according to a Form 4 filing with the SEC. At a price of $1.03 per share, the purchase made in his family trust increases his ownership stake to 125,000 shares.

The move comes after a tough quarter for the company, where it reported significant progress in its clinical development programs and a lower net loss than the year ago period, but failed to impress analysts covering the stock. Highlights for the year included top-line results from its trial in essential thrombocythemia and preliminary results from its biomarker multiple myeloma trial.

Given the timing of the CEO’s purchase shortly after the earnings results hit the stock price, the move could have been made in response to the market’s reaction to the results.

Staffing 360 (STAF) Executes Agreement with Veteran Staffing and Recruitment Firm

Tue 02 Apr 2013 11:45:42 MST

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: STAF), an emerging growth public company engaged in the provision of international staffing services, has announced several agreements over the past few months with providers of staffing services in various market verticals. These agreements have included its acquisition agreement with the Revolution Group and IDC Technologies Inc. to extend its reach into cyber solutions, banking and finance, healthcare and other industries.

The agreement with EmployAGI.org LLC will expand these operations further into veteran staffing services designed to transition military men and women into civilian jobs through a new division called Veterans 360 Alliance. And ultimately, these efforts help further differentiate the company from larger competitors in this space targeting the broader market, like Trueblue Inc. (NYSE: TBI) and Kforce Inc. (NASDAQ: KFRC), by focusing on specific verticals.

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: STAF) announced today that it has signed a staffing agency agreement with EmployAGI.org LLC, a premier veteran staffing and recruitment company dedicated to successfully transitioning military men and women into civilian jobs as they return from duty. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Staffing 360 Solutions will assist EmployAGI.org in recruiting qualified veterans from war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan in a wide assortment of fields and industries.

As part of this effort, the Company has launched a proprietary staffing division called Veterans 360 Alliance, dedicated exclusively to the placement of veterans of the U.S. military. The new division will focus on placing veterans in sectors including: engineering, technology, IT services, finance & accounting and healthcare, just to name a few.

"We are pleased to announce this relationship with EmployAGI.org," stated Allan Hartley, CEO of Staffing 360 Solutions. "As a significant number of returning veterans arrive from overseas, our new Veterans 360 Alliance division is positioning itself to assist as many unemployed veterans as possible by placing these top military leaders, engineers, and technicians into America's private sector workforce."

The United States Military educates and trains some of the most effective leaders in the world, yet despite their powerful combination of purpose, work ethic, and an unmistakable drive to succeed, these professionals often leave the service and find it extremely difficult to build their civilian careers. Veterans currently have an unemployment rate of 11.7% in the first quarter of 2013, up from 9.9% in December 2012, while the national unemployment rate remains unchanged at 7.9%. As part of this newly formed relationship with EmployAGI.org, Veterans 360 Alliance is devoted to placing veterans of the U.S. military in qualified jobs throughout the United States.

"We are pleased to be working hand-in-hand with Staffing 360 Solutions," stated Veronica Bouchon, President of EmployAGI.org. "Developing a robust network of employment opportunities for our veterans when they return from combat overseas is essential. We are firmly committed to helping all former military men and women, as well as their spouses, successfully transfer their skill set into the civilian sector."

As part of its growth strategy, Staffing 360 Solutions believes that a consolidation strategy is ideally suited for the highly fragmented temporary staffing industry. The company's management team has been engaged in the development of a comprehensive program to create a robust pipeline of prospective acquisitions, including opportunities in the veterans services sector through its Veterans 360 Alliance division.

About EmployAGI.org

Headquartered in Manhattan, EmployAGI.org LLC is a premier veteran staffing and recruitment company dedicated to transitioning and placing military men and women, as well as their spouses, into a wide variety of civilian jobs when they return from duty. The veterans that the company places with employers have the type of military discipline, work ethic and dedication that is needed to help companies grow. EmployAGI.org is a boutique agency with staff members possessing over 20 years of experience, extensive connections and networking abilities. For more information, please visit: www.employagi.org

About Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc.

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. is an emerging public company in the international staffing sector that intends to acquire high-growth domestic and international staffing agencies. As part of its highly targeted consolidation model, Staffing 360 Solutions is pursuing broad spectrum staffing companies in the IT, financial, accounting, healthcare and banking industries. The Company believes the staffing industry offers significant opportunity to create a successful public company with a longer term objective of accretive acquisitions that will drive annual revenues to a minimum of $250 million. www.staffing360solutions.com

GrowLife (PHOT) Reports Record 300%+ Increase in Revenues During FY 2012

Tue 02 Apr 2013 10:30:45 MST

GrowLife Inc. (OTCQB: PHOT), a provider of highly effective indoor growing technologies and unique lifestyle brands, operating in the same industry as companies like HEMP Inc. (OTCQB: HEMP) and Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTCQB: MJNA), recently announced a 300% increase in revenues and progress on numerous fronts during its fiscal year 2012.

Unlike many other companies in the marijuana space, the company has managed to dramatically expand its presence within the industry by making strategic acquisitions and growing organic subsidiaries. These efforts have resulted in strong top-line improvements that could unlock significant value for shareholders over the long-term.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT), a provider of highly effective indoor growing technologies and unique lifestyle brands, is pleased to announce the timely filing of its audited results for the fourth quarter 2012, as well as the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012. The full 10K filing is available at http://www.GrowLifeInc.com/ or on the SEC's website http://edgar.sec.gov/.

Highlights include:

• Sales of $675,000 in Q4 2012
• 300% + revenue improvement compared to Q4 2011
• 42% revenue improvement compared to Q3 2012

"We are very pleased with GrowLife's fourth quarter and full year performance, particularly as Q4 2012 was the first profitable quarter in the company's history, exclusive of cash used to pay obligations that carried over from prior accounting periods, and charges to G&A that reflect stock based incentives to management and employees," said GrowLife Inc. CEO Sterling Scott.

"GrowLife has become a much deeper and stronger company since early 2012, with many more products, more channels for distribution and more industry connectedness than at any time in our history. While our outstanding share count has increased overall, share issuance has been directly connected with acquisitions, balance sheet strengthening with debt reduction, and broadening of our base of committed shareholders. Our opportunity for expansion of product offerings in the legal medical marijuana business in the USA has never been greater."

GrowLife continues to differentiate itself from other public companies looking to target the medical marijuana industry by maintaining fully reporting status and detailing a forward looking business plan that aims to support the growth of our respective business units.

Milestones include:

• Acquisition of Greners.com -- Online Hydro Superstore
• GrowLife was established as the name for our holding company (formerly Phototron Holdings) as we expanded from a single product line to a more broadly based company with many product lines
• Acquisition of Urban Garden -- Retail Hydro Store
• GrowLife securities established as DTC eligible to facilitate electronic transfer of certificates by our shareholders
• High Times Cover: SG Sensors -- Cutting Edge Remote Grow Technology
• High Times Cover: Stealth Grow LED -- "Game Changer" in LED Technology
• GrowLife Productions, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, launched to focus on branding and entertainment industry promotions for GrowLife
• GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, launched to focus on brick and mortar hydroponics retailing launched
• Initiated the first stage of GrowLife's push into therapeutic applications of Cannabis with Medicus Research

Significant milestones were achieved for GrowLife, Inc. as far as brand penetration with potential for future growth. We acquired business units that are basically litmus tests and infrastructure for growth. We have online retail, brick-and-mortar, and technologies which we believe are superior to the rest of the market. Understanding these sales channels is instrumental in building a scalable business and the integrated brand that is GrowLife.

GrowLife's FY 2013 Guidance

For 2013, GrowLife's management provides the following forward-looking guidance, which is limited to revenue from sales, consistent with our current visibility into operations.

Management projects sales in 2013 in the range between $3.9 million and $4.3 million, exclusive of any expansion of GrowLife business through potential acquisitions. These projections are explicitly based upon past results and extrapolating that data. For details regarding our business, our detailed financial statements, significant accounting policies and notes to our detailed financial statements, we refer interested parties to our 10K report filed on this date with the SEC.

About GrowLife, Inc.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) (formerly Phototron Holdings, Inc.) (www.growlifeinc.com) is a company with core holdings in innovative technology-based products and services for the indoor gardening industry and specialty markets. These brands include Stealth Grow, a producer of grow room automation equipment and hi-powered LED grow light products for indoor horticulture (www.sgsensors.com and www.stealthgrow.com), Greners.com, the online hydroponics superstore (www.greners.com) and Phototron, producer of hydroponic grow containers, which are designed to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits in any environment (www.phototron.com). GrowLife is also the US distributor for the Urban Cultivator brand—the greens machine (www.urbancultivator.net).

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Examples of such forward-looking statements include management's projected 2013 revenue guidance, references to potential acquisitions, and other references to potential growth in the business. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in GrowLife's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, all industry products are subject to additional uncertainty, including the risks of delay, cancellation and poor critical or financial reception. GrowLife disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

Retrace and Rise, Athersys Back on the Move

Mon 01 Apr 2013 13:24:50 MST

Shares of Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX) surged to end the first quarter on Thursday, closing ahead by 12 percent at $1.68 as volume swelled to 3.7 million on the last day of March. No announcements were made by the company. What appears to be happening is a growing awareness of Athersys as it maneuvers through clinical trials with its MultiStem stem cell technology for a several indications.

MultiStem, the company’s proprietary “off the shelf” biologic product, is currently in 5 clinical stage programs, including aPhase II trial in partnership with Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE: PFE) for inflammatory Bowel Disease and an ongoing Phase II trial for ischemic stroke, which analysts and pundits believe has blockbuster potential. Phase I clinical trials have been successfully completed with MultiStem as a potential new therapeutic for Acute Myocardial Infarction and HSC transplant/Graft versus Host Disease, with subsequent clinical trials anticipated. Clearly, the company does not lack fundamental catalysts that could take the price per share to much higher levels.

In November and December, the stock price found a technical bottom at 95 cents, which was followed by a sharp climb to new 52-week highs $1.89. As is typical, a retracement followed as some profit taking occurs following the stock price doubling. Keeping its bullish trend, the price per share broke the trendline of the consolidation on Thursday to move 9.8 percent above the 50 day moving average and 23.5 percent above the 200 day moving average.

Evidence of potential for ATHX chart can be gleaned not only from the technical components, but also from what analysts have to say.

In October, Maxim Group upped its price target for Athersys from $3 to $6 while maintaining its Buy rating. First Analysis has a Buy rating with a $7 price target, and Piper Jaffray holds an Overweight rating with a price target of $4. WBB also has a Buy rating on ATHX and a price target of $9. Zacks upgraded Athersys in March from a Neutral rating to an Outperform rating in a note to investors, albeit with a modest price target of $1.80.

Articles across the Internet are also lending support to the Athersys opportunity. Seeking Alpha contributor Craig Keolanui recently described Athersys as a “unique blend of low valuation, high hope and huge potential.” Popular Seeking Alpha contributor Chemistfrog published an analysis of Athersys, MultiStem and the unique potential of the company, which was sent to the more than 1,200 people subscribed for real-time alerts on ATHX. MedCity News provided a summary of the recent Athersys earnings conference call with a host of links for additional research, including a link to a prior MedCity article titled, “Athersys CEO: Stroke therapy could be one of the biggest blockbusters ever.”

In early trading on Monday, the stock is continuing the climb started last week, printing as high as $1.83 for gains of nearly 9 percent and drawing ever closer towards another new one-year high as the momentum looks to be kicking into gear again.

Staffing 360 Solutions (STAF) Featured in Integrity Media Report on Cyber Threats

Thu 28 Mar 2013 13:12:22 MST

Staffing 360 Solutions Inc. (OTCQB: STAF), an emerging growth public company engaged in the provision of international staffing services, was recently featured in a report detailing the increasing need for cyber security solutions. Integrity Media authored the report telling how Staffing 360 is uniquely positioned in the niche, setting it apart from competitors like Trueblue Inc. (NYSE: TBI) and Kforce Inc. (NASDAQ: KFRC). The news comes shortly after the company announced the formation of Cyber 360 Solutions to focus on providing critical staffing services and personnel in direct response to the rising threat of global cyber attacks. Global spending on cyber security is expected to hit $86 billion by 2016, according to Gartner Inc., an information technology research and advisory firm.

Integrity Media Inc, an Investor Relations firm focused on unique Small and Micro Cap equities, has published an editorial report regarding the increasing need for Cyber Security and Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc's (STAF) entry in the growing industry. The report titled, "As Cyber Threats Continue to Make International Headlines Staffing 360 Solutions Secures its Niche" is available in its entirety free of charge to investors and interested parties.

From the report:

"The headline was clear, South Korea had been hacked quite successfully via what the country viewed as an international assault. Large banks and important media had been hit hard. The escalating rhetoric from North Korea made for an easy suspect. Many wondered if the attack was a warning, a different kind of saber rattling, a 'look at what we can do whenever we want' message tantamount to a military exercise or a missile test. And it made it very clear that cyber security is and shall remain an essential and growing industry. As investors are abundantly aware, new societal necessities often create large opportunities in the market which explains the recent entry of Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. into the cyber security space.

Yesterday's release by Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc., an emerging growth public company engaged in the provision of international staffing services in IT, announced that the company has added to its recent roster of acquisition agreements with The Revolution Group, Ltd, which is one of the few Cyber Security Consulting firms in the United States solely dedicated to identifying the top 10% of highly trained Cyber Security professionals available for consulting assignments. The acquisition agreement firmly positions Staffing 360 Solutions in the rapidly growing Cyber Security market while simultaneously expanding the company's service diversity, credibility and branding."

Click here to read the report.

Medbox (MDBX) Featured in Fortune Magazine's Cover Story

Mon 25 Mar 2013 13:58:46 MST

Medbox Inc. (OTC Pink: MDBX), a leader in providing industry specific consulting services and patented systems to the medical and retail industries worldwide, has seen a lot of press attention over the past few months. After appearing in Fox Business News in mid-March, the company was featured in Fortune Magazine’s cover story on the marijuana industry.

Alongside other companies like Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTCQB: MJNA) and HEMP Inc. (OTCQB: HEMP), Medbox offers investors a play on the growing marijuana industry with its dispensary consulting services and behind-the-counter automated medical dispensing systems. And notably, the system can also be used in pharmacy and other markets aside from the marijuana industry.

Medbox, Inc. (OTC Markets: MDBX) (www.medboxinc.com), a leader in providing industry specific consulting services and patented systems to the medical and retail industries worldwide, was featured in a Fortune Magazine cover story entitled "Marijuana Inc. – Meet the Entrepreneurs and Investors Firing Up a New Industry."

The article followed a group of businessmen, investors and wealthy individuals who believe that the prohibition era for marijuana in America is coming to an end and that a legitimate cannabis industry is now taking shape.

"Some investors are scions of old money, like Joby Pritzker, of the Hyatt Hotel chain dynasty, and Richard Wolfe, whose family bought the Columbus Dispatch in 1905," according to Fortune. "Others are self-made. Adam Wiggins, for instance, cofounded Heroku, a cloud-platform that was purchased by Salesforce.com for $250 million." Medbox and its CEO, Dr. Bruce Bedrick, were also featured in the article. The writer marveled at the company's share price and market capitalization, which according to Fortune is in the $620 million range.

"Business is driving the change," according to Troy Dayton of the ArcView Group. "Business is the most powerful platform for political change that's ever existed," he says. "When there is money for government, money for investors, money for entrepreneurs, and benefits to communities, that's a powerful incentive for change."

In other news, Medbox announced that to accommodate more people, their second free public educational and informational seminar on the medical marijuana industry in San Diego has been rescheduled to April 6, 2013.

Landlords, patients, potential dispensary operators, law enforcement, and city officials are welcome to attend. Complete details regarding that event are listed below:

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle 595 Hotel Circle S
San Diego, CA 92108
(Between Camino De La Reina & Fashion Valley Rd)
Saturday, April 6, 2013
11:00am - 3:00pm Lunch Provided and Free Parking

Reservations are required to attend the seminar. Interested parties should request free tickets by calling Medbox at (800) 762-1452 or by emailing the company at info@thedispensingsolution.com.

The first Medbox San Diego seminar had an overflow crowd, and drew local community leaders, entrepreneurs, landlords and media outlets. The upcoming second seminar is also expected to be fully booked, so early registration is recommended. For more information on Medbox, visit: www.medboxinc.com. To view the article in Fortune Magazine (subscription required), visit: http://money.cnn.com/2013/03/21/smallbusiness/legal-marijuana-startups.pr.fortune/index.html

About Medbox, Inc:

Medbox is a leader in the development, sales and service of automated, biometrically controlled dispensing and storage systems for medicine and merchandise. Medbox has offices throughout the world, including New York, Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Tokyo, London and Toronto, and has their corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. Medbox provides their patented systems, software and consulting services to pharmacies, dispensaries, urgent care centers, drug rehab clinics, hospitals, prison systems, hospice facilities, and medical groups worldwide.

Medbox, Inc. is a publicly traded company, and is listed on the OTC Markets, ticker symbol MDBX.

For more information on Medbox, please contact the Medbox Investor Relations Department at (800) 762-1452 or go online to www.medboxinc.com.

Greyson's (GYSN) Trilexon Could Revolutionize Topical Drugs

Mon 18 Mar 2013 11:23:53 MST

Topical drugs are commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, ranging from skin creams that relieve itchiness to transdermal patches that prevent motion sickness. Many of these topical drugs are designed using an emulsion of oil and water in order to help them stay on the skin long enough for active ingredients to be absorbed. But unfortunately, they aren’t all that effective in either delivering drugs or maintaining the health of the skin.

Trilexon Offers a Much-Needed Solution

Greyson International (OTC Pink: GYSN) has developed a patented formulation that combines a cationic emulsifying agent, an oil soluble liquid polymer and a naturally occurring lactate buffer system to create a promising topical drug delivery platform that it calls Trilexon®. While initially developed for use in the multi-billion dollar cosmetics industry, the technology has broad applicability in the medical industry for use in topical drug delivery.

According to the company’s patent application, the unique formulation permits active ingredients to slowly deliver over a 12-hour period while preserving the skin’s natural pH levels. Traditional products leaving the skin in a lower or higher pH range actually harm the skin by preventing key enzymes from repairing the skin’s natural lipid barrier. The Trilexon topical solutions are more effective, longer lasting, and more comfortable to apply.

Targeting Enormous Potential End Markets

Greyson’s Trilexon® delivery system is immediately applicable to numerous topically applied medical products, ranging from Sanofi SA’s (NYSE: SNY) Cortizone 10 to Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) ROGAINE®. While it’s difficult to project the overall size of the OTC pharmaceutical topical drug industry due to its specificity, Johnson & Johnson’s skincare division alone reported more than $3.6 billion FY 2012 sales, according to its recent earnings press release.

Capturing just 5% of Johnson & Johnson’s share of the market alone would equate to more than $180 million per year in revenues. These results could be accomplished through partnership of just one of its many popular skin care products like ROGAINE®. With a market capitalization of just $9.4 million, according to OTC Markets, these sales could unlock significant value for shareholders if they materialized over the coming quarters or years.

Promising Business Model in These Markets

Greyson’s Trilexon® delivery system offers considerable value to the OTC pharmaceutical skin care industry. The technology can help improve the efficacy of skin care products by offering extended release formulations, enhanced durability in the face of sweat, and a controlled and elegant application. In an industry constantly looking for differentiation, these attributes could provide partners with extremely valuable additions to their product pipelines.

Another key benefit lies in the fact that the technology could be used to formulate entirely new patentable products from old off-patent formulations. For instance, an off-patent formulation of ROGAINE® could incorporate Trilexon® technology to improve efficacy and create a new product that could then itself be patented. The result could be a new “version” of an existing product that’s patent protected to maintain differentiation from the competition.

Potential Investment Opportunity

Greyson International, Inc. (OTC Pink: GYSN) represents a potentially attractive investment opportunity, given its Trilexon® technology’s potential play in the OTC pharmaceutical industry. With the ability to improve existing formulations and extend patent lives, the technology has the potential to revolutionize a multi-billion dollar industry. And, capturing just a fraction of this market could result in significant sales for the $9.4 million public company.

Request More Information on Greyson International, Inc. here:
http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/gysn/gysn_landing.php

CrowdGather (CRWG) Reveals Significant Progress in Q3 2013 Results

Mon 18 Mar 2013 11:02:31 MST

CrowdGather Inc. (OTCQB: CRWG), owner of a rapidly growing network of forum communities on the Internet and developer of innovative advertising technology designed to monetize them, recently announced fiscal third quarter 2013 financial results. At first glance, the marginal quarterly drop in revenues may seem unexciting, but investors digging a little deeper may find some real value in this underappreciated micro-cap stock. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the company’s earnings report and identify some reasons speculative investors may want to buy.

Adisn Platform Gains Traction

CrowdGather’s Adisn platform is designed to help forums better monetize their ad inventory by aggregating inventory across multiple forums and enabling advertisers to target large audiences with demographically-targeted online ads. While the platform was deployed across its own forum network, the company is still working diligently to provide the services to third-party forums in the same way that Google Inc.’s (NASDAQ: GOOG) AdWords platform targets small website owners seeking to better monetize their websites.

While these plans promise to unlock future value, the company was successful in obtaining a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for a patent application for systems and methods of targeted advertising this quarter. The patent covers systems for generated targeted advertising recommendations based upon the social momentum between associated keywords. Obtaining this patent has helped solidify the firm’s intellectual property portfolio and technology platform.

Renewed Focus on Bottom Line

CrowdGather’s management also remains committed to improving shareholder value through improvements to the bottom line, and in an effort to sustain its operations on a limited cash reserve. By October 2013, the company intends to reduce its annualized operating expenses from $4 million to approximately $2.5 million without significantly impacting its revenues, according to its third quarter press release. These reductions could unlock significant long-term value for shareholders as revenues scale up. The Company also noted that it is evaluating strategic options including business combinations and financing alternatives.

These efforts are validated by management’s own stake in the company. According to filings with the SEC, CEO Sanjay Sabnani increased his holdings up to about 16.4 million shares with six open market purchases over the span of 16 months. A separate filing shows that an institutional firm focused on value investment also upped its stake to 5.8 million shares. According to a recent analysis on SECFilings.com, the two now own more than one-third of the company.

Finally, the company’s $14.6 million in shareholders equity remains significantly higher than its market capitalization of just around $4 million. The difference suggests that the stock is trading below its liquidation value, thereby providing a margin of safety for investors and a potential catalyst in the form of a buyout. And, as we noted above, the equity could be enhanced with the firm’s new patent and innovative advertising platform that’s gaining traction.

Read the full earnings report at the following link:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/crowdgather-inc-announces-third-quarter-200500906.html

Athersys (ATHX) Advances Studies & Strengthens Balance Sheet in Q4 2012

Thu 14 Mar 2013 09:44:14 MST

Athersys Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life, reported significant progress in its clinical trials, advancing ongoing partnering discussions and enhancing its capital position during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012.

Athersys raised $21.2 million in net proceeds during the fourth quarter of 2012, including the full exercise of underwriters’ over-allotment option, in a public offering of common stock to be used for working capital and to finance ongoing clinical trials. On the balance sheet, the financing contributed to a year-end cash position of approximately $25.5 million, which should provide capital for operations comfortably into 2014, excluding the impact of any new partnerships. The company is actively engaged in partnering discussions around several programs, including their small molecule 5HT2c agonist program for obesity and schizophrenia, and certain MultiStem® cell therapy programs.

Solid Clinical and Preclinical Progress

Athersys also made significant progress throughout FY 2012 within its clinical and preclinical pipeline. With Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), the company advanced its ongoing Phase II clinical study involving the administration of MultiStem® cells to patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. Initial results from the double blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 130 patients are expected in 2H 2013.

During the fourth quarter, the company also:

Advanced its Phase II clinical study of the administration of the MultiStem cell product to patients who have suffered ischemic stroke into the large efficacy cohort of this double blind, placebo-controlled trial of 136 patients.

Developed and submitted to FDA a clinical trial plan for conducting a Phase II-III study of MultiStem administration intended to both reduce the incidence and severity of graft-versus-host disease, or GvHD, and provide other benefits to transplant patients.

Received ten new patents during 2012 covering aspects of the company’s cell therapy technology, including issuances in the U.S. and other jurisdictions.

Announced progress in several key preclinical programs, including for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, and spinal cord injury.

Looking Ahead to FY 2013

Athersys continues to focus its resources on developing MultiStem for the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions where there is a significant unmet medical need, according to Chairman and CEO Gil Van Bokkelen. Success in any of its current programs could open the door to a broader set of opportunities and partners in related areas.

Investors seem to be increasingly aware of this potential, too, with the stock jumping more than 50% over the past three months. With these trends showing few signs of stopping, investors may want to consider this promising biotech stock for their portfolio ahead of key clinical data expected to be released during the second half of the year.

Click Here: View the Company’s Q4/FY2012 Press Release

Cardium (CXM) Expands To Go Brands® Line-Up with VitaRocks® Kids Vitamins

Wed 13 Mar 2013 15:03:28 MST

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM), an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on unlocking the value in innovative medical assets, acquired To Go Brands® in October 2012. Since then, the company has expanded the product portfolio to include over 25 nutraceutical powder mixes, supplements and chews to support a healthy lifestyle in today’s fast paced world.

The addition of VitaRocks® adds another solid component to the growing portfolio, while the expansion into select Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) stores could boost the brand’s exposure. Aside from Target, these products can also be found in niche vitamin stores like the Vitamin Shoppe Inc. (NYSE: VSI) and GNC Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNC).

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) today announced that its To Go Brands^® operating unit has expanded its VitaRocks^® kids vitamins product line and that retail distribution of the newly-designed products is being broadened into select Target stores.

The VitaRocks products are inspired by a popping pellet candy that is popular with kids and represents a next-generation, easy-use delivery platform for multivitamins and nutrients, dietary supplements, and potentially over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for children as well as adults. The Kids VitaRocks product line is fun, and uses tasty antioxidant and mineral-rich formulas to provide vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Each packet provides 50% of Daily Value, so that children four and above may enjoy this nutritious treat twice a day. VitaRocks products include cherryBLAST, grapeGUSHER, the new blueRAZZ, as well as orangeBURST, providing 250 mg of Vitamin C. To Go Brands' adult VitaRocks C delivers a powerful dose of 1000 mg of Vitamin C in every packet.

"Special formulations allow VitaRocks to melt cleanly in the mouth and deliver vitamins and nutrients while being fun and great tasting. Unlike many other products in this class, VitaRocks require no mixing with water and can be directly consumed. While the initial product line was designed for children, with the success of new adult multivitamin chews and gummies, consumers of all ages are increasingly seeking easy-to-use and great tasting nutritional products, and we believe that our VitaRocks platform aligns with this important and rapidly emerging trend. Because of our unique manufacturing process, we now have the flexibility to expand the product line into formulas that could include enzymes, electrolytes, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, as well as nutrients, and into other applications including OTC drugs," stated Hanna Wagari, Cardium's Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Current VitaRocks products are available through retailers, including Whole Foods, Sprouts and Vitamin Shoppe. The new product line will be available at the beginning of April 2013 in select Target stores, as well as directly from the To Go Brands web-based store at www.togobrands.com.

About To Go Brands

Since 2007, To Go Brands has been making healthy, great tasting and anti-oxidant-rich phytonutrients and nutraceutical supplements in an array of easy use formats, including drink mixes, chews, powders and capsules, to empower busy lifestyles in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world. The Go Active! product line includes High Octane^®, Green Tea Energy Fusion™, Acai Natural Energy Boost™, and Neo-Energy^®. The Go Healthy! product line includes Greens to Go^®, Extreme Berries to Go^®, Healthy Belly^®, VitaRocks^®, and Neo-Chill™. Go Trim! products include Smoothie Complete^®, Trim Energy Green Coffee Bean™, Trim Energy^®, and Neo-Carb Bloc^®. To Go Brands products are sold through mass, food and drug channels at retailers including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, GNC, RiteAid, Jewel-Osco, Ralph's Supermarkets, Vitamin World, Meijer, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, and the Vitamin Shoppe^® as well as directly from the company's web-based store. To learn more about To Go Brands, visit togobrands.com.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's newly-acquired To Go Brands^® nutraceutical business. The Company's lead commercial product, Excellagen^® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx^® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands^® develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. For more information, visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that To Go Brands products or Cardium's other products can be successfully commercialized; that the retail distribution of VitaRocks or other products will be successfully expanded; that new products will be developed and launched in a timely and effective manner; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive, or will not be blocked by third party intellectual property rights or other means; that our products will substantially enhance our revenues or perceived value; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2013 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved. For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

To Go Brands^®, High Octane^®, Green Tea Energy Fusion™, Acai Natural Energy Boost™, Greens to Go^®, Extreme Berries to Go^®, Healthy Belly^®, VitaRocks^®, Smoothie Complete^®, Trim Green Coffee Bean™, and Trim Energy^®, are trademarks of To Go Brands, Inc.

Cardium Therapeutics^®, Generx^®, Cardionovo^®, Tissue Repair™, Excellagen^®, Excellarate™, LifeAgain™, Genedexa™, Neo-Apps^®, MedPodium^®, Neo-Energy^®, Neo-Chill™ and Neo-Carb Bloc^® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company.

Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

MediciNova on the move, share price jumping, best time to buy is coming

Mon 11 Mar 2013 12:55:18 MST

By Rex Graham

This article was republished with permission and originally appeared on SanDiegoBiotechnology.com.

MediciNova (Nasdaq: MNOV) was on the move as shares jumped 10.65 percent in Friday trading to reach a nine-month high of $3.43 a share, even though the company has announced its intent to raise additional capital in a public offering that could double the number of outstanding shares.

Investors are focusing less on dilution of their shares and more on the company’s Feb. 25 announcement that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had given it fast-track status to develop its lead drug candidate MN-166 (ibudilast), a treatment for methamphetamine dependence.

There are currently no approved medications for the estimated 439,000 meth abusers in the U.S., and MediciNova is seeking potential partners and other strategic collaborations to commercialize the drug.

“We look forward to initiating the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)-funded Phase 2 outpatient clinical trial of MN-166 for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction with UCLA investigators,” Yuichi Iwaki, President and CEO of MediciNova, said in a news release. The amount of the NIDA funding of the Phase 2 study at UCLA was not disclosed, and the company needs to find a funding source for Phase 3 trials and further development.

Upon completion of the Phase 2 trials, MediciNova said it will seek strategic alliances “with leading pharmaceutical or biotech companies to support further clinical development, and plan to maintain certain commercialization rights in selected markets.”

The company has eight products in its product pipeline, but is spending its R&D funds primarily on MN-166 and MN-221. MediciNova had $15 million in cash at the beginning of 2012, but that total fell to $5.7 million on Sept. 30, 2012. The company has a deal with Aspire in which Aspire is obligated to buy up to $20 million of MediciNova stock until the agreement expires on Aug. 20, 2014. MediciNova also has notified the SEC that it may sell up to a total of $100 million in new shares of common stock, or more than double the number of current outstanding shares.

We recommend buying MediciNova, but only after it sells more stock to Aspire, which will occur soon. The company said the $5.7 million in cash on hand in September 2012 would be “sufficient to fund our operations through March 31, 2013.” As a result, we expect n MediciNova will indeed exercise its common stock purchase agreement with Aspire, possibly in March 2013, the share price will inexorably drop, at which time we recommend the diluted stock as a strong buy.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently notified MediciNova that the agency will approve the company’s application to patent the intravenous use of MN-221 for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma. MN-221 is a novel, highly selective beta(2)-adrenergic receptor agonist in development for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (MediciNova acquired the worldwide (excluding Japan) licensing rights to MN-221 from Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., for $2.5 million.)

MediciNova on the move

MediciNova has recently moved its headquarters a couple blocks from a 5,089-square-foot office at 4350 La Jolla Village Dr., suite 950, La Jolla, Calif., that it had been leasing for $12,672 a month. On Feb. 27 the company leased a 5,219-square-foot office at 4275 Executive Square in La Jolla. The rent at the new office will rise from an initial rate of $10,700 a month to $12,800 a month in March 2017.

CrowdGather CEO and John Hancock Now Holding Over One-Third of the Company

Mon 11 Mar 2013 09:50:30 MST

Companies with high levels of insider holdings – shares held by executives and others on the management team – should instill a sense of confidence in the future for shareholders. After all, these are the people with the most intimate knowledge of the business model and corporate finances. Lending further credence to the potential of strong ROIs is seeing institutions or large funds buying shares of a company. Anyone that has followed the Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) saga recently can see the impact of a major fund manager such as Carl Icahn buying shares of a company. In the case of CrowdGather Inc. (OTCQB: CRWG), investors should be taking note of the recent insider activity, fund purchases and large holdings of chief executive Sanjay Sabnani as the stock sits near all-time lows.

CrowdGather operates a network of popular online forum communities and has developed innovative advertising techniques to monetize them, competing in the lucrative advertising industry alongside other Internet companies like IAC Interactive Corp. (NASDAQ: IACI) and Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ: FB).

Filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission over the past few months show CEO Sabnani adding to his holdings.

A form 13D filed by Sabnani on February 13, 2013 shows that the CrowdGather chief has increased his holdings up to about 16.4 million shares. The filing reads,

“This Amendment No. 2 is being filed to report a change in Mr. Sabnani’s beneficial ownership as a result of Mr. Sabnani’s purchase of additional shares on the open market on August 31, 2011, October 21, 2011, December 8, 2012, December 21, 2012, December 24, 2012 and December 26, 2012.”

That’s six different times that Sabnani has bought shares in the open market in a span of 16 months.

A 13G filing on February 13 shows the holdings of CRWG shares by Manulife Asset Management/Hancock Small Cap Intrinsic Value Fund. Like any other fund in the world, the John Hancock SC Intrinsic fund seeks long-term appreciation, but it is investors should note a portion of their selection strategy,

“In managing the portfolio, the managers emphasize a value-oriented, bottom-up approach to individual stock selection. With the aid of proprietary financial models, the management team looks for companies that are selling at what appear to be substantial discounts to their long-term intrinsic values.”

Manulife has beneficial ownership of 4 million shares of CrowdGather, plus 1.9 million shares issuable on exercise of warrants. Of the 5.9 million total shares, John Hancock SC Fund directly owns 5.8 million of them.

Since 58.4 million shares are outstanding as of December 13, 2012, that means Sabnani and Manulife/John Hancock own about one-third of the company, with Manulife/John Hancock holding about 7% percent of the outstanding shares, increasing to 9% if the outstanding shares include warrants.

It is also worth pointing out, Zacks Investment Research issued a research note on March 4 updating investors on developments in CrowdGather and what the company foresees for the rest of 2013 with the migration of third-party hosted sites to its own server and the removal/replacement of non-monetizable content. As the note details, CrowdGather estimates a savings of up to $25,000 per month as well as improve site performance from its property migrations that should have a direct positive impact on top-line results in the future.

While a much smaller component of the social media sector, than let’s say Facebook, and as Zack’s notes,

“Forums remain a much undervalued part of the internet pie at $4.5 billion and CrowdGather is the only public company dedicated to monetizing this area.”

If the black and white of the filings isn’t enough, the Zack’s comment is also encouraging.

GrowLife (PHOT) Featured in MoneyTV Broadcast with Donald Baillargeon

Fri 08 Mar 2013 11:03:06 MST

GrowLife Inc. (OTCQB: PHOT), a provider of highly effective indoor growing technologies and unique lifestyle brands, has seen a lot of press lately given the expansion of the medical and recreational marijuana industry, alongside companies like Medical Marijauna Inc. (OTCQB: MJNA) and HEMP Inc. (OTCQB: HEMP) among others.

Recently, the company was also featured on MoneyTV with Donald Baillargeon, which reaches over 150 million TV households around the world and hundreds of thousands more via its website www.moneytv.net. The increased exposure to an investor audience could help drive further interest in the stock over the coming quarters.

Trying to get off welfare, daily deals, solar, intellectual property, marijuana industry, DJIA; this week on MoneyTV with Donald Baillargeon. MoneyTV is the internationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.

Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.

The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.

Featured companies on this week's program include:

OriginOil, Inc. (OTCBB: OOIL) CEO Riggs Eckelberry discussed protecting the company's intellectual property.

GrowLife, Inc. (OTCQB: PHOT) CEO Sterling Scott analyzed the medical marijuana industry and offered estimates regarding the size of the market.

Monster Offers (OTCBB: MONT) CEO Wayne Irving demonstrated how companies can use their app to offer deals to customers.

XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich announced the company has begun demonstrating their technology potential licensees at their facility.

The Green Baron Report Editor-in-Chief Matt Chipman analyzed the record DJIA. A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net

MoneyTV Executive Producer and Anchor Donald Baillargeon is also the host of MoneyRap Radio, http://www.moneyrap.com and the daily television program Global Financial News Minute with Donald Baillargeon.

MoneyTV with Donald Baillargeon television program, Copyright MMXIII, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3 to 4 month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,995.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by Donald Baillargeon, the producer, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.

Medbox (MDBX) to Establish New Dispensaries in San Diego Market

Wed 06 Mar 2013 11:20:00 MST

Medbox Inc. (OTC Pink: MDBX), a leader in the development, sales and service of automated, biometrically controlled dispensing and storage systems for medicine and merchandise, recently announced that it would establish up to 30 new dispensaries in the San Diego market, following a letter form Mayor Bob Filner ordering prosecutors to stop crackdowns on dispensaries.

While other companies like Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTCQB: MJNA) and HEMP Inc. (OTCQB: HEMP) are exclusively focused on this industry, Medbox has also set its sights on the multi-billion dollar pharmacy business, in need of solutions to effectively dispense prescription pharmaceuticals in a cost-effective way that prevents instances of fraud.

Medbox, Inc. (OTC Markets: MDBX) (www.medboxinc.com), announced that the company will be engaging a new target market for its consulting services and equipment sales. The City of San Diego effectively declared an end to their war on medical marijuana with a letter from Mayor Bob Filner ordering civil prosecutors to stop the crackdown on dispensaries.

In the letter sent to the police chief, city attorney, and the city's Neighborhood Code Compliance Department, Filner instructed the departments to halt all prosecutions of city zoning code violations of medical marijuana dispensaries.

The City Attorney responded to Filner's call for an end to the prosecutions in a letter that said, "We will, of course, comply with that direction."

At present, the City Council is busy drafting an ordinance that would allow for safe access while also ensuring secured control of the drug. The council is expected to finalize the ordinance on March 19thopening the doors for a dispensary permitting period. Medbox has boots on the ground in San Diego and is already securing leases within the city, with careful adherence to all regulations and distance parameters. The company aspires to opening a maximum of 30 Medbox branded San Diego dispensaries for both new and existing consulting clients in Southern California. Medbox has already received deposits on 12 locations within the city and will be accepting more clients as additional lease locations are identified, up to 30 total. Each of the dispensaries is priced at a total of $150,000 to build, including all related zoning permit assistance, technology costs for the company's patented Medbox dispensing equipment, and everything else needed to erect the dispensary.

"Our local attorney tells us that the City of San Diego will be limiting the total number of dispensaries based on zoning regulations and it is expected that only 100 will be allowed for the entire city. Medbox is positioned perfectly to capture this amazing opportunity for our new and existing clientele," said Bruce Bedrick, CEO of Medbox. "Our company identifies the best opportunities for our clients, while still being committed to legitimizing authorized use of the product and creating a balanced and properly regulated industry."

In other news, the company announced that they are on pace to finalize their audit with a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) certified auditor. The audit is in process and will be finished on or around March 15, 2013. After another 3 days, the Form 10 will be prepared by the company's corporate SEC counsel, then sent to be reviewed by the well-renowned and prestigious firm of Ober-Kaler of Baltimore, Maryland. Medbox has taken these significant steps to ensure efficiency, expeditious handling, and compete accuracy.

About Medbox, Inc:

Medbox is a leader in the development, sales and service of automated, biometrically controlled dispensing and storage systems for medicine and merchandise. Medbox has offices throughout the world, including New York, Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Tokyo, London and Toronto, and has their corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. Medbox provides their patented systems, software and consulting services to pharmacies, dispensaries, urgent care centers, drug rehab clinics, hospitals, prison systems, hospice facilities, and medical groups worldwide.

Medbox, Inc. is a publicly traded company, and is quoted on the OTC Markets, ticker symbol MDBX.

For more information on Medbox, please contact the Medbox Investor Relations Department at (800) 762-1452 or go online to www.medboxinc.com.

BioLargo (BLGO) Hires Leading Pet Specialty Retail Agency

Mon 04 Mar 2013 11:29:46 MST

BioLargo Inc. (OTCQB: BLGO), an innovator of environmentally friendly antimicrobial and disinfecting technologies, continues to make progress in commercializing its Nature’s Best Solution product line-up. After a successful showing at the Global Pet Expo, the company retained “The Pet Firm” to bring its products to the top pet suppliers including; PetSmart Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM), Petco, and Pet Supplies Plus, as well as, additional niche independent retailers in the U.S. and Canada.

Looking forward, the company hopes to bring its innovative cat litter additive and other pet odor products to market and ultimately compete with products like Procter & Gamble Inc.’s (NYSE: PG) Febreze and other air fresheners. But rather than simply masking odors, Nature’s Best Solution products actually work to eliminate odors and provide superior results.

BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQB : BLGO), innovator of environmentally friendly antimicrobial and disinfecting technologies, announced it had retained "The Pet Firm," the industry's leading pet specialty sales, marketing and merchandising firm with long-standing relationships with all major pet retailers and thousands of independent pet retailers in both the US and Canada.

"With the recent introduction of our Nature's Best Solution® line of feline products and Free Iodine Skin and Wound Care products for pets, hiring the best agency was a top priority," said Dennis Calvert, BioLargo's president. "With more than 2,000 employees nationwide, and a reputation as the industry's top agency, we believe The Pet Firm gives us another key advantage as we work to place our products with leading pet retailers."

BioLargo's wholly owned subsidiary, Odor-No-More, Inc., introduced its Nature's Best Solution® feline products and its Free Iodine Skin and Wound Care Products at the recent Global Pet Expo trade show in Orlando, Florida. "We are excited to get started working with BioLargo's portfolio of products. The use of science and technology to produce truly next generation products is exciting!" stated Greg Melin, VP of Sales & New Business Development of The Pet Firm.

Odor-No-More's president, Joseph Provenzano, added "our products were well received at the show by pet retailers and industry members because they are searching for a product that actually works." Caroline Golan, a lifestyle writer and blogger from Catster.com, picked the Nature's Best Solution® Litterbox Deodorizing Concentrate as one of the "Ten Most Intriguing Cat Products" at the Global Pet Expo. In her article she states "this stuff works really well!"

For more information about the Nature's Best Solution® Pet Care Line visit www.NaturesBestSolution.com.

About BioLargo, Inc.

We make life better by delivering technology-based products that help solve some of the world's most important problems that threaten our water, food, agriculture, healthcare and energy. Our website is http://www.BioLargo.com. Our Odor-No-More Inc. subsidiary features award-winning products serving the companion animal and equine markets, including the Nature's Best Solution® and Deodorall® brands. (http://www.OdorNoMore.com). BioLargo also owns a 50% interest in the Isan System, which was honored with a "Top 50 Water Company for the 21st Century" award by the Artemis Project. Our subsidiary, Clyra Medical Technologies, Inc., focuses on advanced wound care management and is preparing to make FDA 510(k) applications in 2013.

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties included in BioLargo's current and future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in BioLargo's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

General Metals (GNMT) Reports $2.35 Million Funding Transaction

Wed 27 Feb 2013 12:15:44 MST

General Metals Corporation (OTCBB: GNMT), an aggressive junior mining exploration and development company, recently announced a $2.35 million transaction with Open Gold Corp (TSX-V: OPG), a Canadian junior mining company.

The agreements provides the working capital necessary to advance work on the Independence gold and silver project, which contains measured, indicated and inferred resources of about 1 million ounces of gold and 4 million ounces of silver, based on an NI 43-101 report.

Successful development of the mine could put the company on the radar of larger players in the space, including Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: NL) and Goldcorp Inc. (NYSE: GG).

General Metals Corporation (www.nevada-goldmine.com) announced that it has entered into a Letter of Intent with Open Gold Corp (TSX/V: OPG), a Canadian junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, to raise capital and provide better access for future capital needs. Per the terms of the Letter of Intent, $2.350 million will be raised to advance the development work on the General Metals Independence gold and silver mining project located near Battle Mountain, Nevada, initiate exploration of Open Gold’s Mitchell Project and provide working capital.

The transaction is subject to completion of due diligence by both General Metals and Open Gold and the execution of a definitive agreement between the two companies. Under the terms of the proposed transaction, Open Gold will issue shares of its common stock to General Metals so that General Metals and its shareholders will own 64% of Open Gold’s issued and outstanding shares including the shares issued to raise the capital. After the close of the transaction, the shares will be distributed to the General Metal’s shareholders of record after all regulatory requirements and registrations are completed. In exchange, General Metals will transfer its interest in the Independence gold and silver mining Project to Open Gold.

Following the close of the transaction, the new board of Open Gold will consist of two Directors appointed by General Metals, two Directors appointed by Open Gold and a fifth independent director who is acceptable to both companies. The transaction will close once all of the conditions of the definitive agreement have been met. The most critical of these is that the $2.350 million dollar financing is closed and the money is in escrow.

Commenting on the transaction, Daniel J. Forbush, President and CEO of General Metals, stated: “I am very pleased to have finally been able to raise the money we have needed to advance the Independence Project. The most satisfying aspect of the transaction is that it proves definitively that the market is undervaluing General Metals. As we approach the closing date we should see more of the real valuation being reflected in the market. As a result of this transaction, General Metals’ stockholders will own the majority interest in Open Gold with a much larger combined asset base consisting of the Independence Project, Open Gold’s Mitchell Project and $2.35 million in new capital with which to advance both projects.”

“As shareholders should see from the structure of the Board, current GNMT management will play a significant role in the future development and commercialization of the assets of Open Gold,” continued Forbush.

Approximately $2 million of the new capital will be used to improve and increase the Independence Project’s resource base, identify drill site placements to increase the size and quality of the gold and silver resource in the initial pit area, make significant progress towards production, demonstrate additional gold and silver mineralization on other areas of the property that are unexplored or underexplored and provide general working capital.

“Because we believe the Independence Project has tremendous upside potential that will significantly enhance the value of the company, the priority is completing additional geological, metallurgical and economic evaluations of the property,” said Bryson Goodwin, President and CEO of Open Gold. “By the time we’re done, we anticipate the Independence Project will have expanded the resource and be much further down the road to production”

The Independence Project

The Independence Project is located in the heart of the prolific Battle Mountain Mining District in Northern Nevada. The 240-acre Independence Project was once the site of an historic Nevada gold mine. The Independence Project is surrounded by a number of large-scale mineral deposits, including Fortitude, Sunshine, Tomboy, Minnie and Phoenix properties. The now depleted Fortitude Deposit lies just 4,000 feet northeast of the Independence Project and is considered to be one of the most lucrative gold mines ever operated in Nevada. Newmont’s Phoenix Mine flanks the Independence Project on three sides and contains significant proven and probable reserves.

Since being acquired in 2006 by General Metals, the Independence Project has logged and modeled drilling data from 131 different drill holes. The project contains a NI-43-101 compliant measured, indicated, and inferred resource of approximately 1 million oz. of gold and 4 million oz. of silver.

The Independence Project features two main zones of gold and silver mineralization: a shallow near surface epithermal system and a deeper, high-grade underground target. Through its extensive exploration activities, General Metals Corporation has defined the near surface epithermal system over a strike length of more than 3,000 feet and a depth of 400 feet.

“Our goal of securing additional capital to complete the permitting and project development while adding additional shareholder value are within reach because of the Open Gold transaction,” said Forbush. “Our shareholders get the additional benefit of ownership interest in a TSX Venture Exchange listed company providing access to a more robust mine financing environment and potentially broadening our base of shareholders. In addition our shareholders receive a 64% interest in Open Gold’s Mitchell Property.”

The Mitchel Property

In September 2012, Open Gold negotiated the option on the Mitchell property from Foundation Resources. This highly prospective and easily accessible Volcanic Massive Sulfide gave Open Gold the ability to promote and explore in the world class Red Lake mining district of Ontario. Since acquiring its option on the Mitchell property, Open Gold has completed an assessment report and recently sent surface samples to be assayed at the lab. More information will be available as the assay report is received.

About General Metals Corporation

General Metals Corporation (www.nevada-goldmine.com) is an aggressive junior mining exploration and development company, based in Reno, Nevada. The company is actively pursuing the re-opening of its Independence gold and silver mining project strategically located in the prolific Battle Mountain Mining District of Nevada. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission permits U. S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms in this presentation, such as “measured”, “indicated”, and “inferred” “resources”, which the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our form 10-K which may be secured from us or the SEC website at:http://www.sec.gov/edgar.html

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, that the Company will find appropriately priced equipment or a contractor willing to move the muck on our property, or that it will be able to complete any additional financing activity, or that the near surface mineralized material will be economically recoverable.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with mineral exploration. We are not in control of metals prices and these could vary to make development uneconomic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

New Ways to Treat Atherosclerosis

Tue 26 Feb 2013 12:50:49 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), a biotech company focused on developing compounds to regress atherosclerotic plaque and safely improve lipid profiles in humans, was recently featured in a Yahoo! Finance article discussing how controlling atherosclerotic plaque may become the new gold standard in an industry obsessed with cholesterol levels.

In contrast to companies like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and AstraZeneca plc (NYSE: AZN), AtheroNova is focused on developing a safer and more efficacious alternative that utilizes the body’s natural bile salts to reduce or eliminate atherosclerotic plaque. The potential treatment has already posted promising pre-clinical results before moving into Phase I clinical trials.

Everyone knows to call a plumber when the kitchen sink plugs up, but preventing our own arteries from doing the same is a bit more of a mystery. Over time, our arties accumulate fatty materials like cholesterol on their walls, eventually leading to a chronic disease called atherosclerosis that slowly progresses and accumulates over time. Eventually, the plaque buildup can rupture and stop blood flow, causing adverse events like heart attacks.

Clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease, will occur in 2 of 3 men and 1 in 2 women after the age of 40, according to a 2008 report from the American Heart Association. Meanwhile, nearly 60% of deaths in the United States as a whole are due to cardiovascular disease, with subclinical atherosclerosis being a latent precursor to the ultimate clinical causes of death.

The best solution drug companies have come up with so far to treat atherosclerosis is the inhibition of an enzyme in the body that’s responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver. Doing this lowers cholesterol levels and, presumably, reduces plaque buildup on arterial walls over time. These drugs, known as statins, have generated billions of dollars for their makers, with Pfizer Inc.’s (PFE) Lipitor becoming the best selling drug of all time.

Statins Seem to Be Losing their Shine

While Pfizer’s (PFE) Lipitor, Merck & Co., Inc.’s (MRK) Zocor, and AstraZeneca plc’s (AZN) Crestor have generated billions of dollars in sales, statins have many drawbacks in both safety and efficacy that make them a less than ideal solution to treat and prevent atherosclerosis. Common side effects associated with taking statins include raised liver enzymes, muscle problems and myalgia, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms and rare cases of other disorders.

These problems would be worth the cost if statins were effective, but there’s mounting evidence to the contrary, particularly in high-risk primary prevention settings where the class of drugs is often prescribed. For instance, one 2010 meta-study of this patient population analyzed 11 randomized controlled trials involving 65,229 participants without finding evidence suggesting statin therapy improved all-cause mortality.

But, other studies have come up with even more troubling results. A recent 2012 study looked at the effects of statins on coronary artery plaque – the hallmark of atherosclerosis – in 6,673 patients and found that statin use was associated with an increase prevalence and extent of coronary plaques possessing calcium. These results suggest that statin use may actually be detrimental and the longitudinal effect of statins should be investigated further.

Shifting Focus Away from Cholesterol

In 1984, Nobel Award winners Michael Brown and Joseph Goldstein famously said that, “the more LDL there is in the blood, the more rapidly atherosclerosis develops.” The statement became the framework for the rapid development and growth of statins, but many recent studies call this basic underlying premise into question. Many of these studies have shown that the degree of atherosclerosis and its growth are independent of LDL concentrations.

For instance, a 2005 article in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that the concept that LDL is “bad cholesterol” is a “simplistic and scientifically untenable hypothesis.” Among other things, the article cited a study where researchers found atherosclerosis regression in patients with the greatest regression in CRP levels, but not in those with the greatest reduction in LDL cholesterol levels. These studies and others seem to confirm that LDL cholesterol may not be a valid target, at least on its own, for atherosclerotic therapies.

Pioneering a Different Approach

Some companies have been pioneering a completely different approach targeting atherosclerotic plaque itself, rather than trying to reduce it by reducing LDL cholesterol levels in blood serum. AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO) is one such company that believes regression and stabilization of plaque – not LDL cholesterol – will become the new gold standard in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

The company’s AHRO-001 uses naturally occurring compounds normally found in the digestive tract to dissolve, or delipidize, the portions of the soft, vulnerable plaque that are accessible through the fibrous cap. The process breaks down plaque deposits into molecules small enough to pass safely through the fibrous cap without causing harm to the fibrous cap itself. The result is a potential treatment that would emulsify plaque, decrease cholesterol absorption, increase the efficiency of HDL cholesterol and ultimately provide atheroprotective effects.

In preclinical studies, AHRO-001 did not show adverse effects, including morbidity or mortality, and was well tolerated at high doses. Early efficacy results were also promising in the pre-clinical trials at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai, with a 95% reduction in innominate arterial plaque formation versus the control group. Interestingly, Ursodiol, a pharmaceutical based on a similar naturally occurring compound, has received approval from the FDA to treat primary biliary cirrhosis and gallstones, with millions of patients taking it without significant side effects.

Potential Opportunity for Investors

With cardiovascular disease being the number one cause of death globally, with an estimated 23.6 million people dying by 2030, the potential implications of a successful treatment of atherosclerotic plaque are enormous. Plaque regression is a new paradigm and future atherosclerosis treatment that marks a significant step away from increasingly problematic associations with LDL cholesterol levels and towards more direct efficacy by tangibly removing atherosclerotic plaque deposits using a completely natural compound.

Investors interested in this next generation of atherosclerosis treatment may want to take a look at companies like AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO). With promising results in preclinical trials, the stock could see significant upside over the coming quarters as it works to complete a Phase I clinical trial and explores potential partnership opportunities along the way. Meanwhile, the company has also started catching the attention of investors and analysts on Wall Street, which could set the stage for greater liquidity and exposure down the road.

On February 19, 2013, Mont Blanc Capital Equity Research initiated coverage on the company with a “buy” rating and $2.00 per share price target, saying that it believes upside to the stock price is significant over the next two years as it moves through Phase I and Phase II trials. The price target is based on the firm’s net present value model that uses the terms of the February 2013 licensing agreement between Alnylam Pharamceuticals and The Medicines Company as a comparable, and also meets the low end of the post-Phase II clinical trial license agreement comparables using a more conservative 40% discount rate.

Request more information on AtheroNova (AHRO) here: http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/ahro/ahro_landing.php

About Emerging Growth LLC

EGC is a marketing and consulting firm that specializes in creating ongoing communications strategies for public and private companies. www.emerginggrowthcorp.com www.secfilings.com www.theotcinvestor.com www.biotechstocktrader.com

Disclosure
Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Emerging Growth LLC is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. For full disclosure please visit: http://secfilings.com/Disclaimer.asp

AtheroNova (AHRO) Receives Buy Rating and $2.00 Price Target

Wed 20 Feb 2013 09:45:33 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), a biotech company focused on developing compounds to regress atherosclerotic plaque and safely improve lipid profiles in humans, recently received a “buy” rating and $2.00 per share price target by Mont Blanc Capital Equity Research. At a healthy 316% premium to the company’s recent market price, the analyst’s rating suggests a very bullish outlook on the stock over the next 12-months.

The $2.00 per share valuation is based on a net present value model that uses the terms of the February 2013 licensing agreement between Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY) and The Medicines Company (NASDAQ: MDCO) as a comparable, and a conservative 40% discount rate. With Phase I and Phase II clinical trials coming up over the next twelve months, the analyst sees significant upside potential given the promising results seen in early preclinical trials.

Here’s a link to the full report:
http://emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/ahro/AHRO_MontBlancCapitalReport_02-19-13.pdf

About AtheroNova Inc.

AtheroNova Inc. is an early stage biotech company focused on discovery, research, development, and licensing of novel compounds to reduce or regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits. The Company’s focus on compounds to reduce or eliminate atherosclerotic plaque deposits addresses the most lucrative segments of the multi-billion dollar prescription drug market: cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention. www.AtheroNova.com.

Rejuvenated Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cells and Athersys on the Rise

Fri 15 Feb 2013 16:10:50 MST

Analysts and investors alike have been speculating about stem cell companies making a meaningful impact on the biotechnology industry for the past few years. It’s looking like the industry is passing its tipping point and shifting to the other side of the fulcrum with the buzz getting louder and advanced companies commanding higher prices.

In the news of Tuesday was Stem Cells, Inc. (Nasdaq: STEM), listed on The Wall Street Journal as a “U.S. Hot Stock” after announcing that 12-month data from the first patient cohort in the Newark, California-based company’s Phase I/II clinical trial of its proprietary HuCNS-SC® product candidate (purified human neural stem cells) for chronic spinal cord injury continued to demonstrate a favorable safety profile. Further, two of the three patients in the cohort retained gains in sensory function at the one-year mark that were demonstrated at a six-month assessment. One patient even converted from a “complete” to an “incomplete” injury and the third patient remains stable, according to a statement by Stem Cells.

While simultaneously urging caution in interpretation because of the small patient population in an uncontrolled trial, Martin McGlynn, President and Chief Executive at Stem Cells, believes, “this is the first time a patient with a complete spinal cord injury has been converted to a patient with an incomplete injury following transplantation of neural stem cells.”

The assessment at twelve months completes the trial that is being hosted at Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich. The cohort will now be followed for a long-term observation.

Shares of STEM started to lift from around 60 cents last June when it initially reported positive interim safety from the trial. After peaking at $2.67, shares retraced waiting for additional word on the trial, which has shot shares ahead by about 25 percent to over $2.00. Going forward, investors will be continuing to watch for data from additional cohorts.

There probably hasn’t been a hotter stem cell play in 2013 than Athersys, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHX). Headquartered in Ohio, just down the street from the Cleveland Clinic, the developer of MulitStem® is up more than 55 percent already this year as institutions are jumping into the stem cell company with both feet. Volume, which only averaged less than 200,000 shares per day in 2012, has surged in the past three months to more than 600,000 shares a day.

According to a recent article on BiotechStockTrader.com http://biotechstocktrader.com/athersys-athx-jumps-55-ytd-amid-growing-investor-interest/,“Recent SEC filings indicate that large funds such as First Eagle Investment Management, Sabby Capital, Pappas Ventures, and Aspire Capital have each established greater than 5% ownership positions, with other large established healthcare funds also establishing meaningful ownership.” The website also cites company sources as saying institutional ownership now tops 40 percent of the outstanding shares of ATHX, a percentage far higher than many peer companies.

Request More Information on Athersys here: http://www.emerginggrowthcorp.com/emailassets/athx/athx_landing.html

The company has been garnering large amounts of attention surrounding the prolific nature of its adult stem cell product, MultiStem, and its partnership with Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE: PFE). Pfizer has commenced a Phase II clinical trial in Inflammatory Bowel Disease with topline data expected later this year. As often is the case, stocks begin an ascent as investors start to anticipate clinical data. Being in a partnership with the world’s biggest drug maker (whom happens to have a stack of cash and a thin pipeline), has the spotlight on Athersys to produce promising mid-stage results.

Further, the investment community seems to be becoming more cognizant about Athersys’ partnership with RTI Biologics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RTIX) that has netted Athersys more than $5 million in licensing and milestone payments to date. RTI has licensed the MultiStem technology to isolate and preserve cells from organ and tissue donors for research on its Bone Allograft product.

In addition to the aforementioned research and clinical trials that Athersys has completed promising trials in acute myocardial infarction and GVHD, and has an ongoing trial for ischemic stroke. The rumor mill is also turning as the investment community postulates about Athersys partnering its 5HT2c small molecule program as a possible new therapeutic for obesity and other indications.

Even passive biotechnology investors are aware of the run for Arena Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ARNA) and Vivus, Inc. (Nasdaq: VVUS) as their obesity drug candidates maneuvered down the regulatory pathway to eventual FDA approval, despite some safety concerns still being present. With a similar mechanism of action and better safety profile to date, it is possible that Athersys could have a blockbuster on their hands targeting that indication as well.

It’s not difficult math and the investment community is adding it up as developments continue to manifest potential success at Athersys. Even with the recent share appreciation, Athersys still is only toting a market valuation of $90 million, leaving exponential headroom for growth and providing a decisive reason why this stock will continue to stay in the crosshairs of investors.

Time to dump diluted shares of Trius -- or double down?

Wed 13 Feb 2013 11:05:56 MST

The share price of Trius Therapeutics (NASDAQ: TSRX) has rebounded almost fully from its 10 percent dip in the New Year that was triggered by its public offering of 7 million shares; however, uncertainty about the company’s lead investigational drug is a lingering February hangover.

The San Diego-based biotech grossed $34 million in the public offering; and mutual funds, institutional investors, insiders, and other large players purchased newly minted shares of Trius for $4.75 a share, which they can now flip for a combined profit of roughly $3.5 million. But small investors face a dilemma: should they dump their diluted shares, double down, or do nothing?

Trius is a biotech darling, but it also is a company that has not received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its lead drug tedizolid, a highly potent antibiotic developed to treat infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). And if tedizolid is indeed approved by the FDA, it will face competition from cheaper, better-known generics. Tough obstacles? Maybe not.

Tedizolid’s target: deadly MRSA

Tedizolid’s target is a highly resilient bacterium that causes a wide variety of often-deadly infections in skin, blood, bone, lungs, the heart, urinary tract, and other tissues. MRSA is found in hospital wards and nurseries, nursing homes, dialysis centers, athletic locker rooms, prisons, tattoo parlors, and preschools.

MRSA outbreaks have even been traced to outpatient pain clinic employees who used single-use vials for more than one patient. Up to 25 percent of meat and poultry in U.S. grocery stores is tainted with multi-antibiotic-resistant S. aureus, including MRSA. It’s ubiquitous.

With the world’s population in almost inescapable contact with MRSA, the need for safer, more effective antibiotics to treat infections is enormous. For investors trying to decide whether to buy or sell Trius, there are three practical issues to consider:

What is the toxicity profile of Trius’ lead drug tedizolid? Name-brand and generic antibiotics currently used to treat MRSA have toxic side effects, especially with long-term usage. If tedizolid is significantly safer, which early trials show is the case, it could have a major advantage over other antibiotics.
Will the FDA approve tedizolid? The question isn’t rhetorical, because if there’s one sure thing about the FDA, it’s that there are no sure things. The FDA approved 16 new antibiotics between 1983 and 1987, but only one in 2008-2009, primarily due to large biotechs abandoning antibiotic research and development.
Assuming that the FDA approves tedizolid, possibly by 2015, how effectively will it be able to compete against its main competitor linezolid (Zyvox), a chemically similar drug made by Pfizer (PFE)? Linezolid’s current annual sales are $1.2 billion, but those sales have stagnated due to safety concerns and are expected to plummet when linezolid goes off-patent in 2015. Will generic forms of linezolid drag down sales of tedizolid, too?

Answers emerging

The answers are already emerging. The results of the first of two Phase 3 clinical trials have been submitted to a scientific journal and will be published soon. The second, larger Phase 3 trial is in progress. The FDA has given tedizolid a priority designation that puts its evaluation on a fast track, and doctors who treat MRSA infections say they like tedizolid’s safety profile and are eager to prescribe it.

Meanwhile, the national and global need for safe, new and effective antibiotics to treat MRSA infections is growing even as large pharmaceutical companies cut back or dither on antibiotic research and development.

Phase 3 surprises…

Continue Reading at SanDiegoBiotechnology.com

Cardium's (CXM) Excellagen(R) Receives American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Approval

Tue 12 Feb 2013 11:34:12 MST

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM), an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on unlocking the value in innovative medical assets, passed another key milestone in the commercialization of its Excellagen® wound care product. The FDA-cleared, syringe-based collagen gel is targeting patients in the same industry as companies like Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYNO) and Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE: SNN).

After signing a distribution agreement with Academy Medical LLC in January of this year, the largest distributor of biologics on the Federal Supply Schedule, the company today received a prestigious seal of approval from the nation’s leading professional organization for podiatrists, with a membership of more than 12,000 licensed professionals. The company also announced that it retained an additional independent distributor group consisting of ten sales representatives in order to expand its presence in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Here’s the corporate press release:

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) announced today that the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has granted its prestigious Seal of Approval to the Company's innovative Excellagen^® advanced wound care product for its contributions to better foot health and mobility. Excellagen is a syringe-based, professional-use, pharmaceutically-formulated 2.6% fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel that functions to activate the wound healing process and accelerate the growth of granulation tissue. Excellagen is FDA-cleared for the treatment of neuropathic and diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, surgical wounds and other dermal wounds.

Considered the nation's leading professional organization for podiatrists, APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of more than 12,000 licensed podiatrists. In obtaining the Seal of Approval, Excellagen passed an extensive scientific review by a panel of APMA members and was recommended by a committee of Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) to the APMA Board of Trustees. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

"Excellagen has proven to be an important treatment for wound care and has been thoroughly reviewed and found to be beneficial to foot health. For this reason, it has been granted APMA's Seal of Approval," stated Joseph M. Caporusso, DPM, President of the APMA.

"We are pleased to receive the highly regarded APMA Seal of Approval for our Excellagen advanced wound care product. The APMA assists physicians and their patients to make informed decisions about their foot health, and we are proud that Excellagen has completed the thorough review process and met the APMA's standards and requirements for its Seal of Approval. Excellagen was also selected as a 2012 Top 10 Innovations in Podiatry by Podiatry Today publication and we appreciate the industry recognition that Excellagen is now receiving," stated Christopher J. Reinhard, Cardium's Chairman and CEO.

The Company also announced that it has retained an additional independent distributor group consisting of ten sales representatives to market, sell and distribute Excellagen to podiatric and orthopedic physicians, plastic surgeons, hospitals and surgical centers located in North Carolina and South Carolina. The distributor's customer base specializes in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and surgical wounds, including post-Mohs cancer surgery and trauma wounds. On January 3, 2013, Cardium announced a distribution agreement with Academy Medical, LLC to market, sell and distribute Excellagen to U.S. government medical providers, including the Veterans Administration (VA) healthcare system and military hospitals. Academy Medical has a growing customer base of over 35 VA and military hospitals within the U.S.

Reinhard concluded, "The addition of our new regional distributor and our recent agreement with Academy Medical will expand our distribution capabilities for Excellagen as we advance forward with our planned U.S. strategic partnering activities. Consistent with our long-term business strategy, we do not plan to establish an internal sales force for Excellagen and continue to focus on broadening representation, marketing and sales, and co-promotional arrangements targeting four U.S. vertical wound healing market channels: (1) podiatry, (2) wound care centers, hospitals and long-term care facilities, (3) government medical service providers; and (4) dermatology. We are also advancing international registrations for Excellagen, including CE Mark registration, which is expected in first quarter 2013, to enable marketing and sales in the European Union and in other international markets where the CE Mark is considered an important commercial recognition of quality."

About Excellagen

Excellagen is a syringe-based, professional-use, pharmaceutically-formulated 2.6% fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel that functions to activate the wound healing process and accelerate the growth of granulation tissue. Excellagen is FDA-cleared for the treatment of neuropathic and diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, surgical wounds, and other dermal wounds, and is intended for professional use following standard debridement procedures in the presence of blood cells and platelets, which are involved with the release of endogenous growth factors. Excellagen's unique fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel formulation is topically applied through easy-to-control, pre-filled, sterile, single-use syringes and is designed for application at only one-week intervals. Already-established standard CPT^® procedure reimbursement codes may apply when Excellagen is used with surgical debridement procedures. Cardium is also advancing forward with the reimbursement process for Excellagen with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurance providers.

There have been important, positive findings reported by physicians using Excellagen as part of Cardium's initial physician sampling, patient outreach and market "seeding" programs. In several case studies, physicians reported a rapid onset of the growth of granulation tissue in a wide array of wounds, including non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (consistent with the results of Cardium's Matrix clinical study), as well as pressure ulcers, venous ulcers and Mohs surgical wounds. In certain cases, rapid granulation tissue growth and wound closure have been achieved with Excellagen following unsuccessful treatment with other advanced wound care approaches. From a dermatology perspective, a previously unexplored vertical market, remarkable healing responses have been observed following Mohs surgery for patients diagnosed with squamous and basal cell carcinomas, including deep surgical wounds extending to the periosteum (a membrane that lines the outer surface of bones). Additionally, because of the easy-use and platelet activating capacity, physicians have been employing Excellagen in severe non-healing wounds at near-amputation status, in combination with autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy and collagen sheet products. These case studies and positive physician feedback provide additional support of Excellagen's potential utility as an important new tool to help promote the wound healing process. Excellagen case studies are available at http://www.excellagen.com/surgical-wounds.html.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's newly-acquired To Go Brands^® nutraceutical business. The Company's lead commercial product, Excellagen^® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx^® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands^® develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. For more information, visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that the APMA Seal of Approval establishes the effectiveness, quality or safety of Excellagen or its use for promoting good foot health; that distributor relationships will be effective or potential strategic partnerships will be successfully established; that case study observations will be reproducible or generalizable, or that results or trends observed in a clinical study or follow-on case studies will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized and their use reimbursed, or will enhance our market value; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2013 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved. For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Cardium Therapeutics^®, Generx^®, Cardionovo^®, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen^®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium^®, Appexium^®, Linée^®, Alena^®, Cerex^®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy^®, Neo-Carb Bloc^®, Neo-Chill^™, and Nutra-Apps^®are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company. To Go Brands^® is a trademark of To Go Brands, Inc. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Athersys (ATHX) Jumps 55% YTD Amid Growing Investor Interest

Tue 12 Feb 2013 09:33:13 MST

Athersys Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with a growing pipeline of highly differentiated, potential best in class therapeutics to treat significant and life-threatening diseases, is trading up more than 55% so far this year, amid heightened investor interest. First Eagle Investment Management LLC reported a sizable 7.93% stake in a Schedule 13G filing with the SEC this week, following similar investments made by Sabby Management LLC and other highly regarded funds. According to recent filings and company sources, institutional ownership now exceeds 40%, far higher than many peer companies.

Recent SEC filings indicate that large funds such as First Eagle Investment Management, Sabby Capital, Pappas Ventures, and Aspire Capital have each established greater than 5% ownership positions, with other large established healthcare funds also establishing meaningful ownership.

In a recent presentation at the 15^th Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, Athersys reached out to additional institutional investors alongside other companies like Northwest Biotherapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: NWBO) and DARA Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: DARA). The BIO CEO conference provides a venue for emerging biotech companies to present to institutional investors and establish business development relationships with larger established biotech companies. As a result, the conference has the potential to both generate strong interest in equities and drive potential longer-term catalysts.

Athersys also expects to report additional clinical data from its cell therapy programs over the next several quarters, including data from its Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) partnership and ongoing trial in ischemic stroke. Meanwhile, Athersys has publically announced partnering efforts around its 5HT2c program targeting obesity and schizophrenia, as well as interest in certain cell therapy programs. These upcoming milestones provide significant potential catalysts for the stock, as institutional investors bet on positive outcomes judging by their increasing ownership positions.

Here’s a copy of their latest PR announcing investor awareness initiatives:

Athersys, Inc. (ATHX) announced today that Gil Van Bokkelen, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the 15^thAnnual BIO CEO & Investor Conference to be held Monday, February 11, 2013, through Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at The Waldorf Astoria New York in New York City.

Details of Athersys' participation are as follows:

Event:		15^th Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference
Date:		Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Time:		9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
Location:		The Waldorf Astoria New York

The 15th Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference assembles a select group of established biotech companies, as well as top public and private equity investors and members of the sell-side investment community, to explore the current investment landscape and opportunities in life sciences. In addition to plenary sessions and panel discussions on timely business topics and key therapeutic areas, the conference features presentations by over 130 leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as a number of nonprofit and venture philanthropy organizations.

About Athersys

Athersys is a clinical stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life. The Company is developing its MultiStem^® cell therapy product, a patented, adult-derived "off-the-shelf" stem cell product platform for disease indications in the cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory and immune disease areas. The Company currently has several clinical stage programs involving MultiStem, including for treating inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic stroke, damage caused by myocardial infarction, and for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease. Athersys has also developed a diverse portfolio that includes other technologies and product development opportunities, and has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as world-renowned research institutions in the United States and Europe to further develop its platform and products. More information is available at www.athersys.com.

BioTech Reset: Omni Bio’s New CEO

Tue 05 Feb 2013 09:20:21 MST

Omni Bio Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OTC:OMBP) recently released a shareholder letter from their new CEO, Bruce Schneider, which is significant and interesting on a number of fronts. The letter marks the first official communication from the company since his hiring and outlines Omni’s path forward, different in important ways from the roadmap laid out by his predecessor.

A little background is necessary here to bring you up to speed. Omni was originally founded to explore new indications applications for alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), a naturally occurring protein in human blood that is crucial to the body’s anti-inflammatory response. AAT has been on the market for over 20 years as a therapeutic for AAT deficiency, which often leads to lung disease in the form of emphysema and COPD. There are four manufacturers of AAT products out there, notably Prolastin C from Grifols, S.A. (NASDAQ:GRFS), Zemaira from CSL Behring, and Aralast from Baxter International, Inc. (NYSE:BAX). The market for AAT deficiency is very small and researchers associated with Omni followed the science to discover that AAT could be beneficial for a whole host of other indications, including Type 1 Diabetes.

Taking the science a step further, Omni is developing a recombinant form of AAT (Fc-AAT). AAT is currently derived from the plasma of blood donors, but a recombinant version is not dependent on that blood supply. Not only is Fc-AAT less costly and time consuming to produce than the natural version, early indications are that it might be significantly more potent as well.

There is much to discuss here in terms of science and biochemistry, but the point is that Omni is onto something that could be groundbreaking. The previous two CEO’s were excellent doctors who led the company from that perspective. Schneider, on the other hand, has an extensive background in operations and drug development. He brings a documented and successful business acumen to Omni from his many senior-level positions with Wyeth Research and Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE:PFE).

Schneider hopes to generate short-term revenues through commercial arrangements with the current AAT manufacturers. This could provide a revenue stream as the company develops the recombinant version. He is aggressively pursuing IP protection with U.S., European and global patent filings. He is pushing development of Fc-AAT while simultaneously advancing trials for other applications for natural AAT. He is capitalizing on Omni’s years of pent-up science and aggressively pursuing commercial viability. This is an interesting company on a renewed path that merits the attention of investors. Here’s the letter…

February 1, 2013

To the Shareholders of Omni Bio Pharmaceutical, Inc.:

The past year has been one of change for Omni, one which led to my hiring and one which has given us the opportunity to rethink our strategy for creating the most value for our shareholders. Having served as Omni’s CEO for the past month, I am writing to provide you with a general update on the Company’s activities, how we are refocusing our efforts in the short-term and where we see opportunities for long-term growth of the Company.

Our previous CEO, Dr. James Crapo, laid out a plan for developing a recombinant Fc fusion form of alpha-1 antitrypsin (Fc-AAT) that would have substantial potential for treating many interesting target indications. He also discussed his rationale for de-emphasizing commercial efforts to monetize several “method of use” patents for new clinical applications of the currently sold, plasma-derived alpha-1 antitrypsin (p-AAT). Following Dr. Crapo’s resignation this past August, certain of these efforts were placed on hold. I have had the opportunity to reconsider our plans in each of these areas and have also reviewed emerging data from several recently completed preclinical and clinical studies of p-AAT along with a series of Fc-AAT constructs.

As a result, I am very pleased to make the following announcements:

We have chosen a specific form of the Fc-AAT molecule as our lead molecule and are placing it into preclinical development. Fc-AAT is analogous to the highly successful drug, Enbrel, in that a naturally occurring human protein is fused to the Fc portion of an immunoglobulin antibody in order to increase potency and provide for longer lasting blood levels. Dr. Charles Dinarello, our Chief Scientific Officer, and his network of collaborators have generated an impressive number of in vitro and in vivo studies that suggest that Fc-AAT is 50-100x more potent than p-AAT in various animal models and may also have a longer duration of effect. If borne out in clinical trials, this could lead to a product that can be made rapidly and in large quantities, is able to be self-administered subcutaneously and is able to be given less often than once per week. Each of these represents a significant competitive improvement over existing plasma-derived products which must be given intravenously, once per week in a doctor’s office or infusion clinic, and are very expensive due to the costs of the products themselves and the costs of the infusion procedures. We are considering several options for the initial clinical trials of Fc-AAT with Type 1 diabetes and graft vs host disease (GVHD) currently being among the most likely. Patent application filings are under review in the US and Europe and we are hopeful that we will have successful issuances later in 2013. If successful, it is expected that we would have market exclusivity for a minimum of 12 years from the time of introduction in the US and 10 years in Europe.

We have recently completed a global patent application for additional novel Fc-AAT constructs. These additional Fc fusion protein constructs will serve as backups to our lead molecule and have demonstrated the potential of having still further advantages in clinical performance. Worldwide regulatory agencies have a long history of approving recombinant drugs made in this fashion. If approved, a new molecule from this series could carry market protections to 2033 or beyond.

We have reinstituted earlier efforts to license our method of use patents to one or all of the four manufacturers of the currently marketed plasma-derived AAT product. Omni was formed around intellectual property claiming method of use rights for p-AAT in the treatment of a broad spectrum of inflammatory and auto-immune diseases as well as viral and bacterial diseases. Omni has patents issued in the US for the treatment of diabetes, and certain bacterial and viral indications. Patent applications are pending in several other areas, including GVHD related to bone marrow transplantation rejection, radioprotection, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction. As previously announced, Dr. Bruce Forrest has been engaged to provide us with business development expertise and is leading our renewed licensing efforts with the p-AAT manufacturers. Although preliminary, initial discussions have been positive and I am encouraged that we will be able to realize some value for these patents in the near-term.

Omni will continue its sponsorship of clinical trials exploring new uses of AAT. Our pilot trial of p-AAT in Type 1 diabetes with the Barbara Davis Center at the University of Colorado demonstrated a positive benefit in improving or stabilizing c-peptide levels and decreasing the insulin requirement in patients having recent onset of the disease. Results of up to two years’ follow-up in these patients will be announced within the next several months. Data from two other pilot studies in diabetes, one done by the NIH’s Immune Tolerance Network and one by Israel’s Kamada, Ltd, are also in the process of being released. Early reports suggest that AAT can modify the course of the disease in some patients and may have a role in the treatment of not only diabetes but other diseases as well. Omni is also sponsoring two multicenter trials in patients suffering from steroid-refractory GVHD. There are no satisfactory treatments for patients with this condition and most die within one year of diagnosis. Preclinical animal studies demonstrate a beneficial effect of AAT in models of this disease. Thus, a corresponding clinical solution to GVHD would represent a significant medical breakthrough and may even allow the broader use of bone marrow transplants to treat patients with otherwise lethal leukemias. We expect to make more detailed announcements as these trials begin enrollment.

Next Steps

We are poised to pursue the preclinical development of Fc-AAT and have mapped out a detailed plan to do so. We intend to expand our core development capabilities through the use of experienced consultants and contract research organizations. We are actively exploring alternatives for the Fc-AAT lead molecule’s manufacturing scale up campaign, which is the critical prerequisite to moving the development program forward to IND-enabling toxicology studies and human trials. Throughout development we will be looking to partner with medium to large pharmaceutical companies as key milestones are achieved (with the attainment of each successive one adding to the value Omni would bring to the table).

To accomplish our goals for Fc-AAT, Omni must increase its current level of funding over the next two years. Initially, we will seek sufficient capital to sustain our current level of public company operating expenses and pursue the next stage of Fc-AAT preclinical development. If successful, we would commence a second capital raise in roughly a year’s time to support IND submission and the clinical development of Fc-AAT through phase 1 trials in healthy volunteers and early phase 2 trials in patients.

Conclusion

With these announcements I am genuinely excited about Omni’s assets, its science and its future. AAT is a molecule that is increasingly being shown to have potential uses across a broad spectrum of diseases. The safety of p-AAT in over 20 years of use further encourages us as we pursue our Fc-AAT development program. Having an effective Fc recombinant product that could be subcutaneously administered at lower doses to treat a variety of important medical conditions would be a major commercial opportunity. Although not yet definitive, the emerging clinical data using p-AAT are encouraging and should translate well for potential uses of the Fc-AAT for which we hope to have exclusive rights well into the future.

Please stay tuned for more ongoing announcements and press releases. In the meantime, I look forward to your ongoing support.

Clinical Trials Provide Catalyst for AtheroNova (AHRO)

Tue 05 Feb 2013 09:04:20 MST

Lipid regulating drugs, generally statins, are the steady leader amongst the most widely prescribed drugs each year in the United States. Lipid regulators, such as Pfizer Inc.’s (NYSE: PFE) blockbuster Lipitor and AstraZeneca PLC’s (NYSE: AZN) Crestor, are used to control high blood cholesterol and get dished-out to patients virtually like nothing else. Even antidepressants rank second in overall number of prescriptions annually.

In 2011, the IMS Health Institute says that 260 million lipid-regulating prescriptions were filled, up from 255.4 million in 2010, bringing the lucrative statin industry annual drug cost to more than $41 billion for 2011.

The bottom line is that LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol is the primary culprit in a wide array of diseases, not only those with high morbidity and mortality like cardiovascular disease and stroke, but also conditions like Alzheimer’s. Controlling LDL cholesterol is imperative for good health and represents a massive market for pharmaceutical companies.

Researching the topic in depth, lead to relatively small AtheroNova, Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO) and their most advanced drug in development for atherosclerosis, AHRO-001, that is slated to compete with or complement statin makers like Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

The reason for the promising upside is the mechanism of action and extremely low toxicity of AHRO-001, a bile salt compound in which in vitro studies showed dissolves LDL cholesterol. The men behind the discovery, Dr. Filiberto and Dr. Giorgio Zadini, extrapolated information from research of primary biliary cirrhosis, a liver disease that is accompanied by extremely high LDL levels, yet never any signs of atherosclerosis in the patients. The doctors discovered that the key was bile salts that were leaking from the liver into the bloodstream that dissolved the LDL cholesterol serum.

The company has published a compelling demonstration of the effect of AHRO-001 on atherosclerosis on YouTube that should be watched to get a visual of the drug’s prowess. The video, available at http://www.youtube.com/user/AtheroNova shows an atheroma (build-up of LDL cholesterol in an artery) submerged in AHRO-001. After 36 hours, the atheroma is dissolved with no damage to the vessel wall or fibrous cap that conceals the atheroma.

The amazing part is that the drug is basically naturally occurring and toxicity has not been a factor in laboratory research by AtheroNova or its host of expert partners, including Cedars-Sinai Hospital and the University of California at Los Angeles. In fact, AtheroNova CEO Thomas Gardner explained in a recent presentation at the Noble Financial Capital Markets’ Ninth Annual Equity Conference that the company was having difficulty reaching maximum dosing levels because toxicity wouldn’t present itself, even in primate models. Interesting parties are encouraged to view the complete presentation at: http://noble.mediasite.com/mediasite/Play/708d72e3cdd240349ecb066d449d961f1d?catalog=7196f4ed-1981-4e62-afb2-e3a1f13bc7fb).

Watch the video presentation to hear a bit about the successful history of the experienced management in building biotechs that get acquired by big pharma.

The Irvine, California-based company is close to testing its novel drug in clinical trials, generally a market-moving catalyst for a biotech. The trials will be hosted and sponsored in Russia through AtheroNova’s partnership with Maxwell Biotech Group. The phase I trial will have efficacy as a secondary endpoint and are slated to begin in the second quarter of this year. The initial trial should be done in the third quarter, wending way for a phase II trial to be initiated.

With clinical trials funded and a compound supported by very promising pre-clinical data, AtheroNova will start showing up on the radar screens of biotech players in the near term. Shares slipped to all-time lows of 39 cents recently, but look to be holding a base at these levels. With the human trials quickly approaching, it will be interesting to see if they give a boost to share value as so often times happens.

Interested In Learning More?

Company Profile

AtheroNova (AHRO) Launches New Web Presence to Highlight Clinical Focus

Thu 31 Jan 2013 10:00:11 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO) has been quietly developing a breakthrough treatment for atherosclerotic plaque over the past couple years, and the launch of its new website and efforts to build awareness at the Noble Financial Conference mark another turn in the right direction. Investors should watch for interest in this stock to build over the near-term as a result.

The company’s lead compound, AHRO-001, is a treatment for atherosclerotic plaque that may show more promise than existing statin drugs, like Pfizer Inc.’s (NYSE: PFE) and AstraZeneca plc’s (NYSE: AZN) treatment options. Leveraging the power of bile salts, the compound acts as “nature’s detergent” to dissolve plaque within artery walls via a process called delipidization.

AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, today announced the launch of its new website as of January 18, 2013. The website,www.atheronova.com, has significantly augmented content and graphics to enhance the user experience moving forward.

"We are launching this new site to allow investors and interested parties to follow the coming developments in the Company as we start the transition from pre-clinical to clinical stage," stated CEO Thomas W. Gardner. "In taking the next step in our web presence, we allow users to sign up to receive corporate communications and allow those interested in our lipid-modulation technology to follow us more closely. We invite everyone to log on and explore the new site to sign up for our news alert system http://www.atheronova.com/alerts."

AtheroNova commissioned service and technology solutions company Equisolve LLC. to design the website and manage its content.

About AtheroNova

AtheroNova Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AtheroNova Operations, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, research, development and licensing of novel compounds to reduce or regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits and to safely improve lipid profiles in humans. In addition to its lead compound AHRO-001, AtheroNova plans to develop multiple applications for its patents-pending therapies in market sectors that include: Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease, Dementia and Alzheimer's and Erectile Dysfunction, all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and its related pharmaceutical expenses for these indications cost consumers more than $41 billion annually in the United States alone. For more information, please visit www.AtheroNova.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of AtheroNova's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; significant fluctuations in expenses associated with clinical trials, failure to secure additional financing, the inability to complete regulatory filings with the Food and Drug Administration, general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; AtheroNova's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of AtheroNova's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

AtheroNova undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in AtheroNova's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Investing in an Atherosclerotic Plaque Breakthrough

Wed 30 Jan 2013 09:14:29 MST

Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by plaque build-up inside the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other parts of the body. The plaque, consisting mostly of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, hardens over time and narrows these arteries, which can limit oxygen-rich blood flow and lead to heart attack, stroke, or even death.

While many companies are treating these resulting conditions, few companies are targeting the underlying atherosclerosis that causes them. AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO) has turned a lot of heads in the medical community by directly addressing these concerns with an innovative new treatment that has shown a lot of promise in preclinical trials.

Addressing the Underlying Cause

Statins including Pfizer Inc.’s (NYSE: PFE) Lipitor, Merck & Co, Inc.’s (NYSE: MRK) Zocor and Mevacor, Bristol Myers Squibb Co.’s (NYSE: BMY) Pravachol and AstraZeneca plc’s (NYSE: AZN) Crestor may be effective in lowering cholesterol levels, but they aren’t very effective in treating the underlying atherosclerotic plaque build-up on arterial walls.

AtheroNova targets atherosclerotic plaque with its novel patent-pending applications of certain natural compounds that regress plaque deposits in a process called delipidization. Using naturally occurring bile salts as a primary active ingredient, the company’s AHRO-001 not only dissolves existing plaque deposits, but also prevents new deposits from forming.

Here’s a video demonstrating some of these impressive results in vitro:

Improving Upon Safety Concerns

Some cholesterol treatments, like Merck’s Tredaptive, have also been found to be both ineffective and dangerous even after FDA approval. In fact, the company is now in the process of recalling this drug after a study showed there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of some nonfatal serious events, including infection and GI issues.

While many cholesterol drugs have significant side effects, AtheroNova’s AHRO-001 uses an all-natural compound that improves its safety profile. The liver and other parts of the body already employ bile salts, making the treatment safer than newly introduced chemical compounds, which substantially reduces the treatment’s risk compared to other drugs.

The improved safety profile could also expedite clinical trials, since Phase I is typically only concerned with establishing safety. By moving into an efficacy study sooner, the company could not only see market moving clinical data sooner, but also attract potential partners more quickly than otherwise possible, leading to additional potential upside for shareholders.

Enormous End Markets

Atherosclerosis is implicated in a number of major diseases, including coronary heart disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease. In 2011, global lipid regulation spending reached $38.7 billion, driven by a combination of greater incidents of heart disease and fewer therapeutic options to treat it, according to IMS Health MIDAS.

With many statin drugs having already reached blockbuster status treating just cholesterol, AtheroNova has significant potential upside, if successful in clinical trials. Capturing just a fraction of the market would represent a significant gain for shareholders, even after dilution, given the company’s modest $15 million market capitalization, as of January 17, 2013.

Clinical Progress to Date

In December of 2011, AtheroNova completed a pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) meeting with the FDA, which provided it with guidance on Phase I and Phase II trials. And in July of 2012, the company received Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for its main patent, enabling it to begin commercialization with an official IND expected to be submitted in Q4 2013.

In the meantime, the company has joined forces with Maxwell Biotech Group in Russia to license commercialization rights for AHRO-001. The organization’s subsidiary, CardioNova Ltd., has committed to funding Phase I and Phase II human clinical studies in Russia, with Phase I trials projected to begin during Q2 2013.

Investment Opportunity

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO) represents a strong potential investment opportunity, given its revolutionary new atherosclerosis treatment and mere $15 million market capitalization. With lipid regulation being the fourth largest market in the world after oncology, diabetes and respiratory illnesses, a successful drug of its kind could generate billions in sales.

To learn more, please see the following resources:

New Drug Could Enhance the Accuracy of Chemotherapy

Mon 28 Jan 2013 09:07:23 MST

Chemotherapy may be effective in the fight against cancer, but it’s also very damaging to the human body. After all, the genesis of chemotherapy was actually a derivative mustard gas that was developed as a chemical warfare agent during the First World War. Chemotherapy agents may have improved since then, but they remain very destructive to the human body.

Traditional chemotherapeutic agents work by killing cells that divide rapidly, which is one of the properties shared by all cancer cells. Unfortunately, there are many other types of cells in the body that also rapidly divide, including cells in the bone marrow, digestive tract and hair follicles, leading to many side-effects, including digestive discomfort and hair loss.

Investors may want to take note of one company that’s changing this paradigm…

Selectively Targeting Cancer Cells

CytRx Corporation (NASDAQ: CYTR) is working to improve chemotherapy by selectively targeting cancer cells. By taking this approach, the company’s technologies may be able to not only reduce side effects, but also substantially increase the dosage that the body can withstand. Ideally, this would result in safer and more effective chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients.

The company’s lead compound, aldoxorubicin, is a novel, tumor-targeted conjugate of the commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. By using a linker designed to release doxorubicin in the low pH environment of a tumor, the chemotherapeutic agent is concentrated in areas where it damages the tumor instead of healthy tissue.

In a Phase I clinical trial, aldoxorubicin was administered at dosages up to 4.5 times the standard dosage without an increase in side effects typically seen. A subsequent Phase Ib/II clinical trial showed clinical benefit in 10 of 13 (76.9%) of patients with relapsed or refractory soft tissue sarcoma, including five patients that had previously used doxorubicin unsuccessfully. In 2013, CytRx plans to start a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with soft tissue sarcomas that have received prior chemotherapy.

Safer Play than Others for Investors

There are many different public companies targeting the oncology space, from Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s (NASDAQ: ONXX) Carfilzomib to Amgen Inc.’s (NASDAQ: AMGN) OncoVex. But, many of these compounds rely on testing and proving completely new approaches to cancer treatment, and involve substantial investment in safety and efficacy testing.

CytRx differs in that it’s simply modifying an existing chemotherapy agent, doxorubicin, to include a selective linker. As a result, the company benefits from doxorubicin’s substantial existing clinical data. The clinical trials are significantly de-risked since it is known which types of cancer respond to doxorubicin. Therefore, a more potent version should have greater efficacy which benefits the patients.

Meanwhile, the FDA has granted orphan drug status for aldoxorubicin for the treatment of patients with soft tissue sarcomas and pancreatic cancer. The status, designed for rare diseases, provides tax credits and marketing incentives designed to expedite development and approval.

Trading at a Significant Discount

In addition to its aldoxorubicin and its robust clinical pipeline, CytRx appears to be trading at a substantial discount to many of its peers. The company’s $66 million market capitalization is less than many other companies with Phase II cancer treatments in development, while the valuation fails to account for many of the potentially bullish factors mentioned above.

Consider the following comparison of soft tissue sarcoma competitors:

Company	Ticker Symbol	Stock Price	Market Cap	Cash	Enterprise Value
Ziopharma Oncology	ZIOP	$4.42	$352	$95	$257
Threshold Pharmaceuticals	THLD	$4.58	$258	$66	$192
CytRx	CYTR	$2.15	$65	$43	$22

Similarly, the company trades at a discount to its targeted chemotherapy competitors:

Company	Ticker Symbol	Stock Price	Market Cap	Cash	Enterprise Value
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals	MACK	$6.18	$582	$127	$455
Endocyte	ECYT	$9.55	$343	$205	$138
Celsion	CLVS	$8.02	$281	$23	$258
CytRx	CYTR	$2.15	$65	$43	$22

Strong Investment Opportunity

CytRx may be a strong investment opportunity, with a promising, lower-risk, late-stage clinical pipeline and significant discount to its peers. Since doxorubicin is widely used to treat many major cancers, the company’s aldoxorubicin alone may have blockbuster potential (e.g. $1 billion or more in sales), if it successfully completes clinical trials and gets to market.

Looking forward, investors can expect data from four clinical trials this year, including data to be presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting that will be held in Chicago, IL on June 3, 2013, as well as the filing of a pivotal Phase III SPA global clinical trial for aldoxorubicin. These events could provide strong catalysts for the stock to close its peer valuation gap throughout this year.

For more information, please see the following resources:

Company Website

Recent SEC Filings

Corporate Presentation

GrowLife (PHOT) Makes Appearance at Sundance Film Festival Events

Fri 25 Jan 2013 13:38:36 MST

GrowLife Inc. (OTCQB: PHOT), a completely legal provider of highly effective indoor growing technologies for the marijuana industry, operating in the same industry as companies like HEMP Inc. (OTCQB: HEMP) and Medbox Inc. (OTCQB: MDBX), recently announced that it would appear at the Sundance Film Festival events to promote its expanding product line-up.

The company’s Phototron units, Urban Cultivators and other indoor horticulture products address markets ranging from amateur home growers to commercial growing operations, making it easy to grow high-quality crops indoors. With the legalization of marijuana in several states, the technology addresses a large and growing market.

GrowLife Inc. (PHOT), a completely legal provider of highly effective indoor growing technologies for the blossoming marijuana industry, is pleased to announce that its GrowLife Productions business unit co-hosted special events and parties at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah between January 17th and January 23rd. Throughout the weeklong festival GrowLife Productions co-founders Eddie Bernard and Lucas Hildebrand featured GrowLife and the Urban Cultivator brand to the influential worldwide clientele for which Sundance is famous.

"The Sundance Film Festival provided our company with a unique opportunity to build brand exposure for GrowLife and its GrowLife Productions business unit," said GrowLife Inc. President Kyle Tracey. "We took this unique opportunity to introduce the Urban Cultivator, www.urbancultivator.net, the health organic green machine, to hundreds of influential attendees of the Sundance Festival. GrowLife Productions has an exciting calendar of events for 2013 sponsoring large scale events, so please stay tuned."

GrowLife Productions is a hard driven business unit dedicated to the promotion of GrowLife's core brands through co-production and co-sponsorship of entertainment, lifestyle, music and film events across the country. Our team brings with them considerable experience in producing and promoting edgy, ground-breaking productions such as the first-ever HIGH TIMES Medical Cannabis Cup on US soil as well as management of related VIP events featuring Kid Cudi (Denver, 2011) Lyrics Born, Keith Murray and the Eagles of Death Metal (San Francisco, 2010). The division has a long roster of notable artist clients that includes Sublime with Rome, DJ Tiesto, Pepper, Queens of the Stone Age, Iration, Dead Sarah, Mix Master Mike and many more. And last year, the team also implemented a multi-level marketing campaign for the largely successful Grammy nominated Sony Pictures Classics release, "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest."

About GrowLife, Inc.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) (formerly Phototron Holding, Inc.) (www.growlifeinc.com) is a company with core holdings in innovative technology-based products and services for the indoor gardening industry and specialty markets. These brands include Stealth Grow, a producer of grow room automation equipment and hi-powered LED grow light products for indoor horticulture (www.sgsensors.com and www.stealthgrow.com), Greners.com, the online hydroponics superstore (www.greners.com) and Phototron, producer of hydroponic grow containers, which are designed to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits in any environment (www.phototron.com).

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in GrowLife's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, all industry products are subject to additional uncertainty, including the risks of delay, cancellation and poor critical or financial reception. GrowLife disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

Top Three Regenerative Medicine Companies Targeting Ischemic Conditions

Tue 22 Jan 2013 12:17:02 MST

As we discussed in our first article on elite regenerative medicine companies, there are several methodologies to delineating the “cream of the crop.” In this exercise, we will take a look at the impact that regenerative medicine technologies can have on ischemic conditions – where tissue in the heart, brain, organs or limbs are damaged as a result of restricted blood flow – and identify some of the most innovative companies that have a strong upside based on the products and technologies they are developing, stage of development, and current valuations.

Ischemic conditions are expansive, covering common conditions such as stroke, heart disease and peripheral vascular disease (which in severe cases can result in critical limb ischemia, requiring amputation of digits or limbs). The economic impact of these types of conditions is also substantial. Research by the American Heart Association indicates that cardiovascular disease (most of which is ischemic in nature) comprises more than $300 billion in healthcare related expenses annually, accounting for more than 17% of total healthcare related expenses in the U.S. Furthermore, these conditions impose a huge quality of life burden for patients and their families, and therefore are areas of great unmet medical need.

From a company and investor perspective, they represent multi-billion-dollar opportunities. Cumulatively, hundreds of millions of people are affected globally, but traditional medicines and clinical treatments provide little benefit. Regenerative medicine technologies represent new options that could yield a new age of therapies and viable solutions for patients that presently have very few, if any, options. In our initial article, Cytomedix, Inc. (OTCQX: CMXI) was omitted from the top five because of the broad scope of credentials defining companies with obvious headroom for growth. Within the parameters of ischemia-related treatments, however, the Gaithersburg, Maryland-based developer of biologically active regenerative therapies deserves a strong mention.

Cytomedix is developing platelet technologies for orthopedics and wound care and a pipeline of autologous (patient-derived) stem cell therapies for tissue repair. The company is already generating revenue through its AutoloGel™ System, a platelet rich plasma (PRP) producing device for exuding wounds, and its Angel® Whole Blood Separation System, a blood processing device for separating whole blood into red cells, platelet poor plasma (PPP) and PRP for use in surgical and orthopedic settings. For the third quarter of 2012, total revenues increased 15% to $1.76 million from $1.53 million in the year prior quarter.

Honing in on the ischemic conditions, through the acquisition of Aldagen in February at a bargain price of $16 million in stock (plus additional shares upon milestones being met), Cytomedix gained control of Aldagen’s proprietary ALDH bright cell (ALDHbr) technology and finally made the transition from just a wound care company to cement its position as a leading developer of a promising new therapy to treat patients that have recently suffered a stroke.

The ALDHbr technology is used to isolate biologically active stem cells which have previously shown the potential to promote cell and tissue regeneration in preclinical studies. The cells are isolated from the patient’s own bone marrow, shipped to the company for subsequent expansion, and are then reinfused into the patient roughly 3 weeks later. A 100-patient Phase 2 trial for the treatment of ischemic stroke using ALDHbr Bright Cells derived from a patients’ own bone marrow is underway that will involve patients from 12 to 15 sites in the United States. Safety data from the first 10 patients in the Phase II RECOVER-Stroke study of ALD-401 were recently presented at the World Stroke Congress in Brazil showing a solid safety profile.

The clinical trials aim to build upon promising laboratory research. Mice treated with ALD-401 two weeks after an induced stroke demonstrated nearly four-fold improvement in motor function compared to controls. Further, stark improvements were seen in ALD-401 slowing decreases in brain volume and the reversal of decline in stroke-induced cell viability. Additional studies with ALD-401 in animal models showed perfusion (blood flow) levels returning to normal after four weeks in stroke-induced subjects receiving the ALDHbr cell treatment while untreated controls remained impaired.

This study is only one of several clinical trials being conducted to test Cytomedix’s ALDHbr technology. ALD-201 has completed a Phase I clinical trial testing its safety as a therapeutic candidate for ischemic heart failure. The 20-patient trial showed ALD-201 to be well-tolerated and produced a statistically significant reduction in ischemia as well as improvement in MaxVO2, a measure of the body’s ability to take up oxygen during exercise, in patients receiving the ALDHbr therapy as compared to a placebo group.

In a 21-patient Phase 1/2 clinical trial on ALD-301 testing critical limb ischemia with no revascularization options, the treatment was again well-tolerated with data indicating improved blood flow. Patients with this condition face a 35% risk of limb amputation, but 10 of the 11 patients (91%) treated with ALD-301 required no such procedure. Additional Phase I clinical research is being conducted at Duke University utilizing two different populations of ALDHbr cells derived from cord blood. ALD-151 is being researched to enhance engraftment following cord blood transplants used to treat leukemia and ALD-601 is being studying to treat inherited metabolic diseases through in utero stem cell transplantation.

Clearly, Cytomedix’s ALDHbr technology is showing early promise for a variety of ischemic conditions. If there are any limiting factors, they stem from the autologous nature of the product and the time to treatment. In order to create the various ALD treatments, stem cells must be removed from the patient and sent offsite for processing before being returned to the body. The process can take weeks, which can lead to the death of cells in the interim. While still possibly extremely beneficial, these concerns are valid and pose some limitations.

Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) is a higher-priced issue, which could limit upside compared to smaller companies, but simply has to be part of the list of companies pioneering stem cell research in chronic myocardial ischemia (CMI), one of the most severe forms of coronary artery disease causing significant long-term damage to the heart muscle and disability to the patient. Financially speaking, the company generated $3.5 billion in global revenues during the third quarter to bring its trailing-twelve-month total to about $14 billion. Baxter is on pace to deliver $1.80 per share in dividends this year to shareholders, and provides the type of profits and financial stability that emerging innovators can’t yet point to.

Baxter has a long history as a leader in the cell therapy area, and in February initiated a pivotal Phase III clinical trial using CD34+ stem cells (cells that express the CD34 molecule) to treat CMI patients. The large study will enroll approximately 450 patients across 50 clinical sites in the United States, whom will be randomized to one of three arms: treatment with autologous CD34+ stem cells, treatment with placebo (control), or unblinded standard of care. Baxter is hoping that the stem cells can repair the damaged muscle tissue and restore quality of life in patients as measured by a change in total exercise capacity at 12 months following treatment. Secondary endpoints include reduced frequency of angina episodes at 12 months after treatment and the safety of targeted delivery of the cells.

In the trial, patient’s cells are collected, sent to the lab for processing and then re-introduced through a single treatment of 10 intramyocardial injections in targeted areas in the heart.

Baxter is hoping that the late-stage trial supports the very promising data reported from earlier trials that “did everything you want a phase 2 study to do,” according to Dr. Douglas Losordo from Northwestern University in Chicago, who now heads up the Baxter regenerative medicine unit. The study showed feasibility, safety and efficacy; with better results than other trials in refractory angina patients ever before. If successfully brought to market, analysts estimate that the treatment could add up to $1 billion annually to Baxter’s revenue stream.

A third leading innovator in the stem cell space targeting ischemic conditions is Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX). The company is developing MultiStem®, a proprietary stem cell product for the treatment of a bevy of diseases and conditions in the cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory and immune disease areas. Clinical trials ongoing at Athersys include a Phase II trial in partnership with Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE: PFE) testing MultiStem against Inflammatory Bowel Disease; trials treating complications associated with traditional bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplants, such as Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD) (the company has submitted a plan for a Phase II/III study under Orphan Drug designation from FDA, following up on previous results from a successful Phase I study); and trials treating damage from acute myocardial infarction (Phase I complete, Phase II authorized by the FDA to start). The company and its collaborators have also published work in other ischemic conditions, such as peripheral vascular damage, as well as evaluated MultiStem in chronic heart ischemia models.

The most important clinical trial being run may actually be for ischemic stroke, which affects more than 2 million people each year in the U.S., Europe and Japan, and more than 15 million people globally. Athersys recently announced that it had successfully completed initial enrollment in the first phase of an ongoing 140 patient Phase II clinical trial, with a clean safety profile as judged by the independent clinical safety committee, and is now looking to complete enrollment for the entire study in the next year. Athersys believes that MultiStem could represent a significant advance for stroke patients, because it can be administered in a clinically practical time frame (potentially several days after a stroke), in contrast to the only treatment current available, which has a about a four hour window during which treatment must be administered.

MultiStem is distinguished from the other biologics mentioned in that it utilizes allogeneic stem cells (meaning that they come from a donor, not the patient), not autologous (patient derived). The product can be manufactured on a large scale, extensively tested for potency and safety, and stored right at the clinical site in the pharmacy so they can be administered “off the shelf”. In contrast, the autologous approaches are “patient by patient”, which is logistically more complicated and more expensive. This gives a scalability and immediate availability to MultiStem that is not possible for the Baxter or Cytomedix therapies, where patient-derived cells must mobilized, processed off-site, then returned to the hospital and patient. “Immediate availability” means just that. MultiStem can be administered at the hospital intravenously or by local injection, right when it’s needed, potentially saving critical tissue that could be damaged or permanently lost following a stroke or heart attack. Interestingly, if both the Cytomedix and Athersys technologies are successful (a huge advance for stroke patients), the Athersys approach likely has the advantage due to simplicity of delivery (intravenous vs. intracarotid), timing of delivery (available right away vs. several weeks after the stroke), and scalability.

With more than two million people affected by ischemic stroke each year in the States, Europe and Japan, the company estimates that an effective and safe therapy for that indication alone could generate more than $15 billion in sales annually. If Athersys were to successfully develop a safe and effective, “off the shelf” therapy for stroke, it would quickly become an industry leader. The company has five clinical programs and a broad range of preclinical programs in the inflammatory, neurological and cardiovascular areas and a partnership with Pfizer that should produce clinical data later this year. Despite this breadth, a solid balance sheet, and some significant institutional shareholders, the company has a paltry $65 million market cap, which is likely why investors have recently begun to pay attention.

There are a few other companies in the sector to pay attention to that are focused on the ischemia area. Mesoblast (ASX: MSB) is a company that merits obvious consideration in the category, given its plans to launch a 1,700 patient Phase 3 clinical trial with it’s partner Teva Pharmaceutical (NYSE: TEVA), sometime this year. However, it’s relatively rich valuation ($1.6 Billion), unprofitable status, and higher burn rate prevented it from making the top three picks. Cytori (NASDAQ: CYTX) is another logical contender, given its focus on AMI, and streamlined autologous approach using fat cells, but it also didn’t quite make the final cut. Neostem (NASDAQ: NBS) is another contender and is developing a technology that appears to be similar and competitive with the Baxter approach.

The biotechnology space is experiencing a growing trend of interest in regenerative medicines that are now the focus of intense research and development. Companies at the forefront of new therapies are positioned to experience hyper-growth in the mid-term as potentially high-margin products maneuver down the regulatory pathway. Only a few years ago, the number of companies and therapeutic candidates even in early clinical trials were very limited, but that is no longer the case. In specific areas, such as ischemic conditions, shortcomings in small molecule therapies are being lapped by rapid advancement in cell therapies. Advancing new technologies tapping into the power of the body to heal itself, Cytomedix, Baxter and Athersys have pulled-away from the pack as clear leaders in the ischemic condition arena; moves that could yield investors a windfall in the future.

Read the initial article at: http://secfilings.com/News.aspx?title=five_regenerative_medicine_companies_worthy_of_portfolio_addition&naid=279

AtheroNova (AHRO) to Build Investor Awareness at Noble Financial Conference

Tue 22 Jan 2013 11:58:40 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO) has been quietly developing its AHRO-001 treatment for atherosclerosis, which has proven very promising in early pre-clinical trials. But with an upcoming IND submission and Phase I Russian trial, the company is now focused on building awareness of its stock within the investment community, as it aims to eventually compete with statin drugmakers like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and AstraZeneca plc (NYSE: AZN).

To this end, the company will present at the Noble Financial Capital Markets’ Ninth Annual Equity Conference (“NINE”) on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 11am EST. Over 100 public company executive teams will be present at the conference, with online webcasts available at Noble Research’s NINE website: http://www.nobleresearch.com/NINE/home.htm.

AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, today announced that its CEO, Thomas W. Gardner, will present at "NINE"; Noble Financial Capital Markets' Ninth Annual Equity Conference at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, on Wednesday, January 23rd at 11:00 am Eastern Time.

Mr. Gardner will discuss milestones for 2013 for AHRO-001, the Company's lead compound for the regression of atherosclerotic plaque, as well as the Company's pipeline and clinical plans.

In addition to the presentation, Mr. Gardner will be available to meet with analysts, industry executives and investors in one-on-one meetings. Those interested in meeting with Mr. Gardner for a one-on-one discussion during the Conference are encouraged to contact the Company directly at info@atheronova.com.

At the time of the presentation, a live audio and high-definition video webcast of AtheroNova's presentation and a copy of the presentation materials will be available on the Noble Financial websites: www.noblefcm.com, or www.nobleresearch.com/nine/home.htm. AtheroNova recommends registering at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation to ensure timely access. You will require a Microsoft SilverLight viewer (a free download from the presentation link) to participate. The webcast and presentation will also be archived on www.AtheroNova.com for 90 days following the event.

About AtheroNova

AtheroNova Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AtheroNova Operations, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, research, development and licensing of novel compounds to reduce or regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits and to safely improve lipid profiles in humans. In addition to its lead compound AHRO-001, AtheroNova plans to develop multiple applications for its patents-pending therapies in market sectors that include: Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease, Dementia and Alzheimer's and Erectile Dysfunction, all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and its related pharmaceutical expenses for these indications cost consumers more than $41 billion annually in the United States alone. For more information, please visit www.AtheroNova.com.

About Noble Financial

Noble Financial Capital Markets was established in 1984 and is an equity research driven, full-service, investment banking boutique focused on life sciences, technology and media, emerging growth, companies. The company has offices in New York, Boston, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Boca Raton, FL. In addition to non-deal road shows and sector-specific conferences throughout the year, Noble Financial hosts its large format annual equity conference in January in South Florida featuring 120 - 150 presenting companies from across North America and total attendance of close to 600. For more information: www.noblefcm.com.

OxySure (OXYS) Affiliates Convert $2.02 Million in Notes to Common Stock at 52% Premium

Wed 09 Jan 2013 09:54:49 MST

OxySure Systems Inc. (OTCBB: OXYS), a medical device company focused on life-saving, easy-to-use emergency oxygen solutions with its innovative “oxygen from powder” technology, similar to companies like St. Jude Medical Inc. (NYSE: STJ) and Oxygen Biotherapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: OXBT), recently announced that certain affiliates converted $2.02 million in notes to common stock at a 52% premium to the current market price.

The conversion is a vote of confidence in the company’s stock at current levels and helps clear its balance sheet of debt in preparation for various growth initiatives. With the new, much healthier balance sheet, the OXYS common stock is expected to be more attractive to institutional investors.

OxySure Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:OXYS) (“OxySure,” or the “Company”), the medical device innovator of life-saving, easy-to-use emergency oxygen solutions with its “oxygen from powder” technology today announced that affiliates Agave Resources, LLC and JTR Investments, Limited converted a total of $2,018,656 in convertible notes to OXYS common stock at an aggregate exercise price of $1.50 per common share. The conversion price of $1.50 per share represents a premium of 52% to the OXYS share price at the close of market on January 2, 2013.

Agave Resources converted a subordinated convertible in the amount of $750,000 into 500,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. Don Reed, President of Agave is also a Director of OxySure.

JTR Investments converted a total of $1,268,656 in convertible notes into 845,771 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share, comprising the following: (i) a senior convertible note in the amount of $1,018,656 which was converted into 679,104 shares of common stock; and (ii) a subordinated convertible note in the amount of $250,000 which was converted into 166,667 shares of common stock. Julian Ross, CEO of OxySure is also the President of JTR Management, LLC, the general partner of JTR Investments, Limited.

Said Don Reed, President of Agave: “We are pleased to be able to increase our position in OxySure. This conversion is a testament to our confidence in the company and where we are headed.”

“We are continuing to strengthen our balance sheet in a sensible way, and these conversions represent a significant milestone in that process,” stated Julian Ross, CEO of OxySure. “This step further strengthens our platform for growth as we continue to build our business, while saving thousands of lives.”

About OxySure Systems, Inc.

OxySure Systems, Inc. is a Frisco, Texas-based medical technology company that focuses on the design, manufacture and distribution of specialty respiratory and medical solutions. The company pioneered a safe and easy to use solution to produce medically pure (USP) oxygen from inert powders. The company owns numerous issued patents and patents pending on this technology which makes the provision of emergency oxygen safer, more accessible and easier to use than traditional oxygen provision systems. OxySure’s products improve access to emergency oxygen that affects the survival, recovery and safety of individuals in several areas of need: (1) Public and private places and settings where medical emergencies can occur; (2) Individuals at risk for cardiac, respiratory or general medical distress needing immediate help prior to emergency medical care arrival; and (3) Those requiring immediate protection and escape from exposure situations or oxygen-deficient situations in industrial, mining, military, or other “Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health” (IDLH) environments. www.OxySure.com.

AtheroNova (AHRO) Adds Experienced Clinical Affairs Officer to Management Team

Tue 08 Jan 2013 12:13:41 MST

AtheroNova (AHRO) Adds Experienced Clinical Affairs Officer to Management Team AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), developer of an innovative potential treatment for atherosclerotic plaque, could revolutionize the market for cardiovascular health. Unlike Pfizer Inc.’s (NYSE: PFE) Lipitor® or AstraZeneca plc’s (NYSE: AZN) Crestor, the Company’s AHRO-001 has the potential to actually regress or remove the underlying cause of many cardiovascular diseases.

Recently, the company has been assembling a strong management team and board of directors capable of unlocking this tremendous value for shareholders. Mark K. Wedel MD, JD recently joined the company as Chief Medical Officer, while Joan Shaw MT, SCC joined the company as Senior Director of Clinical Operations, as the firm prepares to begin Phase I clinical trials.

AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, today announced that Joan E. Shaw, MT (ASCP), SCC has joined the Company as Senior Director of Clinical Operations.

"We are pleased to announce that Joan Shaw has recently joined AtheroNova's management team, adding another integral part to the staffing necessary to continue to work toward our entry into clinical trials in the coming months," stated Thomas W. Gardner, CEO of AtheroNova. "Joan's extensive experience in the risk management and quality assurance of clinical trials along with her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt will add to the core team that we have assembled at this stage of our development. Our recent additions to the team bring deep experience in cardiovascular clinical trials without adding significantly to our current cash burn rate moving forward."

"Joan's tremendous experience with clinical operations in general and the ASTEROID trial in particular while at AstraZeneca translates to real value as we move forward with AHRO-001 in lipid modulation and potential plaque reversibility," commented Mark Wedel, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of AtheroNova. "We are looking to capitalize on our pre-clinical success in the development of AHRO-001 and we are rapidly moving forward toward entry into Phase 1 clinical trials."

Ms. Shaw brings more than 20 years of drug development experience leading to successful NDA submissions and product launches for leading organizations such as AstraZeneca and DuPont Pharmaceuticals.

Between 2002 and 2012, she served in multiple areas of AstraZeneca ultimately serving as Executive Director of Clinical Operations in the Wilmington, Delaware headquarters. For the last two years, Ms. Shaw was the Executive Director of Continuous Improvement, leading a team of Master Black Belts to define efficiencies in the drug development process. Her group was responsible for identifying, planning and implementing critical continuous improvement projects across R&D to deliver value and improve productivity while introducing and integrating Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies within AstraZeneca's global R&D division.

As Executive Director of US Study Delivery she provided direct oversight and life cycle management guiding over 1,500 researchers that conducted and supported 100-150 Phase I- Phase IV studies in the Cardiovascular, CNS, Respiratory, Inflammation, Oncology, GI and Pain areas.

She was also the Clinical Project Director for the $3B dollar product Seroquel, and led the development and submission of 4 new indications and a Sustained Release (SR) formulation for that drug. She managed a $190M clinical budget and 250 deployed staff in 4 global locations to deliver an integrated global clinical plan for Seroquel.

From 1982 through 2002, she led the Discovery and Development Project Management Department at DuPont Pharmaceuticals which conducted important research, development and delivery of pharmaceuticals and radiopharmaceuticals that are used in the treatment of HIV, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disorders, cancer and inflammatory diseases. She was responsible for planning the strategic clinical development of several new drugs including ReVia for alcoholism, Cozaar, and Sustiva to fight HIV infection. As Project Management Director for a new indication for ReVia (naltrexone), she had direct responsibility for the approval and launch of the ReVia alcoholism indication in the US and Canada and 8 additional countries, as well as the approval of new formulation and packaging in an additional 13 countries.

Ms. Shaw holds a Master of Science (Clinical Chemistry), Bachelor of Science (Medical Technology) and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and is a licensed Medical Technologist. She is a co-patent holder for the new indications for Seroquel.

About AtheroNova

AtheroNova Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AtheroNova Operations, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, research, development and licensing of novel compounds to reduce or regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits and to safely improve lipid profiles in humans. In addition to its lead compound AHRO-001, AtheroNova plans to develop multiple applications for its patents-pending therapies in market sectors that include: Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease, Dementia and Alzheimer's and Erectile Dysfunction, all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and its related pharmaceutical expenses for these indications cost consumers more than $41 billion annually in the United States alone. For more information, please visit www.AtheroNova.com.

Cardium Announces Sales and Distribution Agreement With Academy Medical, LLC

Tue 08 Jan 2013 09:41:47 MST

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM), an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on unlocking the value in innovative medical assets, has taken another broad step forward in the commercialization of its Excellagen wound care product. The company has been advancing its sales channels for Excellagen, a FDA-cleared, syringe-based collagen gel targeting patients in the same industry as companies like 3M Company (NYSE: MMM) and Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE: SNN). In August, Excellagen was named as one of 2012’s Top 10 Innovation in Podiatry by the publication Podiatry Today. On Thursday, Cardium reported that it has signed a Sales and Distribution Agreement with Academy Medical, the largest distributor of biologics on the Federal Supply Schedule, an agreement that should give Excellagen exposure to VA facilities and military hospitals.

The corporate press release:

Cardium Announces Sales and Distribution Agreement With Academy Medical to Promote Excellagen Clinical Adoption by U.S. Government Medical Providers

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) today announced a distribution agreement with Academy Medical, LLC to market, sell and distribute Excellagen to U.S. government medical providers, including the Veterans Administration (VA) healthcare system and military hospitals. Excellagen is FDA-cleared, to support advanced wound care in a broad range of dermal wounds. Academy Medical's initial focus will be to provide education and training on the use of Excellagen in the treatment of traumatic wounds, non-healing venous, pressure and diabetic ulcers, limb salvage, and post-Mohs skin cancer surgery and to support distribution within its growing customer base of over 35 VA and military hospitals within the U.S.

The VA operates the nation's largest integrated healthcare system. With a healthcare budget of more than $50 billion, VA expects to have provided care to over 6.0 million patients during over 900,000 inpatient hospital admissions and nearly 80 million outpatient visits during 2012. VA's healthcare network includes 152 major medical centers and more than 800 community-based outpatient clinics.

"As the U.S. healthcare market continues to expand due to the aging population and with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, simpler-use and more cost-effective medical products like Excellagen have an opportunity to expand and grow within outcomes-oriented healthcare settings," stated Christopher J. Reinhard, Chairman and CEO of Cardium. "Our agreement with Academy Medical expands Cardium's tactical access and distribution capabilities for Excellagen as we advance forward with our planned U.S. strategic partnering activities. We are in discussions with potential strategic partners to establish representation, marketing and sales, or co-promotional arrangements along four U.S. vertical wound healing market channels: (1) podiatry, (2) wound care centers, hospitals, and long-term care facilities, (3) government medical service providers; and (4) dermatology."

Consistent with Cardium's long-term business strategy, the Company does not plan to establish an internal sales force for Excellagen. This commercialization strategy is similar to other companies in the advanced wound care space. For example, GraftJacket® products developed by Wright Medical are now being marketed and sold by Kinetic Concepts Inc.; TEI Biosciences' products are being sold by Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Stryker; and Cook Medical's Oasis® products are currently being marketed and sold by Healthpoint Biotherapeutics.

About Academy Medical, LLC

Academy Medical is a certified Veteran Owned Small Business specializing in the distribution of medical products to Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense hospitals and community-based outpatient clinics. As the largest distributor of biologics on the Federal Supply Schedule, Academy Medical supports veterans, healthcare providers, and governmental purchasing officials with cutting edge products backed by the company's professional expertise. Additional information is available at http://www.academymedical.net.

About Excellagen

Excellagen is a syringe-based, professional-use, pharmaceutically-formulated 2.6% fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel that functions as an acellular biological modulator designed to accelerate the growth of granulation tissue and to activate the wound healing process. Excellagen is FDA-cleared for the treatment of neuropathic and diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, surgical wounds, and other dermal wounds, and is intended for professional use following standard debridement procedures in the presence of blood cells and platelets, which are involved with the release of endogenous growth factors. Excellagen's unique high-molecular weight fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel formulation is topically applied through easy-to-control, pre-filled, sterile, single-use syringes and its viscosity-optimized gel formulation is designed for application at only one-week intervals. Already-established standard CPT® procedure reimbursement codes may apply when Excellagen is used with surgical debridement procedures. Cardium is also advancing forward with the reimbursement process for Excellagen with Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurance providers.

There have been important, positive findings reported by physicians using Excellagen as part of our initial physician sampling, patient outreach and market "seeding" programs. As case studies are being conducted, a number of physicians have reported a rapid onset of the growth of granulation tissue in a wide array of wounds, including non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (consistent with the results of Cardium's Matrix clinical study), as well as pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and Mohs surgical wounds. In certain cases, rapid granulation tissue growth and wound closure have been achieved with Excellagen following unsuccessful treatment with other advanced wound care approaches. From a dermatology perspective, a previously unexplored vertical market, remarkable healing responses have been observed following Mohs surgery for patients diagnosed with squamous and basal cell carcinomas, including deep surgical wounds extending to the periosteum (a membrane that lines the outer surface of bones). Additionally, because of the easy-use, and platelet activating capacity, physicians have been employing Excellagen in severe non-healing wounds at near-amputation status, in combination with autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy and collagen sheet products. These case studies and positive physician feedback provide additional information regarding the diverse potential uses of Excellagen and support its medical utility as an important new tool to help promote the wound healing process. Excellagen case studies are available at http://www.excellagen.com/surgical-wounds.html.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's newly-acquired To Go Brands® nutraceutical business. The Company's lead commercial product, Excellagen® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands® develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that this or other distribution agreements will effectively expand access or lead to increased adoption by medical providers; that Academy Medical or other distributors will effectively provide education and training on the use of Excellagen or that it will be useful and used in non-healing venous, pressure and diabetic ulcers, limb salvage, and post-Mohs skin cancer surgery; that potential strategic partnerships will be successfully established; that results or trends observed in a clinical study or follow-on case studies will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized and their use reimbursed, or will enhance our market value; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2013 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved. For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Cardium Therapeutics®, Generx®,Cardionovo®, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium®, Appexium®, Linée®, Alena®, Cerex®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc®, Neo-Chill™, and Nutra-Apps® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company. To Go Brands® is a trademark of To Go Brands, Inc.

Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Athersys (ATHX) Breaks Out from 50-Day Moving Average – To Present at Biotech Showcase

Mon 07 Jan 2013 14:02:53 MST

Athersys Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX) is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development of its proprietary MultiStem® donor-derived “off the shelf” cell therapy product for the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions, operating in the same industry as companies like Aastrom Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTM) and Neostem Inc. (NYSE: NBS).

Recently, the stock broke out of its 50-day moving average at 1.03 on higher-than-average volume, suggesting that it could be experiencing a long-term technical trend reversal. The move was further supported by a bullish MACD crossover from November 2012 that appears to be breaking through the 0-line in another bullish signal. The next major resistance level to watch is the 200-day moving average at 1.36 per share, as well as prior resistance at around 1.60.

Athersys to Present at Biotech Showcase(TM) 2013

Athersys, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATHX) announced today that William (B.J.) Lehmann, President and Chief Operating Officer, will present at the Biotech ShowcaseTM 2013 Conference to be held January 7 through January 9, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Details of Athersys' participation are as follows:
Event: Biotech Showcase™ 2013 Conference
Date: Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Time: 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time
Location: Room Powell: Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco Union Square Hotel

Earlier that same morning, Dr. Gil Van Bokkelen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Athersys, will participate in a panel entitled "The 2013 Regenerative Medicine State of the Industry Briefing," from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Co-produced by Demy-Colton Life Science Advisors and EBD Group, Biotech Showcase is an investor and partnering conference devoted to providing private and public biotechnology and life sciences companies an opportunity to present to, and meet with, investors and pharmaceutical executives during the course of one of the industry's largest annual healthcare investor conferences. Now in its fifth year, Biotech Showcase is expected to attract upwards of 1,500 attendees.

About Athersys

Athersys is a clinical stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life. The Company is developing its MultiStem® cell therapy product, a patented, adult-derived "off-the-shelf" stem cell product platform for disease indications in the cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory and immune disease areas. The Company currently has several clinical stage programs involving MultiStem, including for treating inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic stroke, damage caused by myocardial infarction, and for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease. Athersys has also developed a diverse portfolio that includes other technologies and product development opportunities, and has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as world-renowned research institutions in the United States and Europe to further develop its platform and products. More information is available at www.athersys.com.

About Demy-Colton Life Science Advisors

Demy-Colton Life Science Advisors is focused exclusively on facilitating the growth of the life science industry. Now going into its fifth year, Demy-Colton has developed a number of high-value added conferences to address the business and development needs of the biotechnology industry; it provides partnering services and it has helped launch a unique investor website and newsletter. For more information please visit www.demy-colton.com.

About EBD Group

EBD Group is the leading partnering firm for the global life science industry. Since 1993, biotech, pharma and medical device companies have leveraged EBD Group's partnering conferences, technology and services to identify business opportunities and develop strategic relationships essential to their success. For more information please visit www.ebdgroup.com or follow EBD Group on Twitter at twitter.com/ebdgroup.

CONTACT:
William (B.J.) Lehmann, J.D.
President and Chief Operating Officer
Tel: (216) 431-9900
bjlehmann@athersys.com

Investor Relations:
Lisa M. Wilson
In-Site Communications
Tel: (917) 543-9932
lwilson@insitecony.com

Cardium (CXM) to Present New Initiatives at Biotech Showcase 2013

Mon 07 Jan 2013 09:51:14 MST

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM), a health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on unlocking the value in medical assets, has made significant progress over the past year in developing its unique gene therapy targeting heart disease, wound care solution for diabetic foot ulcers, and other products that it will feature at the Biotech Showcase 2013.

The company also announced a new medical analytics and e-commerce platform of algorithms and medical-based social media programs that it calls LifeAgain™. Focused on providing insurance to cancer survivors, the platform could open up new possibilities in the insurance industry dominated by companies like Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE: MFC) and Prudential Financial Inc. (NYSE: PRU).

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) recently announced that Christopher J. Reinhard, the Company's Chairman & CEO, will present at the Biotech Showcase 2013 Conference, being held at the Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco Union Square Hotel, on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 2:15 p.m. (Pacific). The presentation will be available live and by replay and can be accessed at http://www.media-server.com/m/p/xv9nyge4 or at Cardium's website at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77949&p=irol-calendar.

The presentation will provide a corporate overview and include a review of the Company's entrepreneurial initiatives, which include strategic partner-enabled product and platform opportunities that have been internally developed based on Cardium's unique skill set, capabilities and technology.

Current entrepreneurial initiatives include: (1) the clinical development of Genedexa™ (previously referred to as the Excellarate™ product candidate), a DNA-based Phase 2b/3 product candidate initially for the treatment of chronic, non-healing diabetic foot ulcers and representing the first product extension from the Company's FDA-cleared Excellagen® technology platform; (2) LifeAgain™, a medical analytics and e-commerce platform of algorithms and medical-based social media programs that were developed by Cardium researchers to support a strategically partnered commercialization of specialized survivable risk life insurance underwritings for cancer patients and patients with chronic medical diseases, based on the improvement of early diagnosis and new chronic treatments and curative medical therapies; and (3) plans to leverage the established infrastructure, distribution capabilities and established retail network of To Go Brands® through internal product development, external product acquisitions and strategic partnering.

Going forward, the Company may use alternative independent private financing strategies for one or more of these internally developed initiatives. Cardium Therapeutics will continue to focus on its primary objectives that include: (1) the strategic partnering and commercialization of the FDA-cleared Excellagen® product and platform; and (2) the successful completion of the DNA-based Generx® Phase 3 development program. Information is provided in an updated investor presentation now available on Cardium's website at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77949&p=irol-presentations.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's newly-acquired To Go Brands® nutraceutical business. The Company's lead commercial product, Excellagen® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands®develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release or the referenced investor presentation are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that any entrepreneurial initiatives, including Genedexa, Life Again, and other prospective opportunities developed within Cardium, Tissue Repair Company or To Go Brands will be successfully developed and partnered or otherwise commercialized; that the results or trends observed in one clinical study or procedure will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized or will enhance our market value; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2013 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved.
For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.
Cardium Therapeutics®, Generx®, Cardionovo®, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen®, Genedexa™, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium®, Appexium®, Linée®, Alena®, Cerex®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc®, Neo-Chill™, and Nutra-Apps®are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company.
To Go Brands® is a trademark of To Go Brands, Inc.

AtheroNova’s (AHRO) Strong Management & Board

Mon 31 Dec 2012 09:17:45 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), an early-stage biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, has attracted top industry talent to its management team and board of directors in what could be a sign of things to come.

Exceptional Management Team

When investing in early stage companies, little matters more than the company’s management team and its ability to execute. AtheroNova has assembled an enviable team that not only has extensive experience within the industry, but has also consistently executed on their plans and brought a number of large new drugs to market over the years.

Dr. Balbir Brar became the company’s Senior Vice President of Drug Development in June of 2011, after an extensive career of successfully guiding drugs through to regulatory approval for many different pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Brar is perhaps most famous for his work in bringing Botox® to market, as well as eight other major drugs.

More recently, Dr. Mark Wedel joined the company as Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. With extensive experience in planning the strategic clinical development for ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ISIS), a $1 billion NASDAQ-listed company, Mr. Wedel is uniquely qualified to help the company see clinical programs to fruition.

Strong Board of Directors

With any early-stage company, the board of directors can be an important indicator of the company’s potential, as membership provides a vote of confidence. AtheroNova’s board of directors has a number of well-known individuals within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries that suggests high confidence in its unique atherosclerotic plaque treatment.

Fred Knoll, the principal and portfolio manager of Knoll Capital Management, joined the company’s board in November 2012. With extensive experience in the capital markets, Mr. Knoll made a name for himself in biotech by becoming one of the original investors in Medivation Inc. (NASDAQ: MDVN), which went on to become a $4 billion NASDAQ-traded company.

Dr. Alexander Polinsky, co-founder of Alanex Corporation and former Chief Science Officer of Agouron Pharmaceuticals before its acquisition by Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), joined the board in October of 2010. Dr. Polinsky is best known for establishing Pfizer’s incubator program for promising new biotechnology start-ups and technologies in 2007.

Great Investment Opportunity

With early-stage companies like AtheroNova, investors are essentially betting on management’s ability to execute and the board’s confidence in the team. The executives and board members mentioned in this article, along with others instrumental in the company’s success, certainly have not only the qualifications, but also a history of successful execution of their plans.

Currently, AtheroNova’s stock trades with a market capitalization of just $16.3 million – just a fraction of its potential valuation, if successful in bringing a product to market. Early indications of its AHRO-001 compound have been promising, while upcoming clinical trials could begin to attract the interest of commercialization partners, making this a stock to watch.

For more information about AtheroNova Inc., please see the following resources:

• Company Website • Recent SEC Filings • Crystal Research Report

An Emerging Strategy to Address Metastatic Melanoma

Fri 21 Dec 2012 14:37:10 MST

Aethlon Medical (OTC: AEMD) is a medical device company with a promising approach to treating some of the most troubling and persistently ‘incurable’ human diseases. Their patented Hemopurifier® can be described in simple terms as a very specific and efficient blood filter. In combination with existing drug therapies, the Hemopurifier® has shown efficacy against Hepatitis C (HCV), and is emerging to become a therapy in cancer based on the discovery that the Hemopurifier® is able to capture tumor-derived exosomes. Exosomes are a vital therapeutic target in cancer, yet have not been able to be addressed by drug therapies. Aethlon’s CEO, Jim Joyce, recently penned a note highlighting his thoughts and the company’s strategy regarding cancer treatment. Specifically, the note addresses possibilities in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, or skin cancer that aggressively spreads throughout the body. It is a deadly form of cancer that is growing quickly, particularly among younger people. Currently, Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) and Roche (OTC: RHHBY) have drugs (ipilimumab and vemurafenib) that don’t necessarily cure the disease but have been shown to extend the lives of late-stage patients. Here is the note- a good, informative read…

At Aethlon Medical, our focus is to create revolutionary medical devices that save lives. In the treatment of Hepatitis C (HCV) infected individuals, we have demonstrated that our Hemopurifier® synergistically combines with drug therapy to accelerate the achievement of undetectable viral load. In cancer, I envision our opportunity to save lives will be driven by the discovery that our Hemopurifier® can addresses a therapeutic target that plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, yet remains beyond the reach of drug therapies. The target? Microvesicles known as exosomes, which are particles secreted by tumors underlying a wide-range of cancers.

When we first initiated our tumor-derived exosome research, it was based on a belief that these particles were immunosuppressive, much like glycoproteins that shed from HIV and other viral pathogens. However, the medical community consensus at the time was that exosomes had no biological function other than to discard cellular debris. Today, tumor-derived exosomes are known to suppress the immune response in cancer patients. Beyond possessing immunosuppressive properties, tumor-derived exosomes facilitate tumor growth, metastasis, and the development of drug resistance. Such deleterious effects underlie the pathogenesis of cancer, and as a result of our early research we have been able to obtain broad patent protection in the field. By addressing this unmet medical need, our objective is to deliver a medical device that improves the benefit of cancer therapies without adding drug resistance or interaction risks.

As more and more medical institutes establish exosome research programs, we benefit from new discoveries that will help us to understand which forms of cancer are most likely to benefit from our technology. In this regard, Dr. Annette Marleau (our Director of Tumor Immunology) provides the following review on recent discoveries that describe the implication of exosomes in metastatic melanoma, a form of cancer whose 5-year survival rate is less than 20%.

Exosomes As Therapeutic Targets In Metastatic Melanoma

Exosomes are nano-sized microvesicles released in large quantities by cancer cells that are key culprits in the pathogenesis of several cancer types. Exosomes are now recognized as biological delivery vehicles for communication between cells in almost every system of the body investigated to date. In the area of oncology, cancer derived exosomes are highly stable "packages" released from tumors that transport proteins and genetic material from their originating tumor cells to distant sites throughout the body to accelerate tumor progression. In melanoma patients, tumor-secreted exosomes serve as carriers of malignant proteins and their levels in circulation correlate with the aggressiveness of the cancer1. To date, cancer exosomes have been implicated in: a) immune suppression; b) enhancement of angiogenesis; and c) promotion of metastasis, which will be discussed below.

Owing to several recent publications that have defined their pathological roles in metastatic disease, melanoma exosomes are emerging as candidate therapeutic targets. Metastatic (stage 4) melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a five-year survival rate of only 15-20%2. This disease continues to be a challenge to treat, as the current standard treatments have proven to be ineffective and/or highly toxic. Since patients afflicted with metastatic melanoma have suppressed immune systems due to tumor- and drug-related effects, the efficacy of novel immunotherapeutic solutions is limited and only small percentages of patients experience durable responses and extended survival. Thus, the development of novel treatments to reliably bolster anti-cancer immune responses remains an urgent clinical objective.

Recent scientific studies have defined the importance of melanoma exosomes in the progression of cancer, thereby providing the rationale for targeting tumor-derived nano-vesicles therapeutically. In a 2012 publication in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine, Dr. David Lynden's group at Weill Cornell Medical College and their colleagues reported that melanoma tumors release exosomes that condition metastatic sites for growth of tumors and their supporting blood vessels3. This publication also identifies a correlation between high exosome concentrations in circulation with advanced disease and poor prognosis of patients. This knowledge reinforces the concept that a strategy for eliminating circulating exosomes could be beneficial for addressing metastatic disease.

A pivotal publication by Dr. Joshua Hood and colleagues at Washington University School of Medicine showed that melanoma exosomes migrate to lymph nodes and alter the biochemical milieu to allow lodging of cancer cells in the establishment of metastatic foci4. Once again, this study suggests that systemic clearance of melanoma exosomes could interrupt the "messenger system" underlying metastasis. Along these same lines, a study by Parolini and colleagues in The Journal of Biological Chemistry demonstrated that melanoma exosomes serve as delivery vehicles for spreading malignant proteins from high aggressive metastatic cells to less aggressive cancer cells.5.This article raises the concept that exosomes from a primary tumor can transfer their cargo to distant organs, thereby allowing the malignancy to spread.

Experiments have also demonstrated that the functions of immune cells are impaired by melanoma exosomes6. Since the immune system is responsible for recognizing and destroying cancer cells, exosomes thereby manipulate immunity to allow tumors to grow unchecked. Additionally, since immunotherapy is administered to bolster the patient's endogenous immune response, melanoma exosomes impair the effectiveness of these treatments. On this basis, a device strategy for removal of circulating exosomes could be implemented to reverse immune dysfunction in order to improve the effectiveness of standard of care treatments against metastatic melanoma.

Given these recent scientific developments that reveal broad tumor growth promoting and immune inhibitory effects of melanoma exosomes, there is a strong impetus for moving forward with therapeutic targeting options, which do not exist to date. Clinical studies are needed to define the impact of exosomes in metastatic melanoma and to offer promising new treatment solutions that are urgently needed.

References

1 Logozzi M, De Milito A, Lugini L, Borghi M, Calabrò L, Spada M, Perdicchio M, Marino ML, Federici C, Iessi E, Brambilla D, Venturi G, Lozupone F, Santinami M, Huber V, Maio M, Rivoltini L, Fais S. High levels of exosomes expressing CD63 and caveolin-1 in plasma of melanoma patients. PLoS One. 2009;4(4):e5219.

2 http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/detailedguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-survival-rates

3Peinado H, Aleckovic M, Lavotshkin S, Matei I, Costa-Silva B, Moreno-Bueno G, Hergueta-Redondo M, Williams C, García-Santos G, Ghajar C, Nitadori-Hoshino A, Hoffman C, Badal K, Garcia BA, Callahan MK, Yuan J, Martins VR, Skog J, Kaplan RN, Brady MS, Wolchok JD, Chapman PB, Kang Y, Bromberg J, Lyden D. Melanoma exosomes educate bone marrow progenitor cells toward a pro-metastatic phenotype through MET. Nat Med. 2012 Jun;18(6):883-91.

4 Hood JL, San RS, Wickline SA. Exosomes released by melanoma cells prepare sentinel lymph nodes for tumor metastasis. Cancer Res. 2011 Jun 1;71(11):3792-801.

5Parolini I, Federici C, Raggi C, Lugini L, Palleschi S, De Milito A, Coscia C, Iessi E, Logozzi M, Molinari A, Colone M, Tatti M, Sargiacomo M, Fais S. Microenvironmental pH is a key factor for exosome traffic in tumor cells. J Biol Chem. 2009 Dec 4;284(49):34211-22.

6 Marton A, Vizler C, Kusz E, Temesfoi V, Szathmary Z, Nagy K, Szegletes Z, Varo G, Siklos L, Katona RL, Tubak V, Howard OM, Duda E, Minarovits J, Nagy K, Buzas K. Melanoma cell-derived exosomes alter macrophage and dendritic cell functions in vitro. ImmunolLett. 2012 Nov;148(1):34-8.

BioLargo on Track for FDA 510(k) Submission and Commercialization

Tue 18 Dec 2012 13:11:34 MST

BioLargo Inc. (OTCBB: BLGO), creator of patented iodine-based technologies, recently announced a number of significant achievements on its way towards commercializing its advanced novel antimicrobial wound care product to compete against companies like Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE: SNN) and 3M Company (NYSE: MMM) that produce existing wound care technologies.

Preliminary formulations have shown high levels of antimicrobial efficacy and rapidly control a number of dangerous pathogens encountered in wound care. If successful, the product could generate significant revenue in a market that’s expected to grow to from $16.8 billion this year to $21 billion by the year 2015.

BioLargo, Inc. ( OTCBB : BLGO ) announced today that it had accomplished a number of significant achievements in its march toward commercialization of advanced wound care products featuring its patented BioLargo technology.

First, preliminary formulations of its antimicrobial "hydrogel" and "liquid wound cleanser" products have passed rigorous third party laboratory testing validating both efficacy and safety. Independent testing has verified both rapid and effective control against a host of dangerous pathogens commonly encountered in the wound care field. Testing of the company's liquid formula verified efficacy against antimicrobial resistant species referred to by the CDC as the "ESKAPE" pathogens -- enterococcus faecium (VRE), staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), klebsiella species, acinetobacter baumannii, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and enterobacter.

Second, it has entered into a strategic alliance with a state-of-the-art FDA registered and a current good manufacturing practices ("cGMP") drug and device manufacturing company located in Florida, which will provide a host of services, including laboratory, regulatory, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain. Formulated Solutions, LLC will help BioLargo deliver market-ready products that feature the BioLargo's technology as soon as possible in the second half of 2013. They will finalize and test product formulations and complete the required data sets required to file the 510(k) premarket notification application with the FDA.

Third, BioLargo changed the name of its medical products subsidiary to Clyra Medical Technologies, and added former executives from global wound management companies to its leadership team. Former Smith & Nephew vice president Tanya Rhodes, and BlueSky Medical Group's co-founder Tim Johnson, joined the management team. Steven Harrison and Robert Szolomayer of BioLargo have joined Clyra as president and vice president, respectively. Clyra will produce, market and distribute medical products featuring BioLargo's technology.

"Our wound care applications showcase our mission to 'make life better,' and should prove out as a highly disruptive technical advancement in this competitive marketplace," stated Dennis Calvert, President & CEO of BioLargo. "The industry is struggling with a host of issues that we provide a solution to: the need to avoid microbial resistance, a need for gentle but effective ingredients that are readily metabolized by the body, products that can be used across a broad spectrum of pathogens, and cost savings. We also have initiated discussions to advance our work in the area of biofilm management for chronic wounds, which we began with our technical proof of claims at the University of Hawaii years ago. As a result of our discussions with key opinion leaders from the industry and our meaningful progress, we are excited about this venture and the future impact we hope it will have in the industry and for our shareholders."

About BioLargo, Inc.

BioLargo's business strategy is to harness and deliver Nature's Best Solution® -- free-iodine -- in a safe, efficient, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective manner. Its proprietary technology works by combining micro-nutrient salts with liquid from any source to deliver free-iodine on demand, in controlled dosages, in order to balance efficacy of performance with concerns about toxicity. The technology has potential commercial applications within global industries, including but not limited to oil and gas, animal health, beach and soil environmental uses, consumer products, agriculture, food processing, medical, and water. It features solutions for odor & moisture control, disinfection and contaminated water treatment. The company's goal is to improve the quality of life for people worldwide, while it protects the environment, and produces positive economic results for our customers, partners, and shareholders. Its website is www.BioLargo.com. The company's Odor-No-More® product was awarded two Editor's Choice Awards, including a "Product of the Year" award, by the Horse Journal, a top industry publication, as well as a Best New Product SuperZoo Award, and are sold by BioLargo's wholly owned subsidiary, Odor-No-More, Inc. (www.OdorNoMore.com). BioLargo also owns a 50% interest in the Isan System, already commercialized in Australia, which was honored with a "Top 50 Water Company for the 21st Century" award by the Artemis Project. It operates a wholly owned subsidiary named Clyra Medical Technologies focused on advanced wound care management that is preparing to make FDA 510(k) applications in 2013.

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties included in BioLargo's current and future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in BioLargo's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

AtheroNova (AHRO) Names Biotech Veteran as New Chief Medical Officer

Tue 18 Dec 2012 12:09:33 MST

AtheroNova Inc. (OTCQB: AHRO), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, recently named Dr. Mark K. Wedel, MD, JD as its new Chief Medical Officer. With experience in development and clinical affairs, he will be instrumental in bringing new drugs to market.

Unlike many other approaches to combatting common atherosclerotic problems, such as AstraZeneca plc’s (NYSE: AZN) Crestor or Amgen Inc.’s (NASDAQ: AMGN) upcoming AMG-145, Atheronova’s AHRO-001 works to significantly reduce the incidence and severity of plaque by employing a bile salt to prevent future and dissolve existing atherosclerotic deposits.

"We are pleased to announce that Dr. Wedel has joined AtheroNova's management team, bringing his wealth of knowledge in development and clinical affairs to help us as we transition to a clinical-stage company over the coming months," stated Thomas W. Gardner, CEO of AtheroNova. "We look forward to Mark's invaluable contributions in the development of the Company's first-in-class compounds for atherosclerosis regression and lipid modulation technology, especially given his extensive experience in development and the clinical affairs of lipid modulating drugs."

Between 2009 and 2010, Dr. Wedel served as Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Clinical Development for Santaris A/S in San Diego, CA, responsible for planning the strategic clinical development of several locked nucleic acid oligonucleotides, including lipid lowering agents directed at apolipoprotein B and PCSK9. He was also responsible for obtaining FDA approval for the first micro RNA oligonucleotide used in Hepatitis C infected man and assembling Santaris' medical advisory board and clinical research staff.

Between 2002 and 2008, Dr. Wedel held the position of Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Clinical Development with ISIS Pharmaceuticals, where he oversaw the clinical research activities of 13 drugs in all phases of clinical development. He developed safety and medical affairs profiles for all drugs under development and was instrumental in the development and licensing of ISIS' flagship drug, a lipid lowering antisense inhibitor of apolipoprotein B, to Genzyme.

Between 1996 and 2002, Dr. Wedel served as Executive Director of Alliance Pharmaceuticals, a company developing liquid ventilation in acute lung injury. At Alliance, he was responsible for successfully leading the company through Phase II and III clinical trials, working directly with the FDA throughout the clinical process. Dr. Wedel's career also includes consulting positions with the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as Medical Director for the Intensive Care Unit of Scripps Clinic & Research Foundation, and serving as Head of Pulmonary Medicine at Park-Nicollet Medical Center.

Dr. Wedel holds a Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry and Biology from Valparaiso University, an MD from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and a JD from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Chest Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Disorders Medicine. He is the author of one book and more than 50 professional publications and articles.

About AtheroNova

AtheroNova Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AtheroNova Operations, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, research, development and licensing of novel compounds to reduce or regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits and to safely improve lipid profiles in humans. In addition to its lead compound AHRO-001, AtheroNova plans to develop multiple applications for its patents-pending therapies in market sectors that include: Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease, Dementia and Alzheimer's and Erectile Dysfunction, all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and its related pharmaceutical expenses for these indications cost consumers more than $41 billion annually in the United States alone. For more information, please visit www.AtheroNova.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are inherently unreliable and actual results may differ materially. Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the value of Mark Wedel’s involvement with AtheroNova, and the development of applications for AtheroNova's technology. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include such factors as significant fluctuations in expenses associated with clinical trials, failure to secure additional financing, the inability to complete regulatory filings with the Food and Drug Administration, the introduction of competing products, or management's ability to attract and maintain qualified personnel necessary for the development and commercialization of its planned products, and other information that may be detailed from time to time in AtheroNova's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. AtheroNova undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Glaxo genital herpes vaccine flops but Genocea a buy in vaccine space

Tue 18 Dec 2012 10:01:23 MST

This article was republished with permission and originally appeared on SanDiegoBiotechnology.com.

A Glaxo Smith Kline (NASDAQ: GSK) genital herpes vaccine recently flopped in a large clinical trial, but “next generation” genital herpes vaccines by Genocea Biosciences, Agenus, Inc. (NASDAQ: AGEN), Vical, Inc. (NASDAQ: VICL), and Sanofi Pasteur (NYSE: SNY) offer new hope for an effective vaccine treatment.

A Yale University study published in the Nov. 15, 2012 issue of Nature described a simple technique to “pull” memory immune cells, a few days after genital herpes vaccination shots, directly into reproductive tissues where the cells are needed. Moving memory immune cells to the site of infections solves a vaccination riddle and two genital herpes vaccine developers are seizing on the breakthrough to improve their vaccines’ effectiveness.

With one of six adults in the U.S. infected with genital herpes and many others fearful of joining them, there is no shortage of volunteers for trials of genital herpes vaccines.

More than 8,300 women volunteered to receive three shots of a HSV-2 vaccine over six months in a clinical trial sponsored by Glaxo. The vaccine was hoped to prevent initial infections. However, Glaxo announced in early 2012 that women who received the vaccine were actually slightly more likely to eventually become infected than women who received a placebo.

$100 million lesson

The Glaxo subunit vaccine, like several others, contained viral glycoprotein D ((gD2)) plus an adjuvant to enhance the antibody response. A 20-year, $100 million effort to prevent genital herpes using gD2 subunit vaccines, seems to have flopped.

Quixotic or smart?

Now, it’s fair to ask why Agenus and Genocea Biosciences are still pursuing subunit vaccines against HSV-2. Are their quests quixotic and doomed as well? And what about live-attenuated, replication-deficient and DNA vaccines against genital herpes?

An estimated one out of six people aged 14 to 49 years old in the U.S. and more than 500 million worldwide have HSV-2 infections, but the virus is incredibly resilient once it infects a human host. The cruel witticism about herpes being more permanent than marriage is sadly true. Anti-viral drugs acyclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir, marketed under a variety of trade names, can prevent or shorten genital herpes outbreaks, but experts say an effective vaccine as a better solution.

Needed: genital herpes vaccine

Initially, genital herpes causes small, painful blisters in the reproductive and adjacent tissues of men and women. It also infects nearby neurons where the virus sets up latent infections, oscillating between dormancy and outbreaks in genital tissue every few weeks or months.

Genital herpes infections in adults who have competent immune systems are usually not life-threatening. However, genital herpes is associated with a three-fold increased risk for HIV acquisition. And, in pregnant women, genital herpes can lead to miscarriage or premature birth, and the infection can be passed to a child, resulting in a potentially fatal infection.

‘I’m not a whole person’

“At our company’s all-hands meeting I read a letter from a 20-year-old woman, thanking us for working on a vaccine,” said Chip Clark, CEO of Genocea Biosciences, a Massachusetts company testing a protein subunit vaccine against herpes simplex virus type 2 ((HSV-2)). “She wrote, ‘I can’t date. I can’t marry. I can’t have children because of the possibility that I will pass on this terrible disease. I feel like I’m not a whole person.’”

Genocea and Agenus are optimistic they can solve the herpes vaccine riddle and give millions of people hope for a more normal life. Their next-generation vaccines are much more likely than Glaxo’s to succeed.

Why?

The gD2 subunit vaccines were designed primarily to generate an antibody response. However, antibodies alone don’t seem to deter HSV-2. Cell-mediated immune responses that involve thymus-derived cells (T cells) such as CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells, and antigen-presenting cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and related cell types are most effective in animal models of HSV-2 in humans.

Keeping herpes latent

“We are not promising any cures,” said David Knipe, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Harvard Medical School and one of the world’s leading experts on HSV-2 vaccines. “However, an effective therapeutic vaccine may keep the virus in its latent state, or knock out the virus when it reactivates.”

Animals lie

More CD8 T cells or a different kind of CD4 T cell response may work well in animal models, “but they may or may not be good predictors of efficacy in humans,” Knipe said. “We don’t know the correlates of immunity, and to find out we need to do more testing in humans.”

“If I knew why animals lie, my name would be in lights,” said Genocea’s Clark.

Under the urging of Knipe and his colleagues, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ((NIAID)) hosted leaders of the HSV-2 vaccine community in a workshop Oct. 22-23. The meeting included academic researchers, vaccine developers, providers of grant funding and regulators with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ((FDA)). The workshop participants are expected to release a list of recommendations for future HSV-2 vaccine development.

The FDA is eager to do its part in the development of an effective HSV-2 vaccine, but the regulatory agency won’t define what antibody levels or cell-mediated immune responses are required. FDA licensure of any genital herpes vaccine will be based on clinical results.

Replication-deficient herpes

The attendees of the NIAID workshop focused on approaches that elicit strong cell-mediated immune responses. Attempts to weaken, or attenuate HSV-2 have resulted in live vaccines that are more potent that protein subunit vaccines, and research is proceeding to ensure that such vaccines are safe. Knipe said replication-deficient HSV-2 that can infect cells – but not multiply in them – could offer the advantages of protein subunit vaccines without the safety concerns of live-attenuated strains.

The vaccines developed by Agenus and Genocea produce antibody responses but, more importantly, they also produce robust cell-mediated responses.

The endpoint for Genocea’s double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation trial is a reduction in the frequency and severity of genital herpes sores. The endpoint for Agenus is a reduction in viral shedding, which would reduce transmission and lower the occurrence of outbreaks in previously infected individuals.

Vaccine trial results in 2013

Both companies will report the results of their Phase 2 and Phase 1/2a clinical trials, respectively, in the third quarter 2013.

The Agenus and Genocea vaccines each contain an adjuvant that enhances cell-mediated immunity. However, the two companies’ vaccines differ dramatically in the most important component: the protein antigens.

Deconstructing two herpes vaccines

Genocea uses two HSV-2 proteins. One is gD2, which was used in Glaxo’s vaccine. The second protein is called infected cell protein 4 ((ICP-4)), which elicits a strong cell-mediated response in patients of varied genetic backgrounds.

Agenus uses 32 peptides, all made synthetically. Agenus scientists selected the peptides, each 35 amino acids in length, because they were exact matches for peptides in a database of peptides that are known to be involved in human “antigen presentation” reactions that are a key part of cell-mediated immunity.

The Agenus vaccine has an additional ingredient: human heat-shock protein 70 ((hsp70)). This protein, which is induced by fever and other stressors, is an important “alarm signal” that triggers innate immune responses that are known to kill or inactivate many viruses.

“We’ve designed what we think is an optimal vaccine with a very wide spectrum of 32 targets that allow us to address a very wide cross section of the population and a wide spectrum of the herpes genome,” Dr. Garo Armen, CEO of Agenus, said in a telephone interview.

Financing Phase 3

Agenus plans to finance Phase 3 trials of its HSV-2 vaccine with income generated from its other products. The company has 18 products in clinical development, many being developed in collaboration with Glaxo. “We will have a number of companies wanting to partner with us,” Armen said.

Privately held Genocea announced in October that it has raised $30 million in Series C financing. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and CVF, LLC, an affiliate of Henry Crown and Co., are participating with Genocea’s existing investors, including Polaris Venture Partners, Lux Capital, SR One, Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation, Skyline Ventures, Cycad Group, Auriga Partners, MP Healthcare Ventures and Morningside. Genocea has raised a total of $76 million in equity financing to date.

‘Push-pull’ breakthrough

The Agenus and Genocea vaccines rev up CD4 T cells, which are involved in cell-mediated immunity, as well as memory CD8 T cells, a particularly important subpopulation of T cells that migrate through the spleen, liver and other organs, but don’t enter vaginal tissue and other parts of the body unless recruited by CD4 T cells.

However, the Yale study published in Nature reported that a biochemical signal in the form of a topical application of chemokines ((CXCL 9 and CXCL 10)) in the vaginas of mice “pulls” memory CD8 T cells into the tissue whether CD4 T cells are there or not.

The pull was so effective that 100 percent of mice that received it after being vaccinated with a genetically weakened strain of HSV-2 survived a lethal challenge of HSV-2. However, only 36.3 percent of mice survived the lethal challenge if they had been given only the vaccination.

Adding the ‘pull’

“If vaccines develop robust memory CD8 T cell responses, that’s great, but you still need to recruit them to the site of infection,” Akiko Iwasaki, professor of immunobiology and molecular, cellular and developmental biology at Yale University, said in a telephone interview. “Hopefully, our ‘pull’ approach can be used with any vaccine to do that.”

The Yale results are so compelling that the CEOs of Genocea and Agenus said in telephone interviews that they are investigating the biochemical “pull” approach with their current vaccines to determine whether to add the new wrinkle in the next round of clinical trials.

“We find ‘push-pull’ very interesting, very promising,” said Genocea’s Clark. “We are built narrowly around our antigen-discovery platform, but we would be narrow-minded if we didn’t think that what we develop is only part of the solution.”

Armen, the CEO of Agenus, was equally impressed. “As long as there is safety data on the pull mechanism, we may want to do a preclinical model and get it into the clinic as early as possible.”

Iwasaki also said the chemokines used in her study are gentle, safe and can be formulated into a gel that can easily be applied topically. She said another FDA-approved gel used to treat genital warts is much more toxic than her chemokines.

DNA genital herpes vaccine

San Diego-based Vical, Inc., dramatically improved protection against HSV-2 in mice with a DNA vaccine that includes the full length of the gD2 gene combined with an adjuvant called Vaxfectin®. In a paper published in the May 22 online edition of Journal of General Virology, researchers said all mice in the gD2 vaccine-only group died when given 500 times the lethal dose of HSV-2. However, 80 percent survived if they had been given Vaxfectin with the DNA vaccine.

Vical plans to begin human trials in 2013 and will evaluate multivalent DNA vaccines that elicit cell-mediated immunity and have prophylactic and therapeutic activity in the guinea pig model of genital HSV-2.

Amgen (AMGN) purchased BioVex Group, Inc., in March 2011, but Amgen hasn’t announced plans to advance BioVex’s genital herpes vaccine, which is rationally designed to remove the genes that allow HSV-2 to avoid the immune system.

Sanofi Pasteur, provider of vaccines against more than 26 infectious diseases, is supporting development of the ACAM-529 replication-defective HSV-2 vaccine. The vaccine protects mice from a lethal vaginal HSV-2 challenge, and it provides better protection than glycoprotein D, plus adjuvant, in guinea pigs.

SafeBrain Systems (SFBR): Targeting Head Trauma with Innovative Technology

Mon 17 Dec 2012 11:47:15 MST

Trauma injuries have become increasingly common in both amateur and professional sports, ranging from ice hockey to American football. After acquiring the SafeBrain System in May 2012, SafeBrain Systems Inc. (OTCQB: SFBR) has focused its efforts on commercializing a unique solution designed to combat these problems and ultimately help save lives.

Similar companies: Dicks Sporting Goods Inc. (NYSE: DKS), Nautilus Inc. (NYSE: NLS).

NFL Suicides Underscore Problem

Jovan Belcher’s recent murder-suicide is only the latest in a series of NFL-related incidents that could be tied to head trauma. A study by the Psychiatric Times found that suicide rates after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are 2x to 3x higher, as those suffering from this condition tend to abuse alcohol and prescription medications when struggling with the chronic pain.

Mr. Belcher’s murder-suicide represents just one of many incidents affecting just one of many professional sports. Junior Seau’s suicide in May of 2012 and those of Dave Duerson and Ray Easterling over the past two years are more examples of the damage that persistent head trauma may have caused for NFL athletes subjected to hard hits every day for years.

SafeBrain Offers an Innovative Solution

SafeBrain Systems Inc. has developed unique solutions to combat problems associated with head trauma in both junior-level and professional sports around the world. The company’s state-of-the-art detection and preventative concussion exposure technologies have been consistently tested and proven in team use and are backed by strong scientific evidence.

The company’s sensor is worn in helmets to help determine if they may have been hit hard enough to have a traumatic brain injury (TBI). After a flashing LED light signals that a player may need medical attention, the coaching staff can pull the player out of play and analyze the details more importantly before allowing them to safely re-enter the game.

Large and Growing Potential Market

SafeBrain Systems has patented a unique product in a potentially enormous industry. With an estimated 300,000 sports related TBIs occurring in the U.S. each year, many junior-level and professional teams could benefit from the company’s technology to avoid what’s known as “second impact syndrome”, which can raise the likelihood of lasting damage.

Repeated TBIs over a long period of time can result in cumulative neurologic and cognitive deficits, but repeated mild injuries occurring within a short period of time can be catastrophic or fatal, according to the company. These fatal short-term events can range from hours to weeks, meaning the firm’s technology could help save lives, if deployed properly in sporting events.

Long-term Investment Opportunity

SafeBrain Systems represents an interesting investment opportunity for long-term investors, with a product already developed and on the market. And, with a market capitalization of just $2.5 million, the company’s stock and financial results could move significantly higher, if it’s successful in commercializing its technology.

IntelGenx Technologies (IGXT): Delivery Technologies with Near-term Commercialization

Tue 11 Dec 2012 09:49:26 MST

IntelGenx Technologies Inc. (OTCQX: IGXT) is a developer of novel and innovative proprietary technologies designed to enhance approved drugs, similar to companies like BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (NASDAQ: BDSI) or Alkermes plc (NASDAQ: ALKS). By applying its technologies to pre-existing products, the company helps pharmaceutical companies not only enhance efficacy but also extend product exclusivity by adding its proprietary delivery technology to the product, thereby adding significant value.

Three Delivery Technologies

IntelGenx Technologies has developed three platforms designed to address challenges commonly encountered in oral drug delivery, including first-pass metabolism, gastrointestinal side effects, or incomplete absorption in the GI tract. These technologies are broadly applicable to a wide array of existing pharmaceutical compounds.

The three technologies include:

• VersaTab – A controlled release tablet focused on the linearization of the release profile using controlled erosion of inactive cover layers. By more steadily releasing active ingredients, compounds can be reformulated to have longer lasting effects.
• VersaFilm – A fast dissolving strip originally developed to instantly deliver savory flavors to food substrates that has many advantages over oral tablets, including the ability to deliver active ingredients faster than fast dissolving oral tablets.
• AdVersa – A solid dosage tablet placed in the oral cavity to control the release of active ingredients by being placed in direct contact with the absorption site, which makes it an ideal delivery solution for drugs that aren’t very soluble.

Strong Pipeline of Products

IntelGenx Technologies has a number of products in its pipeline that leverage these three platforms to target various end markets. From major depressive disorder to migraine relief, these products are being developed with established pharmaceutical partners looking to improve the efficacy of their drugs and/or extend their patent life.

Some of the major products include:

• Forfivo™ - A VersaTab reformulation of Bupropion, an FDA approved treatment for major depressive disorder. Using its proprietary extended-release multi-layer tablet technology, the company is able to provide a 450mg tablet to physicians that had previously been forced to prescribe multiple lower strengths to patients to obtain the desired results.
• Rizatriptan – A VersaFilm reformulation of rizatriptan in partnership with RedHill Biopharma for the treatment of migraines. In a successful pivotal clinical trial, the rizatriptan film demonstrated bioequivalency to Merck & Co.’s Maxalt-MLT®, and the company plans a submission during Q1 2013 for FDA regulatory approval.
• Eszopiclone – A VersaFilm reformulation of eszopiclone for the treatment of insomnia designed to enable quick dissolving without water or chewing. Currently, the company is optimization taste masking, while comparing it to Lunesta™ to derisk subsequent studies as it looks to commercialize the treatment by 2015.

Great Investment Opportunity

IntelGenx Technologies has developed a unique set of technologies that are capable of both improving the efficacy of existing drugs and extending patent life via reformulation. With several drug candidates already in its pipeline, the company is rapidly progressing towards partnership and commercialization, which could unlock significant value for shareholders.

Forfivo™ was commercially launched in October in the U.S. after receiving FDA approval with its partner Edgemont Pharmaceuticals. With major depressive disorder being a leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44 affecting some 14.8 million adults each year, the market for this treatment is significant and there are few treatments that show strong efficacy.

Looking forward, the company remains on track to file its 505(b)(2) NDA submission for its anti-migraine VersaFilm product during the first quarter of 2013. And with $2.8 million in cash on its books last quarter, it remains well capitalized to execute on these plans over the near-term.

More Information

For more information, please see the following resources:

• Company Website
• Recent SEC Filings

Bank of America Investment Report Highlights the Value in 22nd Century Group

Fri 30 Nov 2012 13:23:57 MST

Early this week, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch published an analyst report on Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTPs) detailing the significant impact that MRTPs will have on the $748 billion annual worldwide tobacco industry. "We are on the eve of what we all believe could be a paradigm shift for our industry," Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) CEO, Louis Camilleri was quoted. The new products have "the very real potential to not only be a game-changer, but also be the key to unlock several hitherto virgin territories, most notably the huge Chinese market."

Indeed MRTPs could revolutionize the tobacco industry and generate untold profits for the most innovative, consumer-acceptable products. BOA goes into great detail describing "Modified Smoking" products which mimic smoking such as e-cigarettes and heat, not burn, products, and "Alternatives to Smoking" such as snus, dissolvables and nicotine replacement products. Examples of these products are marketed at Lorillard Inc. (NYSE: LO) and Reynolds American Inc. (NYSE: RAI).

Yet history has shown that the world's one billion smokers are not attracted to the exotic MRTPs catalogued in the BOA report. According to the report, traditional combustible cigarettes account for 92% of the value of all tobacco products sold worldwide. Simply stated: smokers prefer combustible cigarettes and are highly attracted to cigarettes that are potentially less harmful. Yet remarkably, the BOA analyst report does not comment on technology that addresses the 6 trillion cigarettes smoked every year.

As with many analyst reports covering blue chip companies, Bank of America seems to have overlooked one of the most compelling companies in the space that has headroom for tremendous growth that may be unprecedented compared to goliaths in the tobacco industry. The tiny microcap? A biotechnology-tobacco hybrid, 22nd Century Group, Inc. (OTCBB: XXII). What gives under-the-radar 22nd Century Group credibility? Well, with over 100 patents, mainly on the genes in the tobacco plant that regulate nicotine production, 22nd Century is the only company in the world with the technology to provide the U.S. National Institutes of Health research cigarettes containing an entire spectrum of nicotine content: from very low to high.

A peer-reviewed research paper just published this week by lead-author Dr. Dorothy K. Hatsukami, a member of the FDA's Tobacco Product Scientific Advisory Committee, (TPSAC), Dose-Response Effects of Spectrum Research Cigarettes (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23178320), summarizes that 22nd Century Group's Spectrum cigarettes "that vary in nicotine content produce an expected dose-response effect." Further, Spectrum cigarettes may represent an opportunity to "scientifically determine if reducing (or increasing) nicotine content in cigarettes may be a viable national policy strategy."

Indeed, if health awareness and an ever-increasing stranglehold on the number of public places where smoking is permitted aren't enough to lower consumer demand and bolster use of MRTPs, the government is setting initiatives in place through the Tobacco Control Act that could mandate lower levels of nicotine in cigarettes or other related compounds. Regulations of this nature will leave manufacturers reeling to meet compliance requirements and will result in increased pressure by consumers for alternatives to today's conventional cigarettes. In this environment, the holy grail for the industry is modified risk combustible cigarettes.

The New York-based 22nd Century Group has introduced its own products in the U.S. market, including its RED SUN brand that has relatively high levels of nicotine -- slated for national distribution in 2013 as a super-premium cigarette. The company is also developing consumer-acceptable reduced risk tobacco products and is in late-stage clinical trials with very low nicotine (VLN) cigarettes as a smoking cessation product. What these developments provide for are exponential growth prospects for 22nd Century on both horizontal and vertical planes. While big tobacco seems somewhat paralyzed in trying to make decisions about what direction to move for traditional cigarettes, 22nd Century has held a firm course and developed the technology to modify nicotine levels in tobacco from very low to high. In that respect, the company has no peers as no other company has been able to achieve what they have with either raising or lowering the nicotine levels. This could prove to be invaluable to the industry and smokers - and to shareholders of XXII.

Further, 22nd Century has supplied its very low nicotine (VLN) cigarettes for a 200-patient clinical trial in London where researchers, in collaboration with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), are evaluating Pfizer's Chantix in combination with 22nd Century's VLN cigarettes as an improved smoking cessation therapy. Additional independent Phase II studies are ongoing at the University of Minnesota examining the remarkable benefits of the company's VLN cigarettes.

22nd Century's technology not only works to reduce nicotine levels in the tobacco plant, but it is also efficient in raising nicotine levels to extremely high levels, a methodology that some experts believe reduces exposure to smoke and tar (the bad stuff) by more efficiently giving the smoker the desired dose of nicotine. Similar to coffee served at Starbucks compared to that of the local diner. Less is required.

Notwithstanding Bank of America's unintentional snub, 22nd Century Group's unique position in the industry is clear. 22nd Century has ties with the U.S. government that distinguish the company from all others in the tobacco industry. 22nd Century's products are sought after by independent clinical researchers worldwide. According to company news releases, this year 22nd Century began actively pursuing licensing agreements with major pharmaceutical tobacco companies. What's more the company recently announced its intention to file a modified risk tobacco product application with the FDA for two of its products. Given these facts, this under-the-radar company appears ready to shine. A licensing agreement of some nature - either in the biotechnology or tobacco arenas would seem on the horizon and would obviously ignite the stock.

Apropos, with all of the information on the tobacco industry that is hitting the wires this week, it does not appear that XXII is slipping past the eyes of the investment community. Shares are already commanding a 75 percent premium to the previous Friday's closing price as volume has skyrocketed to record highs. Even with the deserved attention, shares still have plenty of upside potential as they sit a dollar below all-time highs.

Insiders apparently are seeing the opportunity. Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Pandolfino, and President, Henry Sicignano, have invested more than $300,000 this month purchasing more than one million shares according to company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (secfilings.com/SearchResults.aspx?ticker=XXII). Insiders buying could be equated to "where there's smoke, there's fire" and this company may be ready to (no pun intended), light it up.

GrowLife (PHOT) Eyes Hobbyist Market for Marijuana Growing

Thu 29 Nov 2012 11:00:55 MST

GrowLife Inc. (OTCQB: PHOT), an industry leading consortium of high-end gardening and horticulture brands, sees enormous potential in the hobbyist market emerging from new marijuana laws being drafted at a state level. For instance, Colorado may allow adults over the age of 21 to grow up to six marijuana plants in their homes legally.

GrowLife offers a unique play on the burgeoning marijuana sector. Unlike Cannabis Science Inc. (OTCQB: CBIS) or Hemp Inc. (OTCQB: HEMP), the company is focused on end-to-end growing solutions designed to simplify indoor horticulture. The product is well positioned to capitalize on the new regulatory environment, but may have less regulatory risk than other plays.

GrowLife Inc. (PHOT), an industry-leading consortium of high-end gardening and horticulture brands focused on merchandising the "picks and shovels" of the growing "green rush," today announced that it sees potential for rapid market expansion as states draft new marijuana laws in Colorado, Washington, and Massachusetts.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper is creating a task force this week to start the process of ironing out the newly passed law in his state, which will work "to identify the policy, legal and procedural issues that need to be resolves related to Amendment 64" as reported by the Denver post. On December 6th, Colorado will certify the November vote totals from each county, Hickenlooper will then have 30 days to sign off and Amendment 64 which then becomes the law of the state on January 5th, 2013.

GrowLife notes that the Colorado law provides for home growing operations. For instance, Amendment 64 would allow adults 21 years or older to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana from specialty dispensaries and grow up to six marijuana plants in their homes.

In the state of Washington the need for expediency is just as great, with December 6th also being the day of certification for their vote totals. The difference is that in Washington there is no 30-day waiting period, the law will be in effect in a mere 7 days. While the state has until December 1st, 2013 to establish other key rules, the Seattle Police department has taken a proactive approach by releasing "Marijwhatnow? A Guide to Legal Marijuana Use in Seattle".

These developments could significantly expand the market for indoor horticulture and complete growing systems. By providing the highest quality equipment possible, GrowLife's systems are uniquely suited for allowing the home grower a beginning to end solution that is perfectly suited to grow the best product available.

"The hobbyist market is powerful one in America," according to Sterling Scott, the CEO of GrowLife, Inc. Scott explained that "among the prominent public companies with a commitment to the medical marijuana industry, GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) is fortunate to be positioned almost perfectly to efficiently serve the hobbyist market with our industry leadings brands and our on-line sales channel. Our companies have fielded hundreds of calls from new customers in Washington, Colorado and Massachusetts over the past several weeks. It is gratifying to us to welcome so many new hobbyist customers in GrowLife companies across all demographics."

GrowLife believes that federal interference is unlikely, especially in Colorado where a higher percentage of the population voted for legalized marijuana than they did for President Obama in November. Many people compare today's marijuana movement to the early 1930's repealing of prohibition. In 1933, then Michigan Gov. William Comstock said "Prohibition didn't prohibit", and went on to describe the vote for the 21st amendment as an exercise of "good common sense and judgment."

The support is also there for ending cannabis prohibition from a traditionally conservative point of view; a basic conservative political position is that we should have as little governmental intrusion in our lives as possible. This position has been promoted by the great economic guru of the Republican Party, Milton Freidman, as well as by recent presidential candidates Ron Paul and Gary Johnson.

GrowLife's consortium of companies actively participate in all channels of commerce for distribution and sales, including operating on-line and retail outlets for direct consumer sales and the supply of specialty GrowLife company products to wholesale and retail channels. And, while supporting progressive normalization of cannabis laws, the company does not grow, sell or distribute any substances that violate U.S. law or the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

About GrowLife, Inc.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) (formerly Phototron Holding, Inc.) (www.growlifeinc.com) is a company with core holdings in innovative technology-based products and services for the indoor gardening industry and specialty markets. These brands include Stealth Grow, a producer of grow room automation equipment and hi-powered LED grow light products for indoor horticulture (www.sgsensors.com and www.stealthgrow.com), Greners.com, the online hydroponics superstore (www.greners.com) and Phototron, producer of hydroponic grow containers, which are designed to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits in any environment (www.phototron.com).

For more information about our public holding company, please visit www.growlifeinc.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in GrowLife's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, all industry products are subject to additional uncertainty, including the risks of delay, cancellation and poor critical or financial reception. GrowLife disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

Why Buy Vivus And Arena? Private Insurance, ObamaCare to Cover Their Obesity Drugs

Thu 29 Nov 2012 10:18:25 MST

This season of pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and rising obesity rates is a perfect time to talk turkey about the overly bearish sales estimates of Belviq and Qsymia, the obesity drugs approved by the FDA this summer.

The oft-cited $1 billion-a-year combined estimated sales for Qsymia, which is made by Vivus, Inc. (VVUS), and Belviq, made by Arena Pharmaceuticals (ARNA), should be revised upward. Why? It’s not just because of Aetna’s Nov. 20 revision to include Qsymia and Belviq “as medically necessary weight reduction medications” for its 37.3 million covered health plan members.

Two important policy shifts at the federal level – by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – also bode well for much broader coverage of weight loss prescription medicines. The shift is a logical way to cut massive health costs caused by obesity. The trajectory of policy shifts is leading experts to predict that Qsymia and Belviq will soon become covered by all private and public health insurers, including Medicare, the federal health plan for Americans aged 65 and older and younger people with disabilities, and Medicaid, the federal-state health program for low-income individuals and families.

Even the Mayo Clinic informs patients visiting its website that Qsymia and Belviq are “prescription weight-loss medications your doctor may prescribe.” Estimates of the market in the U.S. alone for obesity drugs are as high as $60 billion a year, but nobody knows for sure. Consider this: the market capitalization of Vivus currently at $1.12 billion and Arena’s market cap at $2.03 billion. Even if the obesity drug market’s eventual size is one-tenth of the highest current estimate, both companies are grossly undervalued.

Obesity policy timeline

This is the timeline of major events in the past 12 months that underlie the assessment that sales of Qsymia and Belviq will be better than expected:

November 2011: A “decision memo” by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ((CMS)) states: “The evidence is adequate to conclude that intensive behavioral therapy for obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher is reasonable and necessary for the prevention or early detection of illness or disability.” More intensive treatment plans, including up to 26 office visits in one year, are now expected to become part of Medicare and Medicaid coverage. ((Neither Qsymia norBelviq had been approved by the FDA yet.))

May 8, 2012: A report by U.S. Institute of Medicine and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation estimated that the annual cost of treating obesity-related chronic disease and disability is $190.2 billion. Obviously, reducing obesity reduces obesity-related costs and “the staggering human toll.”

June 2, 2012: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends intensive, multicomponent behavioral intervention for patients with BMI of 30 or higher to reduce weight and lower metabolic risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. ((Still no decision by the FDA at this point on Qsymia or Belviq.))

June 27, 2012: FDA approves Arena Pharmaceutical’s Belviq, along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management of adults with BMI of 30 or higher ((or BMI of 27 or greater when the individual has a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol)). It was the FDA’s first approval of a weight loss drug in 13 years.

July 17, 2012: FDA approves Vivus’ Qsymia along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management of adults with BMI of 30 or higher ((or BMI of 27 or greater when the individual has a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol)). November 20, 2012: Aetna, a health insurance provider to 37.3 million policyholders, revised its Clinical Policy Bulletin to include Belviq and Qsymia as “medically necessary weight reduction medications.” ((Each Aetna benefit plan defines which services are covered; members need to consult with benefit representatives to determine if their plan has limitations that would apply to obesity medicines.))

“Along with Aetna, many other private insurers already cover visits and obesity counseling, and ObamaCare will mandate that preventative services for obesity are covered,” said Dr. Michael Kaplan, chief medical officer of The Center for Medical Weight Loss, a Tarrytown, N.Y.-based company with 750 affiliated doctors in weight loss clinics nationwide. “ObamaCare should lead to 100 percent of the population being covered for obesity management in 2014.”

Benefits of modest weight loss

An estimated one-third of the total U.S. population of 311 million are obese, defined as having a body mass index ((BMI)) of 30 or higher, which is equivalent to a person who is 5 foot 4 weighing 175 pounds, or a person who is 6 foot 4 weighing 247 pounds. ((BMI is defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.))

A landmark 2005 study found that 27 percent of all national health care charges were associated with patients who are physically inactive, overweight and obese. More recent studies document that modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent can significantly reduce rates of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other health problems. All private and public health insurance plans pay for diabetes drugs, and it’s only logical to cover obesity-prevention services and drugs that reduce rates of diabetes.

In other words, reducing obesity will save the nation some unknown percentage of the $190.2 billion it currently spends on obesity-related diseases ((such as diabetes)) and disability. At the same time, not all obesity treatments are cost effective: the National Weight Registry found that surgeries designed to restrict overeating don’t really work in most cases; most of those patients exercise very little, eat more high-fat foods than the norm, and gain the weight back.

Less costly approaches than surgery seem to work better. However, neither reduced-calorie diets alone, nor increased exercise alone lead to long-term weight loss. The combination of diet and exercise helps about 20 percent of people lose weight and keep it off, according to the National Weight Registry. What will help the remaining 80 percent? Qsymia and/or Belviq plus a low-calorie diet, exercise, routine counseling and related approaches actually work.

Kaplan is using that approach with Qsymia and “having pretty good results in combination with intensive counseling and behavior modification” with no side effects. “In some cases we can discontinue hypertension medications and medications for type 2 diabetes,” Kaplan said. “Getting patients to lose even 10 percent of their body mass is huge because health outcomes improve dramatically even with modest weight loss.”

Checking zero-sum math

Some analysts describe the market for Qsymia and Belviq as a zero-sum game, with sales of one hurting the other. It’s easy to understand the argument: with Qsymia costing $120 to $160 a month, mostly out of pocket, and Belviq expected to cost roughly the same, a patient will use only one or the other, right? It depends.

Indeed, about 30 percent of the patients who have received Qsymia prescriptions didn’t fill them. Dr. Edward Zbella, medical director of the Tampa, Fla.-based Medi-Weightloss Clinics, said his 82 affiliated weight loss clinics plan to use the two generic drugs in Qsymia at a price of about $40 per month of treatment, rather than relying on Qsymia, with a price tag of $120 to $160 a month.

“There is no advantage for us to use Qsymia,” Zbella said. At the same time, he said a high-intensity approach of a low-calorie diet, regular exercise, counseling and weight loss drugs can be highly effective. “Type 2 diabetes is almost always due to obesity,” he said. “And older obese patients need hip and knee replacements, which are expected to increase ten-fold in the next five years, and the negative health impacts of obesity go on, and on, and on.”

However, if insurance plans are eager to avoid spending increases to treat type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, why not cover obesity drugs? Zbella said if health insurance providers cover Qsymia and Belviq prescriptions, his clinics will prescribe them.

Patients who want to lose the most weight the fastest may opt for Qsymia. Why? Patients taking it in clinical trials lost 8.6 to 9.4 percent of their body weight ((compared to controls)) at one year. Weight loss with Belviq was 3.0 to 3.3 percent at one year. However, Belviq has a better safety profile, and may end up being more popular for maintaining weight loss long term. Neither drug can be used during pregnancy.

“Qsymia looks like a better drug for a patient who weighs more, so we may start a patient on it, but Qsymia and Belviq are both are excellent for maintaining weight loss,” Kaplan said.

Reasonable expectations

Vivus reported $453,000 in Qsymia shipments for the last two weeks of September, an amount equivalent to roughly only 3,000 prescriptions. The intentionally cumbersome online ordering from CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens hurt. The FDA required the difficult ordering process and home delivery of Qsymia as a way to limit sales to women of childbearing ages, but weight loss doctors say the FDA has gone too far if the federal government truly wants to lower the obesity rate.

“It’s all kinds of paperwork; it’s a hassle and CVS and Walgreens don’t even stock them,” said Dr. Arthur Aronson, owner of Medarts Medical Weight Loss Specialists in San Diego, Calif. He sees up to 300 patients during a busy month, but refuses to prescribe Qsymia because of the prescription hassles – unless patients ask for it.

Investors understandably don’t have the patience for such glitches to be resolved. Many pulled out of Vivus because of the disappointingly slow initial sales, but it’s time for them to come back to Vivus and Arena because the insurance landscape is shifting in favor of the two companies.

New Year’s resolutions

Already, Vivus has expanded its online distribution network for Qsymia to two additional home-delivery networks: Express Scripts and Kaiser Permanente ((for its 9 million health plan members)). Some analysts now predict a substantial increase in Qsymia sales in the fourth quarter. They may be correct, but as anyone who frequents a fitness club knows, almost all new members arrive, like clockwork, in January, not the fourth quarter of the year.

“Right now, it’s slow at our clinic, which is usual this time of year,” Aronson said in a pre-Thanksgiving telephone interview. “In January, patients literally line up at the doors.”

The post-holiday bump in interest in weight loss is great timing for Belviq, which should be available by then. However, it must first be "scheduled" as a controlled drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ((DEA)), after which Eisai, Inc., will begin marketing it in most of North and South America ((including the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Brazil)). Eisai has a marketing and supply agreement with Arena.

Regulatory red tape

It’s possible that the FDA could require the same unnecessarily cumbersome online prescription ordering process for Belviq that has slowed Qsymia sales. However, Kaplan said his weight loss clinics regard the red tape as an opportunity. Office staffers sit down with patients at a computer and assist them with ordering. Patients love it. Refills are much simpler and return visits are easier on everybody.

Since reimbursable counseling sessions are now recommended as an essential part of weight loss treatment, clinics have an incentive to schedule additional patient visits. More frequent visits help ensure that patients follow through on prescription ordering, adherence to diet and exercise plans and achievement of significant weight loss.

Post-marketing studies

The FDA has required both Arena and Vivus to conduct post-marketing studies, including long-term outcomes trials to assess the effect of Belviq and Qsymia on the risk for heart attack and stroke. Until the post-marketing studies verify cardiovascular safety, many physicians won’t get out their prescription pads.

“Physicians in our practice are unlikely to significantly prescribe either the phentermine/topiramate combination [Qsymia] or lorcaserin [Belviq] in the near future,” said Umesh Masharani, a clinical professor at the UC San Francisco Diabetes Center.

Masharani points to his experience with the then-almost-magical combination of fenfluramine and phentermine, known as fen-phen. A study published in 1984 in Archives of Internal Medicine found that after taking fen-phen for 24 weeks, overweight patients lost an average of 18.5 pounds, versus 9.7 pounds in the control group receiving only individualized diets.

After sales soared in the 1990s, fen-phen crashed following the publication of a 1996 paper in the New England Journal of Medicine by researchers at the Mayo Clinic. They reported a correlation between heart valve dysfunction and fen-phen.

Lingering fen-phen fears

Today, Masharani and other diabetes specialists are quick to point out that one of the ingredients that was present in fen-phen, phentermine, also is present in Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate in extended-release form).

Patients in clinical trials taking Qsymia lost 8.6 to 9.4 percent of their body weight ((compared to controls)) at one year. Weight loss with Belviq was 3.0 to 3.3 percent.

“We are concerned about the adverse reactions of these drugs and the relatively modest efficacy,” said Masharani, author of the book “Diabetes Demystified.”

While Masharani’s diabetes patients will have to wait for post-marketing studies to be completed before receiving a prescription for Qsymia or Belviq.

The FDA weighed the risks of waiting to approve Qsymia and Belviq versus not waiting for further studies. It came to the opposite conclusion as Masharani. The regulatory agency’s approval of the two obesity drugs recognized the obvious; the potential health gains of even modest weight loss far outweighed the potential risks of side effects. The nation’s private and public health insurance industries have come to the same conclusion.

Potential cure for HIV, other diseases in human gene modifications

Tue 20 Nov 2012 10:53:37 MST

This article was republished with permission and originally appeared on SanDiegoBiotechnology.com.

The odds of a major advance in the fight against HIV/AIDS have improved with the recent announcement by Sangamo Biosciences (SGMO) that its gene therapy treatment has achieved a “functional cure” for some HIV patients in its Phase 1 clinical trials.

Tim Brown, the famous “Berlin patient” and first person cured of HIV, appeared at the HIV Cure Forum in Palm Springs and West Hollywood, Calif., on Nov. 13 and 14. Brown’s visit and Sangamo’s clinical trial results draw attention to an unlikely corner of human gene therapy: beneficial mutations. In Sangamo’s case, its scientists generate mutations in the CCR5 gene in human CD4 T cells that conferred resistance to HIV-1, the most common strain of the virus. Brown was cured when he received donated CD4 T cells with a naturally occurring CCR5 mutation.

The Richmond, Calif.-based Sangamo has touted results at the one-year clinical trial endpoint: CD4 T cell counts persisted a year after infusion in five of nine subjects to greater than 500 cells/mm3, the accepted threshold for initiation of HAART therapy.

“The initial results in a few patients look good and compelling,” said Liana Moussatos, an analyst with Wedbush Securities. “I’d like to see the same things in Phase 2 trials with more patients. Also, I’m interested in maintenance after treatment with modified CD4 cells: how durable are those cells over time?” (The number of genetically modified CD4 T cells slowly declines over time.)

HAART therapy

Currently, the most effective HIV treatment, developed two decades ago, is a cocktail of drugs. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is so effective that it usually suppresses the virus to undetectable levels. However, HAART therapy doesn’t prevent the virus from persisting indefinitely in patients’ resting CD4 T cells, and reappearing when patients discontinue therapy.

Experts agree that switching the therapeutic focus from the virus to human genes, particularly the CCR5 gene, is the most promising prospect for a cure.

Engineering genetic cures

A once- or twice-a-year genetic-modification treatment like the one Sangamo is developing could make concerns over the durability of modified CD4 T cells irrelevant. It might be more acceptable to patients than drug therapy, which can cost up to $40,000 per year and cause toxic side effects.

Sangamo’s gene-modifications are so precise and nontoxic that the company and researchers worldwide are working not only to optimize the approach for HIV, but also apply it to a variety of other diseases.

Elusive viral target

HIV-1 enters human T cells by binding simultaneously to two cell-surface receptors made by the CD4 and CCR5 genes. (Other HIV strains bind to the CD4 CXCR4 receptors.) Approaches that have blocked viral binding have cured other viral diseases, but not HIV.

Vaccines targeting the HIV-1 envelope gp120 glycoprotein, the viral coat protein that binds to human T cells, have been ineffective because the viral gp120 is chameleon like: vaccines against one version of gp120 usually don’t work against others. In addition, anti-viral drugs intended to block gp120 binding to T cells lose their potency for similar reasons.

First cure for HIV

The first HIV cure was partly an act of desperation, but it opened the door to the genetic-mutation approach to thwart the disease.

Brown, suffering from cancer and dangerously low CD4 T cell counts in 2007, was given a bone marrow transplant from a donor who was homozygous for a mutant form of the CCR5 gene. The transplant helped cure the cancer and made Brown completely resistant to HIV-1. Brown’s health improved dramatically; he discontinued anti-viral drug therapy and the virus has not reappeared in his blood.

Bone marrow transplants from unrelated donors like Brown’s are impractical and can cause life-threatening complications such as graft-versus-host disease. Sangamo’s gentler approach involves withdrawing a patient’s blood, mutating the CCR5 gene in CD4 T cells, expanding their numbers, and returning them to the same patient.

Off-target questions

At the heart of Sangamo’s clinical trials is a class of enzymes called zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs). As their name implies, ZFNs contain zinc ions, protein modules or fingers that bind to specific nucleotide triplets, and an enzymatic motif that cleaves DNA.

When ZFNs get inside a cell, they can cause off-target gene cleavages, which could be toxic. To diminish off-target effects, the specificity of ZFNs has been greatly improved in Sangamo’s SB-728-T therapy:

• Most are designed with four fingers to target 12-nucleotide sequences.
• ZFNs can be designed as pairs, with each one binding to opposite strands of DNA, for a 24-nucleotide target, with a 15-nucleotide “spacer” between them.
• The TokI nuclease, which is attached to ZFNs, has been improved: only when two TokI domains are brought together at the spacer region does the enzyme become activated and make a double-stranded DNA break.

The DNA break made by the FokI dimer automatically recruits the cell’s error-prone repair mechanism. During non-homologous end-joining, one nucleotide is often incorrectly added or deleted, causing a shift in the CCR5 gene’s “reading frame” that is so catastrophic that the gene is “knocked out.” The treated, HIV-resistant cells are re-infused back into each patient, and researchers hope that cell division will yield more HIV-resistant CD4 T cells.

Zinc-finger gold

ZFNs have a competitor in the form of transcription activator-like endonucleases (TALENs). Discovered in 2007 by plant-pathogen researchers, TALENs are virulence factors made by Xanthomonas, a genus of proteobacteria that causes leaf spots, streaks and other plant injuries. The pathogen’s TALENs bind to the host plant’s gene-promoter sequences to up- or down-regulate genes in ways that allow the pathogen to flourish.

“It’s amazing that this underfunded area of plant physiology has created this promising technology that could be used to treat and potentially cure human diseases,” said Adam Bogdanove, a discoverer of TALENs while at Iowa State University and now a professor of plant pathology and plant-microbe biology at Cornell University.

Bogdanove and colleagues at the University of Minnesota licensed their discoveries to Cellectis, a French company, in January 2012. Other TALENs intellectual property (IP) generated by plant biologists from Martin Luther University in Halle, Germany, is now owned by the Two Blades Foundation, based in Evanston, Ill. Two Blades has sold an exclusive license to Carlsbad, Calif.-based Life Technologies (LIFE). Both Cellectis and Life Technologies are aggressively marketing custom, gene-specific TALENs to researchers worldwide.

Sangamo has guarded the intellectual property related to virtually all the major ZFN discoveries, and has licensed the technology to St. Louis, Mo.-based Sigma-Aldrich (SIAL), which develops and markets tailor-made ZFN kits to researchers. In 2011, Sigma was selling its ZFN kits for as high as $35,000 each to biotech companies and $25,000 each to academic institutions. However, those prices have plummeted to as low as $3,999 per kit due to competition from TALEN kits selling for $5,000 each.

Switching to TALENs

TALENs and ZFNs use the same TokI endonuclease, but TALENs use simpler rules for sequence-specific DNA recognition, requiring less optimization than the zinc fingers in ZFNs.

“Lots of people are switching from zinc fingers over to the TALENs,” Dana Carroll, a biochemistry professor at the University of Utah and an expert on both TALENs and ZFNs, said in a telephone interview. “I think things are moving very rapidly toward TALENs instead of ZFNs, and Sangamo is moving that way, too.”

TALENs have had a major disadvantage: their size – they much larger than ZFNs and therefore more difficult to deliver into a target cell.

The industry leader in ZFNs, Sangamo has also embraced TALENs. Sangamo researchers have published a recent study documenting that reducing the size of TALENs produced the desired gene disruptions at higher frequencies. The 2011 paper in Nature Biotechnology by researchers at Sangamo and Université de Nantes in France reported that truncated TALENs can be created to knock out genes with high selectivity in the rat, an important model for many human diseases.

Sangamo also has licensed ZFN technology to Dow AgroSciences for the development of genetically improved crops. Rather than add bacterial or other foreign genes to a crop genome, ZFNs allow Dow researchers to modify a plant’s existing genome, a feature that could prompt fewer objections from consumer activists and watchdog groups that are opposed to all genetically modified crops.

“Sangamo is not trying to take shortcuts: they are doing things that nobody else can do,” Moussatos said.

Off-target questions

Since both ZFNs and TALENs use the same TokI endonuclease, the issue of off-target mutagenic effects is a fear in both cases. The technology is maturing quickly, and Sangamo has resolved the off-target issue.

For example, Sangamo researchers, collaborating with scientists at MIT and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, both in Cambridge, Mass., described in a 2011 paper in Nature Biotechnology how they combined two TALENs that each recognized specific 17-nucleotide sequences. The two TALENS both carry “enhanced high-fidelity obligate heterodimer FokI domains” that make double-stranded breaks in human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells.

The researchers assessed the frequency with which TALENs, which had been designed to make five double-stranded breaks in the OCT4 and PITX3 genes, also made off-target DNA breaks. The research team focused on 20 non-target nucleotide sequences that are most similar to the five intended targets.

Five targeted breaks in two genes were made at high rates: 67-100 percent; 2-24 percent; 50 percent; 1-13 percent; and 19-23 percent. Of the 20 most likely off-target hits, 18 had no off-target disruptions, one site was disrupted at a 169-fold lower rate than the intended target, and another off-target site was disrupted at a 1,140-fold lower rate than the intended target. The authors said the study was applicable to both TALENs and ZFNs.

Sangamo scientists and its collaborators have published a variety of papers regarding TALENs and applied for patents. However, no patents for ZFNs or TALENs have been issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. When patents are issued, there will be clarity around IP ownership.

Sangamo financials

Sangamo will update analysts about its 2013 clinical plans on Dec. 6, 2012. In the meantime, income from collaborative agreements rose from $6.1 million in fiscal 2011 to an estimated $15 million in fiscal 2012, with total operating expenses falling from $46 million to $44.5 million over the same time period. The company’s net loss will fall from $35.7 million in fiscal 2011 to an estimated $25.3 million in fiscal 2012.

Sangamo clinical trial groups

Investors like the company’s operational frugality, but they’re most interested in the company’s clinical trial results.

Some patients selected for Sangamo’s Phase 1 dose-escalation trial who were already doing well on HAART therapy stopped taking the therapy for up to 12 weeks, beginning four to 16 weeks after SB-728-T therapy.

Another group of patients that received SB-728-T therapy was made up of people who did not benefit from HAART therapy after two or more attempts.

Yet another group of patients with no detectable HIV in their blood, but who have suboptimal CD4 T cell counts, were given SB-728-T therapy, and they also continued HAART therapy without interruption during the trial.

The rarest group of trial participants was heterozygous for a well-known deletion mutation in their CCR5 gene. The heterozygous condition gives them intermediate resistance to HIV-1. Two months after these patients received SB-728-T therapy, HAART therapy was stopped and reinstituted, if needed, in any whose CD4 cell counts dropped below 350 cells/mm3 and/or when HIV genetic material in blood samples reached a pre-determined level over a three-week period.

All of the study’s participating patients are being treated at the University of Pennsylvania. The CD4 T cell levels will be determined in all trial participants for 10 years.

High CD4 T cell counts a year after infusion in five of nine subjects is heartening to Sangamo.

“We are making good progress in two Phase 2 clinical trials designed to maximize the engraftment of SB-728-T,” Geoff Nichol, Sangamo’s executive vice president of research and development, said in a news release.

Cardium (CXM) Secures Patent for Cardiovascular Gene Therapy Targeting Heart Disease

Mon 19 Nov 2012 12:41:55 MST

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM), a health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on unlocking the value in medical assets, has developed a unique gene therapy targeting heart disease that takes a different approach than stent-makers like Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) or molecular therapy companies like Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN).

Generx, which is now patented in Europe and the United States after a long-standing competition between the University of California and Boston Scientific Corp. (NYSE: BSX), is a DNA-based angiogenic growth factor therapeutic being developed to stimulate the growth of supplemental collateral blood vessels in the heart of patients with advanced coronary artery disease. Cardium now has patents and patent applications directed to its methods of cardiovascular gene therapy in the U.S., Europe, Russia and elsewhere.

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) recently announced a winning patent decision in Europe and successful resolution of a long-standing competition between Cardium and its licensor the University of California, and Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX) and its licensor Arch Development, over rights to key methods for the application of cardiovascular gene therapy to the treatment of coronary heart disease, as is employed in Cardium's Generx® gene therapy candidate currently in late-stage clinical studies. Following a decision by the European Patent Office, Cardium's patent portfolio now includes allowed and issued patents covering its gene therapy approach both in Europe and in the United States, with competing patent applications licensed and pursued by Boston Scientific having been successfully overcome in both Europe and the U.S.

The competing patent applications licensed by Boston Scientific Corporation had been filed by Dr. Jeffrey Leiden et al., currently President & CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and had been the subject of opposition proceedings in Europe and interference proceedings in the United States, both of which were ultimately resolved in favor of Cardium. Following resolution of the opposition proceedings and further examination of Cardium's case, the European Patent Office has now approved Cardium's patent application for grant in Europe. Three corresponding U.S. Patents that had been challenged by Boston Scientific Corporation (in decisions that were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit), have been affirmed in Cardium's favor.

Cardium has additional patents and patent applications directed to its methods of cardiovascular gene therapy in the U.S., Europe, Russia and elsewhere, and the company recently filed new patent applications directed to certain improved techniques for the treatment of heart disease that are currently the subject of a Phase 3 registration trial based in Moscow, which is designed to generate additional safety and effectiveness data for the Russian Federation and other jurisdictions. Generx®(alferminogene tadenovec) is intended to stimulate the growth of collateral blood vessels to effectively bypass coronary artery atherosclerotic blockages without the need for surgical procedures or angioplasty and stents; and its safety and effectiveness have been the subject of clinical studies involving more than 650 patients in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. Generx has been assigned the trade name Cardionovo™ for planned commercialization in the Russian Federation. Cardium believes that its Generx clinical database represents the largest and most complete gene therapy dossier – and is directed to a major medical indication that is a leading cause of death throughout the developed world.

"The resolution of these important reviews of our gene therapy patents, and the consistent decisions in our favor including rulings by the U.S. courts of appeal, underscore the value of our patent portfolio, which we believe reflects a breakthrough approach to the treatment of coronary heart disease," said Dr. Tyler M. Dylan-Hyde, Chief Business Officer and General Counsel of Cardium Therapeutics.

Recently-published findings demonstrate that Cardium's innovative technique employing transient cardiac ischemia can be used to dramatically enhance gene delivery and transfection efficiency after one-time intracoronary administration of adenovector in mammalian hearts. Two consecutive but brief periods of coronary artery occlusion combined with co-administration of nitroglycerin increased both adenovector presence (measured by PCR) and transgene expression (assessed by luciferase activity) by over two orders of magnitude (>100 fold) in the heart, as compared to prior intracoronary artery delivery methods.

The research results published in Human Gene Therapy Methods extend those findings and demonstrate that Cardium's new technique for adenovector gene delivery in the heart can be used to dramatically boost adenovector delivery. By enhancing uptake even in patients with less severe forms of disease and ischemia, it would be expected to reduce response variability and allow for the potential treatment of patients with a broader range of associated coronary artery disease. The new treatment protocols for Cardium's recently-initiated ASPIRE clinical study have been developed to use this improved knowledge about induced transient ischemia techniques to enhance the non-surgical, catheter-based delivery of Generx to the heart.

Cardium has also been actively advancing its Generx product candidate's engineering and process technology in preparation for commercialization. The Company successfully transferred a refined, improved and fully-validated manufacturing process to SAFC®, the custom manufacturing and services business unit of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (SIAL), a top global specialty chemicals and biologics supplier, located in Carlsbad, California. As a result of the rigorous technical transfer process, important process improvements were achieved enabling much higher manufacturing process yields. Generx's long-term product stability has been established at a minimum of six years making it possible to manufacture product in large, cost effective batch sizes. The dose preparation process for Generx has been simplified through the integration of a fully-validated, closed-system drug transfer process incorporating the use of PhaSeal® System passive safety technology to streamline and simplify the cath-lab preparation and eliminating the need to prepare Generx in a sterile, biological safety hood. The Company has also developed a new and unique, fully-validated bio-activity release assay to measure and evaluate the pro-angiogenic potency of each newly manufactured batch of Generx.

The European Commission's recent approval of uniQure's Glybera® (alipogene tiparvovec) – the first gene therapy approval by a major health regulatory authority – is considered to represent a significant milestone and validation for the gene therapy industry.

About Generx and the ASPIRE Study

Generx (Ad5FGF-4) is a disease-modifying regenerative medicine biologic that is being developed to offer a one-time, non-surgical option for the treatment of myocardial ischemia in patients with stable angina due to coronary artery disease, who might otherwise require surgical and mechanical interventions, such as coronary artery by-pass surgery or balloon angioplasty and stents. Similar to surgical/mechanical revascularization approaches, the goal of Cardium's Generx product candidate is to improve blood flow to the heart muscle – but to do so non-surgically, following a single administration from a standard balloon angioplasty catheter. The video "Cardium Generx Cardio-Chant" provides an overview Generx and can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjUndFhJkjM.

In March 2012, Cardium reported on the ASPIRE Phase 3 registration study to evaluate the therapeutic effects of its lead product candidate Generx in patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. The ASPIRE study, a 100-patient, randomized and controlled multi-center study to be conducted at up to eight leading cardiology centers in the Russian Federation, is designed to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Cardium's Generx DNA-based angiogenic product candidate, which has already been tested in clinical studies involving 650 patients at more than one hundred medical centers in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. The efficacy of Generx will be quantitatively assessed using rest and stress SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) myocardial imaging to sensitively measure improvements in microvascular cardiac perfusion following a one-time, non-surgical, catheter-based administration of Generx. A recent article, "Cardium's Heart Disease Gene Therapy Advancing with New Discoveries", outlining the history of the Generx clinical development program is available at http://sandiegobiotechnology.com/topics/4705/cardiums-heart-disease-gene-therapy-moving-toward-commercialization/.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's newly-acquired To Go Brands® healthy nutraceutical supplement business. The Company's lead commercial product Excellagen® topical gel for wound care management has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from stated expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that our intellectual property will be effectively enforceable or that rights to commercialize our products will not be challenged by others; that enhancements in the uptake of adenovectors can be successfully applied to improve the uptake, applicability or therapeutic effects of Generx in human patients; that Generx can be successfully advanced in clinical studies outside of the U.S.; that results or trends observed in one clinical study or procedure will be reproduced in subsequent studies or procedures, or that clinical studies even if successful will lead to product advancement or partnering; that improvements in the formulation or use of Generx will be commercially practicable, or that Generx could be successfully advanced as a therapeutic in developing markets or that the results of studies in such markets could be used to advance or broaden the regulatory or commercialization activities of Generx in the U.S. or other markets; that the ASPIRE clinical study will be successful or will lead to approval of Generx by the Russian Health Authority for marketing and sales in Russia or lead to approvals in other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States; that additional clinical evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of Generx that might be obtained in Russia would be useful for optimizing and broadening commercial development pathways in other industrialized countries; that our products or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive; that FDA or other regulatory clearances or other certifications, or other commercialization efforts will be successful or will effectively enhance our businesses or their market value; that our products or product candidates will prove to be sufficiently safe and effective after introduction into a broader patient population; or that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated.

Actual results may also differ substantially from those described in or contemplated by this press release due to risks and uncertainties that exist in our operations and business environment, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties that are inherent in the development of complex biologics and in the conduct of human clinical trials, including the timing, costs and outcomes of such trials, our ability to obtain necessary funding, regulatory approvals and expected qualifications, our dependence upon proprietary technology, our history of operating losses and accumulated deficits, our reliance on collaborative relationships and critical personnel, and current and future competition, as well as other risks described from time to time in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2012 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved. For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com. Cardium Therapeutics®, Generx®, Cardionovo™, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium®, Appexium®, Linée®, Alena®, Cerex®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc®, Neo-Chill™, and Nutra-Apps® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company.

To Go Brands®, Acai Natural Energy Boost™, Green Tea Energy Fusion™, Trim Energy®, Healthy Belly®, Smoothie Complete®, High Octane®, VitaRocks®, Trim Green Coffee Bean™ and Glucoberry™ are trademarks of To Go Brands, Inc. (Other trademarks belong to their respective owners)

Advanced Wound Care Made Simple

Mon 19 Nov 2012 09:33:26 MST

Demographic trends towards an aging population, soaring diagnosis rates in diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease are just a few of the factors that are driving growth and spurring innovation to better serve millions of wound care patients each year. The wound care industry has many verticals for sales, but probably none more critical than diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers affect about 15 percent of the nearly 26 million people with diabetes in the United States, and are caused in part by the combination of loss of sensation and poor circulation in the lower limbs.

San Diego-based Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) recently introduced its FDA-cleared, syringe-based Excellagen® collagen gel to promote healing for a broad array of dermal wounds, including chronic vascular ulcers, pressure wounds, drainage wounds, surgical wounds, and diabetic foot ulcers. Industry-leading publication Podiatry Today named Excellagen a “2012 Top Ten Innovation in Podiatry.” On November 13, 2012, the company announced the presentation of two Excellagen poster presentations at the Desert Foot 2012 High Risk Diabetic Foot Conference held November 14-16, 2012, in Phoenix, AZ. Arthur J. Tallis, DPM, President and Medical Director of Associated Foot & Ankle Specialists in Phoenix, AZ, will display the results of three Excellagen case studies including a venous leg ulcer, neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer and dehisced surgical wound. In addition, Howard M. Kimmel, DPM, MBA, FACFAS, Senior Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH, will display two case studies involving non-healing diabetic foot ulcers. The majority of the patients' wounds were classified as chronic and non-healing despite having undergone prior treatments, including Dermagraft. Drs. Tallis and Kimmel's poster presentations can be viewed at http://www.excellagen.com/meetings-and-publications.html and additional Excellagen case studies are available at http://www.excellagen.com/surgical-wounds.html.

There have been important, positive findings reported by physicians now using Excellagen as part of the Company’s initial physician sampling, patient outreach and market “seeding” programs. As case studies are being conducted, a number of physicians have reported observing a rapid onset of the growth of granulation tissue in a wide array of wounds, including classic non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (consistent with the results of Cardium’s Matrix clinical study), as well as pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and Mohs surgical wounds. In certain cases, rapid granulation tissue growth and wound closure have been reported using Excellagen’s wound care management therapy following unsuccessful treatment with other advanced wound care approaches. From a dermatology perspective, a previously unexplored vertical market, remarkable biological healing responses have been observed following cancer-related Mohs surgery for patients diagnosed with squamous and basal cell carcinomas, including deep surgical wounds extending to the periosteum (a membrane that lines the outer surface of bones). Additionally, because of the easy-use, and platelet activating capacity, physicians have been employing Excellagen in severe non-healing wounds at near-amputation status, in combination with autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy and collagen sheet products. These case studies and physician feedback provide additional information regarding the potential uses of Excellagen and support its medical utility as an important new tool to help promote the wound healing process.

Cardium also announced the publication of the Profiles in Excellence 2012 article, "Excellagen – Advanced Wound Care Made Simple", in the October issue of Podiatry Management. The article outlines Excellagen's ease of use, how easily it fits into existing wound care practices, saving physicians time and promoting patient compliance compared to other treatments requiring daily dressing changes and frequent product applications and physician visits. The article can be viewed at http://www.excellagen.com/pdf/ExcellagenProfile1012.pdf.

About Excellagen

Excellagen is a syringe-based, professional-use, pharmaceutically-formulated 2.6% fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel that functions as an acellular biological modulator designed to accelerate the growth of granulation tissue and to activate the wound healing process. Excellagen is FDA-cleared for the treatment of neuropathic and diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, surgical wounds, and other dermal wounds, and is intended for professional use following standard debridement procedures in the presence of blood cells and platelets, which are involved with the release of endogenous growth factors. Excellagen’s unique high-molecular weight fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel formulation is topically applied through easy-to-control, pre-filled, sterile, single-use syringes and its viscosity-optimized gel formulation is designed for application at one-week intervals. Already-established standard CPT® procedure reimbursement codes may apply when Excellagen is used with surgical debridement procedures. As a new FDA-cleared product, Cardium is advancing forward with the reimbursement process for Excellagen with Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurance providers.

Cardium’s market research indicates that physicians seek easy-to-use products to reduce preparation time and facilitate product application - and Excellagen’s unique, ready-to-use syringe-based collagen gel requires no thawing or mixing. Excellagen's flowable formulation allows for the effective delivery to wounds of varying shapes and surface contours. To learn more about Excellagen and for product ordering information, please visit http://www.excellagen.com and view the information video, “Excellagen: A New Wound Care Pathway for Diabetic Foot Ulcers”, at http://www.excellagen.com/excellagen-video.html.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium’s current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company’s newly-acquired To Go Brands® nutraceutical business. The Company’s lead commercial product, Excellagen® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium’s lead clinical development product candidate Generx® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands® develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that results or trends observed in a clinical study or follow-on case studies will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized and their use reimbursed, or will enhance our market value; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2012 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved.
For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.
Cardium Therapeutics®, Generx®, Cardionovo™, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium®, Appexium®, Linée®, Alena®, Cerex®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc®, Neo-Chill™, and Nutra-Apps® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company. To Go Brands® is a trademark of To Go Brands, Inc.

MSN Money Highlights GrowLife, Inc. and Other Industry Players

Fri 16 Nov 2012 11:44:45 MST

GrowLife Inc. (OTCBB: PHOT), an industry-leading consortium of high-end gardening and horticulture brands focused on merchandising the “picks and shovels” of the growing “green rush”, recently announced that it was highlighted in an MSN Money article that discussed how public companies are poised to capitalize on the new favorable marijuana laws.

The news comes shortly after the company re-launched its Phototron.com e-commerce website and was featured in a number of other news publications, including CNN Money, Consumer Affairs, and Small Cap Network.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT), an industry-leading consortium of high-end gardening and horticulture brands focused on merchandising the "picks and shovels" of the growing "green rush", today announced that it was featured in a recent article written by Bruce Kennedy on MSN Money. The article highlighted how changes in state marijuana laws are encouraging some cannabis-related companies to go public, including GrowLife Inc., Hemp Inc. (HEMP), Medical Marijuana Inc. (MJNA).

Sterling Scott, GrowLife, Inc. CEO, was quoted in the article as saying, "It was almost unthinkable 10 years ago that you would have legitimate, fully reporting to the SEC companies that were in the nature of pure plays, with positions in the medical marijuana industry." Now, Mr. Scott estimates that there are about 10 cannabis-related companies being traded over-the-counter, including GrowLife, Inc. – an established company that sells equipment and expendables.

The full article on MSN Money can be read here:
http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/article.aspx?post=55419f1f-b43b-4c51-847f-0242c46b2a7d

GrowLife's consortium of companies actively participate in all channels of commerce for distribution and sales, including operating on-line and retail outlets for direct consumer sales and the supply of specialty GrowLife company products to wholesale and retail channels. And, while supporting progressive normalization of cannabis laws, the company does not grow, sell or distribute any substances that violate U.S. law or the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

About GrowLife, Inc.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) (formerly Phototron Holding, Inc.) (www.growlifeinc.com) (PHOT) is a company with core holdings in innovative technology-based products and services for the indoor gardening industry and specialty markets. These brands include Stealth Grow, a producer of grow room automation equipment and hi-powered LED grow light products for indoor horticulture (www.sgsensors.com and www.stealthgrow.com), Greners.com, the online hydroponics superstore (www.greners.com) and Phototron, producer of hydroponic grow containers, which are designed to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits in any environment (www.phototron.com).

For more information about our public holding company, please visit www.growlifeinc.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in GrowLife's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, all industry products are subject to additional uncertainty, including the risks of delay, cancellation and poor critical or financial reception. GrowLife disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

Athersys (ATHX) Named to Deloitte’s 2012 Technology Fast 500(TM)

Fri 16 Nov 2012 09:55:09 MST

Athersys Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX) is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development of its proprietary MultiStem® donor derived “off the shelf” cell therapy product for the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions, operating in the same industry as companies like Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTM) and Neostem, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NBS).

Recently, the company was named in Deloitte’s 2012 Technology Fast 500 as its MultiStem partnerships have resulted in strong revenue growth. The patented cell therapy has been shown to promote tissue repair and healing in a variety of ways, while the company has established partnerships with companies like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and RTI Biologics Inc.

Athersys recently announced it was named for the second year in Deloitte's Technology Fast 500(TM), a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. Athersys' revenues grew 217% during this period and ranked 351st in the listing.

Gil Van Bokkelen, Athersys' chairman and chief executive officer, stated, "We are pleased to be included in the 2012 Technology Fast 500 ranking. We believe this reflects the growth of our therapeutic programs, particularly our proprietary MultiStem® product platform and its innovative applications in treating inflammatory and immune disorders, neurological conditions, cardiovascular disease and other conditions, which we continue to advance in clinical trials. We intend to further advance our portfolio through both internal development and additional partnerships with leading organizations that recognize the transformational potential of regenerative medicine."

"We are proud to honor the 2012 Technology Fast 500(TM) companies, and commend them for their outstanding growth," said Eric Openshaw, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) leader. "These ground-breaking companies have outpaced their competition and are reinventing the way we do business today."

"The companies on the Fast 500 list are among those that have demonstrated remarkable innovation, creativity and business savvy," said Bill Ribaudo partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP and national TMT leader for audit and enterprise risk services (AERS). "As a result, these companies have continued to successfully forge ahead in a challenging economic environment. We applaud the leadership and employees of Athersys for this impressive accomplishment."

Athersys previously ranked 488th as a Technology Fast 500(TM) award winner for 2011.

About Deloitte's 2012 Technology Fast 500(TM)

Technology Fast 500, conducted by Deloitte & Touche LLP, provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies -- both public and private - in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2007 to 2011.

In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD or CD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD or CD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of five years, and be headquartered within North America.

About MultiStem

MultiStem® cell therapy is a patented product that has shown the ability to promote tissue repair and healing in a variety of ways, such as through the production of multiple therapeutic factors produced in response to signals of inflammation and tissue damage. MultiStem has demonstrated therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory and immune disorders, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular disease, as well as other areas, and represents a unique "off-the-shelf" stem cell product that can be manufactured in a scalable manner, may be stored for years in frozen form, and is administered without tissue matching or the need for immune suppression. The product is extensively characterized for safety, consistency and potency. Athersys has forged strategic partnerships with Pfizer Inc. to develop MultiStem for inflammatory bowel disease and with RTI Biologics, Inc. to develop cell therapy for use with a bone allograft product in the orthopedic market.

About Athersys

Athersys is a clinical stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life. The Company is developing its MultiStem® cell therapy product, a patented, adult-derived "off-the-shelf" stem cell product platform for disease indications in the cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory and immune disease areas. The Company currently has several clinical stage programs involving MultiStem, including treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic stroke, damage caused by myocardial infarction, and for the prevention of graft versus host disease. Athersys has also developed a diverse portfolio that includes other technologies and product development opportunities, and has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as world-renowned research institutions in the United States and Europe to further develop its platform and products. More information is available at www.athersys.com.

Cardium (CXM) Reports Continuing Progress During Third Quarter

Thu 15 Nov 2012 09:43:07 MST

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM), an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, recently reported continuing progress during its third quarter, including heightened awareness of Excellagen and the acquisition of To Go Brands.

The company was also recently boosted by the European Union’s approval of uniQure’s Glybera® gene therapy, representing the first gene therapy product approval by the European Commission and a significant milestone and validation of the gene therapy industry. Cardium’s Generx gene therapy clinical study is currently underway in Russia.

Generx is a regenerative medicine biologic targeting coronary artery disease, operating in the same industry as companies like Osiris Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: OSIR), and To Go Brands® is a nutraceutical line, targeting the same industry as companies like Schiff Nutrition International Inc. (NYSE: SHF).

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) presented its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012 and reported on other recent developments including: (1) acquisition of the business assets and product portfolio of To Go Brands® healthy nutraceutical supplement brand platform with over 25 products being developed and sold in a number of food, drug and mass channel retailers, for which net sales for the first three quarters of 2012 was approximately $2.1 million (as reported below); (2) formation of the Excellagen Medical Advisory Board comprising leading practitioners, clinicians and researchers with diversified expertise in the field of advanced wound care; (3) Excellagen poster presentations at the Desert Foot 9th Annual High Risk Diabetic Foot Conference; (4) advancement of international registrations for Excellagen®, including CE Mark registration to enable marketing and sale in the European Union, which is expected by early 2013; (5) Excellagen featured in October 2012 Podiatry Management's Profiles in Excellence 2012; (6) selection of Excellagen as one of the top ten podiatry innovations in 2012 by Podiatry Today publication; and (7) publication of important pre-clinical research findings that have been incorporated into the treatment protocols of the Company's international Generx® ASPIRE Phase 3 registration study for patients with advanced coronary disease.

Third Quarter 2012 Financial Highlights

Cardium's research and development costs for the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $508,000, compared to $579,000 for the three months ended September 2011. Research and development costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $2.1 million, compared to $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in costs for the nine-month period was primarily due to expenses related to the commercial development of Excellagen and the Company's Generx ASPIRE clinical study. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2012 were $1.4 million, compared to $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.4 million, compared to $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine-month period was primarily due to expenses related to the costs associated with the market introduction of Excellagen and preparations to support and facilitate strategic partnering activities, and for Cardium's nutraceutical initiative, which served as the catalyst for Cardium's recent acquisition of the business assets of To Go Brands, Inc., which includes a portfolio of more than 25 products sold through mass, food and drug channels at retailers including Whole Foods®, CVS®, Kroger®, GNC®, Jewel-Osco®, Ralph's Supermarkets®, Meijr®, and the Vitamin Shoppe®, and from the company's web-based store.

Cardium's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC today presents in footnote three unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information which includes To Go Brands for the period ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. The pro forma financial information includes net sales of To Go Brands for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 totaling $2.1 million, with a net loss of $0.4 million. Excluding revenue from the To Go Brands business, revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $39,000, including $5,600 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012. Since the introduction of Excellagen, the Company's marketing efforts have been focused on product sampling to key opinion leaders to support physician-based post-marketing case studies, to "seed" the use of Excellagen in the wound care market, and to further support and enhance strategic partnering activities.

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company reported a net loss of $1.9 million, or $(0.02) per share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million, or $(0.02) per share for the three months ended September 30, 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company reported a net loss of $6.4 million, or $(0.06) per share, compared to a net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $5.1 million, or $(0.06) per share. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had a total of $4.5 million in cash compared to $4.7 million in cash at the end of December 31, 2011. Working capital at September 30, 2012 was $4.8 million. As of September 30, 2012, 129.2 million shares of Cardium's common stock were outstanding.

Excellagen Commercialization Activities

In third quarter 2012, Cardium announced the formation of the Excellagen Medical Advisory Board, comprising leading practitioners, clinicians and researchers with diversified expertise in the field of advanced wound care, and the selection of Excellagen as one of the top ten podiatry innovations in 2012 by Podiatry Today publication. Recently, the Company announced the publication of an Excellagen Profiles in Excellence 2012 article in Podiatry Management and two poster presentations at the Desert Foot 2012 High Risk Diabetic Foot Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Arthur J. Tallis, DPM, President and Medical Director of Associated Foot & Ankle Specialists in Phoenix, AZ, presented the results of three Excellagen case studies including a venous leg ulcer, neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer and dehisced surgical wound. In addition, Howard M. Kimmel, DPM, MBA, FACFAS, Senior Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, in Cleveland, OH, presented the results of two Excellagen diabetic foot ulcer case studies. Drs. Tallis and Kimmel's poster presentations and the Podiatry Management article can be viewed at http://www.excellagen.com/meetings-and-publications.html. Additional Excellagen case studies are available at http://www.excellagen.com/surgical-wounds.html. There have also been important, positive findings reported by physicians now using Excellagen as part of our initial physician sampling, patient outreach and market "seeding" programs. As case studies are being conducted, a number of physicians have reported observing a rapid onset of the growth of granulation tissue in a wide array of wounds, including classic non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (consistent with the results of Cardium's Matrix clinical study), as well as pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and Mohs surgical wounds. In certain cases, rapid granulation tissue growth and wound closure have been reported using Excellagen's wound care management therapy following unsuccessful treatment with other advanced wound care approaches. From a dermatology perspective, a previously unexplored vertical market, remarkable biological healing responses have been observed following cancer-related Mohs surgery for patients diagnosed with squamous and basal cell carcinomas, including deep surgical wounds extending to the periosteum (a membrane that lines the outer surface of bones). Additionally, because of the easy-use, and platelet activating capacity, physicians have been employing Excellagen in severe non-healing wounds at near-amputation status, in combination with autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy and collagen sheet products. These case studies and physician feedback provide additional information regarding the potential uses of Excellagen and support its medical utility as an important new tool to help promote the wound healing process.

Since receiving FDA clearance for Excellagen, Cardium has established cGMP out-sourced manufacturing and supply with UK-based Angel Biotechnology, developed cold chain logistics and distribution with Smith Medial Partners, initiated a pathway toward securing private payer and government product reimbursement, including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and assembled an internal strategic and tactical sales and marketing team. Already-established standard CPT® procedure reimbursement codes may apply when Excellagen is used is administered with surgical debridement procedures. The Company is currently engaged in physician relationship building with key opinion leaders, product sampling, practice integration, and building a portfolio of physician case studies. Excellagen is a key asset in Cardium's medical opportunities portfolio and represents the first product from the Company's regenerative medicine platform. Excellagen has been engineered to serve as a delivery platform enabling multiple device and therapeutic product extensions (via 510(k) and IDE pathways) to include Excellagen-based antimicrobials, small molecule drugs, peptides, conditioned cell media, stem cells and DNA-based biologic products. A detailed presentation on Excellagen's commercialization status can be viewed at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77949&p=irol-presentations.

Consistent with its long-term business strategy, and similar to the business strategy for the Company's InnerCool operating unit, which was successfully developed and sold to Philips Electronics, Cardium does not plan to establish an internal sales force for Excellagen. The Company is currently in discussions with strategic partners to establish representation, marketing and sales, or co-promotional arrangements into four U.S. vertical wound healing market channels: (1) podiatry, (2) wound care centers, hospitals, and long-term care facilities, (3) government agency providers (such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Bureau of Indian Affairs), and (4) dermatology. The Company does not plan to increase marketing and selling expenses for Excellagen beyond current levels in expectation of completing strategic partnering transactions that would cover the marketing and sale of Excellagen into these vertical markets. This commercialization strategy is similar to other companies in the advanced wound care space. For example, GraftJacket®products developed by Wright Medical are now being marketed and sold by Kinetic Concepts Inc.; TEI Biosciences' products are being sold by Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Stryker; and Cook Medical's Oasis® products are currently being marketed and sold by Healthpoint Biotherapeutics.

Internationally, Cardium plans to obtain a CE Mark for the potential marketing and sale of Excellagen in the European Union, which consists of 27 member countries. The Company expects to be in a position to obtain a CE Mark for Excellagen in early 2013. Cardium also has a marketing and distribution agreement with BL&H Co. for the marketing and sale of Excellagen in South Korea, which is currently advancing through the regulatory and reimbursement pricing process. In addition, Advanced Biosciences Research, an affiliate of bioRASI, is assisting Cardium for the planned commercialization of Excellagen in Russia and the eight additional member countries comprising the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

About Excellagen

Excellagen is a syringe-based, professional-use, pharmaceutically-formulated 2.6% fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel that functions as an acellular biological modulator designed to accelerate the growth of granulation tissue and to activate the wound healing process. Excellagen is FDA-cleared for the treatment of neuropathic and diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, surgical wounds, and other dermal wounds, and is intended for professional use following standard debridement procedures in the presence of blood cells and platelets, which are involved with the release of endogenous growth factors. Excellagen's unique high-molecular weight fibrillar Type I bovine collagen gel formulation is topically applied through easy-to-control, pre-filled, sterile, single-use syringes and its viscosity-optimized gel formulation is designed for application at only one-week intervals. Already-established standard CPT® procedure reimbursement codes may apply when Excellagen is used is administered with surgical debridement procedures. As a new FDA-cleared product, Cardium is advancing forward with the reimbursement process for Excellagen with Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurance providers.

Cardium's market research indicates that physicians seek easy-to-use products to reduce preparation time and facilitate product application - and Excellagen's unique, ready-to-use syringe-based collagen gel requires no thawing or mixing. Excellagen's flowable formulation allows for the effective delivery to wounds of varying shapes and surface contours. To learn more about Excellagen and for product ordering information, please visit http://www.excellagen.com and view the information video, "Excellagen: A New Wound Care Pathway for Diabetic Foot Ulcers", at http://www.excellagen.com/excellagen-video.html.

Acquisition of To Go Brands® Nutraceutical Brand Platform

On September 28, 2012, Cardium acquired the business assets and product portfolio of To Go Brands® to support the expansion of Cardium's health sciences nutraceutical platform and to provide a revenue platform for the potential growth of the business. With a portfolio of over 25 products, To Go Brands' nutraceutical powder mixes, supplements and chews are being sold through mass, food and drug channel retailers and To Go Brands' web-based store. To Go Brands' experienced management team has key contacts and a track record of developing and placing new and innovative health and nutraceutical products into retail channels. To Go Brands has now assumed operational responsibility for Cardium's nutraceutical initiative, which includes the Company's strategic investment in SourceOne Global Partners, a leading supplier of science-based ingredients and proprietary formulas, and the MedPodium Nutra-Apps® product line.

The acquisition of To Go Brands is part of Cardium's long-term business strategy and opportunistic diversification strategy. Large pharmaceutical companies have entered the nutraceutical market and are diversifying their product lines with dietary-supplement products with large market potential and without the extensive regulatory hurdles. In February 2012, Pfizer acquired privately-held Alacer Corp., the maker and distributor of Emergen-C®, a vitamin C product. Schiff Nutrition International recently purchased Airborne, Inc., a leading provider of immune support products, and on October 30, 2012, Bayer HealthCare announced its acquisition of Schiff Nutritional International.

About To Go Brands®

Since 2007, To Go Brands has been making healthy, great tasting and anti-oxidant-rich phytonutrients and nutraceutical supplements in an array of easy use formats, including drink mixes, chews, powders and capsules, to empower busy lifestyles in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world. The Go Active! product line includes High Octane®, Green Tea Energy Fusion™, Acai Natural Energy Boost™, and Neo-Energy®. The Go Healthy! product line includes Greens to Go®, Extreme Berries to Go®, Healthy Belly®, VitaRocks® , and Neo-Chill™. Go Trim! products include Smoothie Complete®, Trim Green Coffee Bean™, Trim Energy®, and Neo-Carb Bloc®. To Go Brands products are sold through mass, food and drug channels at retailers including Whole Foods®, CVS®, Kroger®, GNC®, Jewel-Osco®, Ralph's Supermarkets®, Meijr®, and the Vitamin Shoppe®, and from the company's web-based store. To learn more about To Go Brands, visit www.togobrands.com.

Generx Commercial Development Activities

Cardium recently announced the publication of preclinical findings demonstrating that cardiac ischemia plays an important role in adenovector gene delivery (transfection) in mammalian hearts. The new findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Human Gene Therapy Methods in an article entitled "Ischemia-Reperfusion Increases Transfection Efficiency of Intracoronary Adenovirus type 5 in Pig Heart in Situ," which is available online at http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/hgtb.2012.048. The published findings demonstrate that Cardium's innovative technique employing transient cardiac ischemia can be used to dramatically enhance gene delivery and transfection efficiency after one-time intracoronary administration of adenovector in mammalian hearts. The international ASPIRE Phase 3/registration study is currently enrolling patients with chronic myocardial ischemia and advanced angina pectoris at leading cardiovascular centers in Russia.

About Generx and the ASPIRE Study

Generx (Ad5FGF-4) is a disease-modifying regenerative medicine biologic that is being developed to offer a one-time, non-surgical option for the treatment of myocardial ischemia in patients with stable angina due to coronary artery disease, who might otherwise require surgical and mechanical interventions, such as coronary artery by-pass surgery or balloon angioplasty and stents. Similar to surgical/mechanical revascularization approaches, the goal of Cardium's Generx product candidate is to improve blood flow to the heart muscle – but to do so non-surgically, following a single administration from a standard balloon catheter.

The international ASPIRE study is a 100-patient, randomized and controlled multi-center study currently enrolling patients at up to eight leading cardiology centers in the Russian Federation. The ASPIRE study is designed to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Cardium's Generx DNA-based angiogenic product candidate, which has already been tested in clinical studies involving 650 patients at more than one hundred medical centers in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. The efficacy of Generx is being quantitatively assessed using rest and stress SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) myocardial imaging to sensitively measure improvements in microvascular cardiac perfusion following a one-time, non-surgical, catheter-based administration of Generx. The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Nuclear Cardiology Core Laboratory in Los Angeles, California, is the central core lab for the study and is responsible for the analysis of SPECT myocardial imaging data electronically transmitted from the Russian medical centers participating in the ASPIRE study.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's newly-acquired To Go Brands® healthy nutraceutical supplement business. The Company's lead commercial product Excellagen® topical gel for wound care management has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that results or trends observed in one clinical study or procedure will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized and their use reimbursed, or will enhance our market value; that our To Go Brands business can be successfully integrated and expanded; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2012 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved.

For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Cardium Therapeutics®, Generx®, Cardionovo™, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium®, Appexium®, Linée®, Alena®, Cerex®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc®, Neo-Chill™, and Nutra-Apps® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company.

To Go Brands®, Acai Natural Energy Boost™, Green Tea Energy Fusion™, Trim Energy®, Healthy Belly®, Smoothie Complete®, High Octane®, VitaRocks®, Trim Green Coffee Bean™ and Glucoberry™ are trademarks of To Go Brands, Inc.

(Other trademarks belong to their respective owners)

Diabetes Treatment That Works: Boston Therapeutics (BTHE)

Wed 14 Nov 2012 10:23:43 MST

Diabetes. It is everywhere you look, if you have an eye for such things. It is estimated that one dollar out of every ten spent on health care in the United States is related to diabetes. There are currently more than 25 million people in the U.S. with the disease. That number is expected to grow considerably over the next generation. You probably know people that are diabetic or pre-diabetic. What to do about it? That is a question that is driving nearly every major pharmaceutical company to search for answers.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) shelled out over $5 billion in cash this summer to acquire Amylin Pharmaceuticals and their promising diabetes drugs. Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) isn’t satisfied with their successful daily drug Januvia and just released positive Phase II results for a weekly treatment. The list goes on, but the evidence is widely observable even in popular culture. Watch the television for a while and you will see multiple insulin- and diabetes-related treatments marketed. Companies are spending a pretty penny and the problem just keeps growing. The truth is that, without vast swaths of the population instituting major lifestyle changes, diabetes is here to stay.

That’s where Boston Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC: BTHE) comes in to the picture. Dr. David Platt, founder and CEO of the company, is an expert in carbohydrate chemistry and has a history of developing public companies around his scientific advances. His most recent company was Pro-Pharmaceuticals, since renamed Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GALT), which employs Dr. Platt’s carbohydrate technology against fibrotic disease and cancer. This time around he has turned his attention to diabetes, and both patients and investors should be happy about that development.

Boston Therapeutics (or BTI) has several products in various stages of development. All of them have one purpose in common- they are designed to reduce the amount of glucose in the bloodstream following meals. These products are ingested orally, in a chewable form, and block the gastrointestinal enzymes responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. They are non-systemic (they stay in the gut) and have proven consistently safe over the course of many trials and tests. The mechanism is simple and directly attacks the blood sugar problem rather than treating the effects of a blood sugar problem.

The company recently announced approval from the FDA to file an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for their product BTI-7 This formulation combines BTI’s technology with the generic metformin, which is a current standard of care drug for diabetics and pre-diabetics. In 2010, in the United States alone, approximately 50 million metformin prescriptions were filled. This is a huge development, which we covered extensively in a previous article in this space. The potential for this drug alone, especially when considering how attractive it might be as an acquisition target, makes the company’s current market cap of approximately $9 million look almost comically low.

The other two products in advanced development are basically two sides of the same coin. PAZ320 is a drug candidate that has recently completed a phase II clinical trial at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. Results should be forthcoming and if previous tests of the same technology are any indication they should be positive. PAZ320 is on the longer road to approval, but Boston Therapeutics has something of a shortcut in hand that makes them unique in the world of pharmaceutical development.

SUGARDOWN® is the over-the-counter version of PAZ320. Commercially launched in June 2012, it is currently available and producing revenues for the company. As with any new product, it will take some time to effectively market this exciting dietary supplement to the diabetes population. With the long-term goal of ubiquitous market acceptance (think Pepto Bismol or Tums), Boston Therapeutics is focused on educating health care providers on the benefits of SUGARDOWN™ as a dietary supplement. The company launched the product at a conference with the nation’s leading endocrinologists and believes that medical acceptance of the product can speed sales growth.

Still, marketing a new consumer product is not the easiest or cheapest thing to accomplish. According to BTI’s recent S-1 filing, the company is raising money to fund further development of all of their products, including the marketing and sales of SUGARDOWN®. The framework is there already… The facility and materials for mass production are in place. You can buy the product at http://www.sugardown.com/. SUGARDOWN® is distributed by a partner in Asia that is marketing the product and has invested in the company. For reference, it is estimated that there are 92 million adults in China with diabetes and 148 million more with pre-diabetes. The opportunity in China alone is huge.

The company just yesterday announced that Jonathan Rome is their new COO, charged with accelerizing the commercialization of SUGARDOWN® as well as the ANDA filing for BTI-7. Today the company announced that Mr. Rome has invested $625,000 of his own money in their S-1 offering. Considering his deep experience in all aspects of pharmaceutical sales, marketing and development, this is an excellent and timely development and a major step forward.

It is instructive to note that Boston Therapeutics has made it this far without accruing significant debt. Most companies with a marketable product or even one drug candidate in trials are several million dollars in the hole, but BTI manages limited resources very well and has kept liabilities well under $1 million. This bodes well for the future as the company manages the processes of commercialization and product development.

Boston Therapeutics has a story that is beautiful in its simplicity. The products themselves, though cutting edge, operate on the simple premise of safely limiting the conversion of glucose in the intestinal tract. The company is developing essentially the same product along three lines, all with tremendous potential. The SUGARDOWN® OTC product is already available, and acceptance of this product should make the marketing of a prescription drug much easier. BTI has an experienced management team that has already accomplished much more than most junior drug companies. They have done it with far fewer resources to boot, while avoiding the vast debt problems that plague many peers. They are well positioned in a burgeoning market and deserve a long look from potential investors.

OxySure (OXYS) Could Benefit from Legislation in Similar Way as AED Manufacturers

Tue 13 Nov 2012 09:32:30 MST

OxySure (OXYS) Could Benefit from Legislation in Similar way as AED Manufacturers OxySure Systems Inc. (OTCBB: OXYS), a medical device manufacturer of life-saving easy-to-use emergency oxygen solutions with an oxygen from powder technology, similar to companies like St. Jude Medical Inc. (NYSE: STJ) and Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), could benefit from legislative efforts requiring installation of emergency medical oxygen systems for lay rescuer use.

AEDs Experience Growth from Regulation

Automated external defibrillators – or AEDs – are based on the long-known concept that the heart could be restarted via an electric shock. By employing a biphasic technology that uses less energy, the cumbersome old technology was transformed into a portable, easy-to-use medical device that’s now commonplace in almost any public building and airplane in the U.S.

After being cleared by the FDA in September of 1998, AEDs were first popularized by the American Red Cross that used them as part of its standard CPR training course for U.S. businesses. Government regulations requiring AEDs began in September of 2004 with the airline industry and soon expanded on a state-level into many public buildings.

Some examples of these regulations include:

• Alabama’s SB 306 2009 state law requiring an AED be placed in all public schools serving grades K-12.
• Florida’s HB 945 2010 state law requiring assisted living facilities with 17 or more beds to possess a functioning AED.
• Illinois HB 5838 2010 state law (amendment) requiring AEDs in physical fitness facilities with a trained responder available during events.
• Indiana SB 134 2007 state law requires AEDs in health spas and studios, sports centers, weight control studios, gyms, and workout centers in educational institutions.

The global AED market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% to reach $2.2 billion by 2017, according to Global Data. Hospitals will account for a little less than half of this market, while the professional AED market accounts for the other half. The professional segment is growing at more than double the growth rate of hospital use, as increasing government mandates expand the marketplace.

Drawing a Parallel with Medical Oxygen

There are many parallels that can be drawn with the development of medical oxygen technologies. While there is little doubt that medical oxygen is extremely beneficial in the early moments after a serious injury, those that are injured must wait for emergency responders before receiving it, since oxygen containers are expensive to maintain and potentially very dangerous if operated by an untrained individual.

OxySure Systems has revolutionized this market in the same way that HeartStart – the earliest AED invention from Philips Electronics – revolutionized cardiac arrest response. The company’s Model 615 provides the world’s first safe and easy to use solution that produces medically pure (USP) oxygen by combining two proprietary inert powders in a single response unit.

Currently, the FDA requires that only trained personnel, for reasons of resuscitation or oxygen deficiency, administer medical oxygen. OxySure’s Model 615 bridges the gap in the same way that the AED did by enabling anyone to dispense medically pure oxygen using a very simple to operate, turnkey unit at virtually no risk to the user or surrounding environment.

Regulation Could Provide Large Catalyst

OxySure’s technology is relatively new on the market and is only starting to gain traction in schools and public facilities. While it has already been used to save many hundreds of lives, the technology has yet to hit the critical mass needed to begin seeing interest on the part of regulatory agencies. The company is hoping this will change with a new series of sales and distribution agreements.

On September 27, 2012, the company signed a new distribution agreement with AED Professionals, a subsidiary of General Medical Devices Inc., which is one of the largest distributors of AEDs in the United States. And on November 8, 2012, the company announced new territory representatives in Illinois, Texas, Puerto Rico and other countries outside of the United States.

With these agreements in place, the company hopes to ramp up its sales to a point where its technology begins to see nationwide interest. These levels of awareness could lead to the same regulatory interest seen by AED developers when that technology reached its own critical mass.

Strong Investment Opportunity

OxySure Systems trades with a market capitalization of just $13.5 million, which could significantly undervalue the stock if its technology takes the same road as the AED. With AEDs projected to grow at a 6% CAGR between 2010 and 2017 to reach $2.2 billion in sales, capturing just a fraction of this market could equate to significant market potential.

For more information, please see the following resources:

• Company Website
• Recent SEC Filings

OxySure Appoints Territory Representatives for Several Key Areas

Thu 08 Nov 2012 10:05:57 MST

OxySure Appoints Territory Representatives for Illinois, Texas, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Panama

OxySure Systems Inc. (OTCBB: OXYS), a medical device manufacturer of life-saving easy-to-use emergency oxygen solutions with an oxygen from powder technology, operating in the same industry as companies like Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) and Oxygen Biotherapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: OXBT), recently announced the appointment of new territory representatives for multiple regions.

Investors are hoping that the new representatives will help boost sales in Illinois, Texas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Panama. Combined with recent distribution agreements with companies like Grainger (NYSE:GWW), Systemax (NYSE:SYX) and AED Professionals, the company hopes to significantly improve its top and bottom line over the coming quarters.

OxySure Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:OXYS) (“OxySure” or the “Company”), the medical device manufacturer of life-saving easy-to-use emergency oxygen solutions with its “oxygen from powder” technology today announced that the Company has appointed territory representatives for Illinois, Texas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Panama.

The Company appointed Midamerica Partners, LLC for the state of Illinois. The President of Midamerica Partners, which is based in Northfield, IL is David Fritzsche, who has significant experience and relationships in the emergency medical space and in distribution channel development.

To manage the state of Texas the Company appointed Ed Huntsberry, who has significant experience in the sale and marketing of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and related safety equipment and supplies.

Bobby Pulis Industrial Sales, LLC was appointed to support Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Panama. Its President, Bobby Pulis is native to Puerto Rico and formerly managed an Occupational Health and Safety Business for 3M.

Said Julian Ross, CEO of OxySure Systems, Inc.: “One of our goals is to drive forward our growth with manufacturer’s representatives who can bring local market knowledge, product expertise and reliable professional service to our distributors and end user customers. The addition of these organizations and talent is a significant step towards that goal.”

About OxySure Systems, Inc.
OxySure Systems, Inc. is a Frisco, Texas-based medical technology company that focuses on the design, manufacture and distribution of specialty respiratory and medical solutions. The company pioneered a safe and easy to use solution to produce medically pure (USP) oxygen from inert powders. The company owns numerous issued patents and patents pending on this technology which makes the provision of emergency oxygen safer, more accessible and easier to use than traditional oxygen provision systems. OxySure’s products improve access to emergency oxygen that affects the survival, recovery and safety of individuals in several areas of need: (1) Public and private places and settings where medical emergencies can occur; (2) Individuals at risk for cardiac, respiratory or general medical distress needing immediate help prior to emergency medical care arrival; and (3) Those requiring immediate protection and escape from exposure situations or oxygen-deficient situations in industrial, mining, military, or other “Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health” (IDLH) environments. www.OxySure.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements that relate to the Company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company's results from new products in development, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "should", "anticipates", “pursues”, "likely", "believes" and words of similar import also identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are based on current facts and analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determined and assumptions of management. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required under applicable law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release. Additional information on risks and other factors that may affect the business and financial results of OxySure Systems, Inc. can be found in the filings of OxySure Systems, Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Five Regenerative Medicine Companies Worthy of Portfolio Addition

Wed 07 Nov 2012 11:01:32 MST

Broadly speaking, regenerative medicine is an innovative new area of medicine that is focused on the development of new therapies that enable healing and repair of the body in ways that overcome the limitations of conventional medical treatments. Regenerative medicine uses a range of approaches, including cell based therapies, stem cells, tissue engineering and others, that represent an exciting alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals and current standards of care that, in many cases, still only treat symptoms - as opposed to addressing the underlying cause of the problem – whether from disease or injury.

In short, regenerative medicine, as the name implies, seeks to repair, regenerate or replace damaged or diseased tissue that is at the root of the problem, in order to restore function and homeostatic health. It has been a couple of decades in development, but recent advancements in research and growing acceptance in the medical community and among patient groups now position the field of regenerative medicine at a tipping point that could revolutionize medicine across the complete spectrum of indications. In particular, areas where traditional approaches have failed to address unmet needs from inflammatory and autoimmune diseases to neurological injury and disease, to cardiac conditions and back again. In the Ten Commandments of building a diversified portfolio, holding a regenerative medicine company – or two – is a principle of the investing handbook.

While there are numerous companies advancing interesting regenerative medicine programs, several have emerged as uniquely positioned to have a meaningful impact and build exponential shareholder value in the near term. Each, in their own right, is a standout and contains headroom for market appreciation simply on the merits of what they are already well positioned to accomplish. In this, the first part of a multiple-article exercise, we will examine some of the leaders from an overview perspective to delineate where true value resides. In each case, the companies are dedicated to bringing to market their respective biologics to treat indications with high morbidity and mortality rates or for which current therapies offer little therapeutic option.

Selecting only a few companies is a daunting task, with outfits such as Biotime, Inc. (NYSE: MKT: BTX), Neostem (NYSE MKT: NBS) and Cytomedix, Inc. (OTCBB: CXMI) presenting unique, early-stage growth propositions, but not making the list. Although a fan favorite of many, Advanced Cell Technology Inc. (OTCBB: ACTC) didn’t make the cut because of its relatively high market capitalization compared to peers, large number outstanding shares, and relatively early clinical efforts, while Neuralstem, Inc. (NYSE MKT: CUR) was left-out because of facing stiff challenges in addressing neural indications in the brain and spine.

Mesoblast Ltd. (ASX: MSB), is clearly positioned as a global leader in regenerative medicine, but was not included because the company trades primarily on the Australia exchange and is already valued far above any peers ($1.7 billion market cap), thereby giving it more limited upside than the companies we have selected.

A quick synopsis of the five most intriguing portfolio candidates in the regenerative medicine industry (in alphabetical order):

Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTM)(http://www.aastrom.com/) – Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Aastrom is focused on cardiovascular disease. The company is currently evaluating its autologous cell therapy approach (i.e. in which cells are isolated from the patient, expanded, and then readministered) in U.S. clinical trials for the treatment of critical limb ischemia, or CLI, (Phase III trial enrolling now) and dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCI, (Phase IIa completed). Critical limb ischemia, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease, is estimated to affect about 3.5 million patients in the U.S. alone, with the incidence rate expected to nearly double by 2030 due to the aging population and increased prevalence of diabetes. Importantly, CLI is an extremely expensive disease with the inpatient treatments in excess of $55,000 per patient, representing a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity by itself. With the Phase III already in the works and about $28 million in cash, Aastrom is in a solid position.

Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX)(www.athersys.com) – Cleveland, Ohio-based Athersys is developing MultiStem, a donor-derived “off-the-shelf” stem cell product that can be manufactured on an industrial scale and is administered like a traditional biotech drug. The company is pursuing development for multiple disease indications, including four different U.S. and/or international clinical trials in the inflammatory & immune, neurological and cardiovascular areas, with a fifth authorized to begin in Germany (for solid organ transplants). In partnership with Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE: PFE), MultiStem is in an ongoing Phase II trial for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which affects roughly 2.4 million people in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Another active Phase II clinical trial involves MultiStem for ischemic stroke, which represents the leading cause of serious long-term disability, and strikes approximately 15 million people each year globally, including 2 million patients each year in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Other clinical programs include treating complications associated with traditional bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplants, such as Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD) (the company is planning a Phase II/III study after its recently completed Phase I – and has Orphan Drug designation from FDA); as well as treating damage from heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), where aPhase I has been completed, and the Phase II is authorized by the FDA to start). Athersys, who already had about $10 million in cash and equivalents, recently completed a successful offering that was oversubscribed and added more than $20 million to the company coffers to advance clinical trials. Meanwhile, the company has a modest spend rate, yet more clinical programs than most of its peers, and is pursuing massive markets that tread into tens of billions of dollars annually. Several other factors make Athersys a compelling value, including two orphan drug designations by the FDA; the partnership with Pfizer; multiple analyst coverage with “buy” and “outperform” ratings, and an average price target amongst four leading analysts of $6.50 per share (Thomson Reuters First Call). It’s easy to see why the recent offering was oversubscribed with investors.

Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYTX)(www.cytori.com) – Based in San Diego, CA, Cytori is developing therapies based on autologous adipose (fat)-derived stem cells (ADRCs) to treat cardiovascular disease and repair soft tissue defects. Utilizing adipose-derived stem cells is not an origin point that many companies have focused on, but there are strong possibilities for this method. Cytori is in the midst of several trials throughout Europe and the U.S.: ATHENA, a Phase I/II trial for refractory heart failure in the U.S.; ADVANCE, a Phase II European trial for acute myocardial infarction; PRECISE, which completed a Phase I European trial for chronic myocardial ischemia; and APOLLO, which completed a Phase I European trial for acute myocardial infarction. The company’s Phase IV RESTORE 2 trial was recently completed and designed to evaluate the transplantation of ADRC-enriched autologous fat tissue into and around breast deformities. Through its proprietary offerings, including its Celution product line, Cytori makes its treatments available at the point-of-care for physicians and patients. Another relevant component in valuing Cytori is the fact that late in September it was awarded a contract valued up to $106 Million by Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop cell therapies for thermal burns combined with radiation injury. With mid and late-stage clinical trials targeting heart attack patients and ischemic conditions, the potential market is large. With $28 million in cash and equivalents, Cytori has plenty of capital to carry-forward with clinical research.

Osiris Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: OSIR)(www.osiris.com) – Columbia, Maryland-based Osiris currently has two product candidates in clinical trials spanning several indications. Prochymal, an intravenously administered formulation of mesenchymal stem cells, is being evaluated in Phase 3 trials for acute GvHD and Crohn's disease. Prochymal is currently the only stem cell therapy designated by FDA as both an Orphan Drug and Fast Track product, (although this will likely change as competitor programs advance). Prochymal is also being evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials for the repair of heart tissue following a heart attack, the protection of pancreatic islet cells in patients with type 1 diabetes, and the repair of lung tissue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The company also has Chondrogen in a Phase II clinical trial for arthritis in the knee and Osteocel-XC in Phase I trials for focal bone regeneration. With some similarities to Athersys, Osiris clearly has a pipeline with a robust potential patient population, including a diabetes population of more than 25 million in the U.S. alone. The FDA designations to expedite developments are also a plus in addition to having several pivotal phase 3 trials ongoing. Osiris also has more than $45 million in cash and investments, and recently obtained approval for treating pediatric GVHD in Canada and New Zealand.

Pluristem Life Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: PSTI)(www.pluristem.com) – Haifa, Israel-based Pluristem is focused on placenta-based cell therapies. The company's patented PLX (PLacental eXpanded) cells drug delivery platform releases a cocktail of therapeutic proteins in response to a variety of local and systemic inflammatory diseases. Like the Osiris and Athersys product platforms, PLX is an “off-the-shelf” product candidate that requires no tissue matching or immune-suppression treatment prior to administration. With PLX, Pluristem is targeting Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), neuropathic pain and muscle injuries, with the initial clinical trials designed for PAD. Early clinical trials are complete and a multinational Phase II/III study of PLX-PAD for critical limb ischemia and a Phase II study for intermittent claudication are set to begin under guidance from the FDA and the European Medical Agencies. As mentioned with Aastrom, peripheral artery disease is an expensive disease to treat that has a quickly-growing patient population. Aside from PAD, Pluristem has gone broad with their technology, which, like Athersys, gives it a particular appeal, as all the eggs aren’t in one basket. The company has a reasonable amount of cash and marketable securities at its disposal, totaling roughly $39 million.

A look at the recent share structure and valuations of these companies (as of November 2, 2012):

With this brief overview, some stark discrepancies immediately surface. For starters, notice how much smaller the market capitalizations are compared to Mesoblast’s aforementioned market cap of $1.7 billion. Also the discrepancy of the valuation of Athersys compared with peers is plainly evident and without solid rationale to be so far out of kilter given the company’s stout pipeline.

From a broad perspective, these companies are all basically developmental (i.e. mid to late stage clinical trials) with negligible revenue. Such is the case with most biotechnology stocks regardless of specialty, yet many traditional biotechs command much higher valuations. Even the mighty Mesoblast only generated $38.3 million in revenue during fiscal 2012 while recording a loss before taxes of $48.7 million for the year. To their credit, the company still has $207 million in cash on hand.

Taking into account pipelines, assets-to-liabilities, partners, stages of clinical development and magnitude of opportunity related to indications, Aastrom, Athersys, Cytori, Osiris and Pluristem possess the largest amount of headroom for near-term share appreciation out of the more than 50 U.S.-listed companies that are focused in the regenerative medicine space.

Many have proclaimed that regenerative medicine is far from commercialization. In reality, however, there are already regenerative medicine products on the market now, such as Organogenesis Apligraf and Gintuit products, Advanced Biohealing / Shire Regenerative Medicine Dermagraft, treatments for orthopedic repair from Sanofi-Genzyme’s Biosurgery division, as well as a few others. Further, many clinical trials are reaching advanced stages, and a few could be shepherded through clinical development in an expeditious manner, as a result of recent FDA initiatives designed to bring innovative products to market faster in areas of serious unmet need. There are certainly regulatory hurdles, but a consistent record of safety and promising signs of effectiveness make it seem like a good bet that at least a few more products will make it onto the market in the reasonably near term. The truth is that the age of regenerative medicine has finally crept upon us and appears ready to gain some steam.

Big pharma is already jockeying for position that should start to translate into valuation impact for smaller companies. In April, Shire (Nasdaq: SHPGY) acquired the assets of Pervasis to bolster its regenerative medicine division. Terms weren’t disclosed, but up to $200 million in potential milestone payments were. In 2011, Shire paid $750 million to acquire Advanced BioHealing to gain access to Dermagraft, a skin substitute that assists in restoring damaged tissue. In February, Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) bought Synovis Life Technologies Inc. for $28 per share, in a deal valued at $325 million to expand “Baxter's regenerative medicine and BioSurgery franchise.”

As major drug makers have not fared well in recent years at developing therapeutics from scratch, it’s more than likely that most will follow the path of Shire and Baxter to augment their current regenerative medicine efforts by partnering with, or buying, smaller firms. The potential clinical and market impact of the companies mentioned above, would seem to make them valuable as portfolio additions to funds and individuals, especially as major players seek to re-fuel dwindling pipelines and acquire innovative therapies that can generate billions in annual sales. Companies like Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) by itself or through its Advanced Technologies & Regenerative Medicine, LLC division, are “keeping an eye out for new technology,” according to Jay Siegel, CBO at JNJ. If they are, investors should be as well.

European Union’s First Gene Therapy Approval Represents Major Industry Advancement

Wed 07 Nov 2012 10:42:09 MST

Gene therapy companies like Cardium Therapeutics Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CXM), Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ISIS) and Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ONXX) are all set to benefit from uniQure’s Glybera® as the first gene therapy approval by the European Union, a major health regulatory authority in the Western world.

Glybera® not only became the world’s first gene therapy approved by Western regulatory authorities, but also the first medication approved for patients with the rare metabolic disorder Lipoprotain Lipase Deficiency. With validation of the unique AVV-based gene therapy platform, commercial roll-out is expected to begin during the second half of 2013.

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) recently reported that uniQure's Glybera® (alipogene tiparvovec) approval by the European Commission, the first gene therapy approval by a major health regulatory authority, represents a significant milestone and validation for the gene therapy industry. Glybera® is a treatment for patients diagnosed with an inherited metabolic disease called familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency (LPLD or familial hyperchylomicronemia), who suffer from severe or multiple pancreatitis attacks despite dietary fat restrictions. The European Commission's marketing authorization of Glybera covers all 27 European member states and uniQure plans to apply for regulatory approval in the U.S., Canada and other countries.

"The EU approval of Glybera represents a major milestone for the global gene therapy industry," stated Christopher J. Reinhard, Chairman and CEO of Cardium. "This is an important step forward for our field and the millions of patients expected to benefit from new and innovative gene-based therapeutics. Gene therapy offers the opportunity to simplify treatments for serious medical problems and to develop new products for which there are no current medical treatments."

Cardium's late-stage gene therapy Generx product candidate (Ad5FGF-4) is a disease-modifying interventional cardiology biologic being developed as a one-time non-surgical treatment for patients with coronary artery disease. Generx can be delivered using a standard cardiac catheter and is capable of promoting and enhancing cardiac perfusion in the heart through the enlargement of pre-existing collateral arterioles (arteriogenesis) and the formation of new capillary vessels (angiogenesis).

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's newly-acquired To Go Brands® nutraceutical business. The Company's lead commercial product, Excellagen® topical gel for wound care management, has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. To Go Brands® develops, markets and sells dietary supplements through established regional and national retailers. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that the approval of a gene therapy in Europe will improve the prospects for other gene therapy products; that results or trends observed in one clinical study or procedure will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for our products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized and their use reimbursed, or will enhance our market value; that our To Go Brands business can be successfully integrated and expanded; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2012 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved.

For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Cardium Therapeutics®, Generx®, Cardionovo™, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium®, Appexium®, Linée®, Alena®, Cerex®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc®, Neo-Chill™, and Nutra-Apps® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company. To Go Brands® is a trademark of To Go Brands, Inc.

(Glybera® and other trademarks belong to their respective owners)

Athersys Reaffirms Position as Regenerative Medicine Leader

Mon 05 Nov 2012 09:17:17 MST

Athersys Reaffirms Position as Regenerative Medicine Leader with Cell Therapy Manufacturing Award for MultiStem® and Recent Research Progress in Treating Neurological Conditions

On the heels of a steady stream of corporate developments in October that showcased the promising data that continues to build regarding its MultiStem® cell therapy, Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX) announced Thursday morning that its subsidiary, ReGenesys BVBA, recently received the BioProcess International Award for the "Technical Application of the Decade" in Manufacturing for its use of an automated bioreactor system for the production of MultiStem.

The company joined the ranks of several major companies to be recognized for significant achievements across a variety of categories, such as Bayer Healthcare and Technology Services and GE Healthcare.

The work conducted by ReGenesys scientists, with the support of Terumo BCT of Lakewood, Colorado, demonstrates that MultiStem cell therapy can be successfully manufactured in an automated bioreactor system. Unlike other cell therapies, the MultiStem may be manufactured on a large scale, allowing up to a million or more doses to be produced from a single donor. The unique biological characteristics of MultiStem allow for substantial expansion of the cell product in culture, while maintaining potency and product consistency.

"MultiStem has some key advantages relative to other cell therapy approaches, including superior expansion potential and scalability, as well as distinctive therapeutic properties,” said Robert Deans, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Head of Regenerative Medicine at Athersys.

Athersys is currently evaluating MultiStem for a variety of indications in clinical trials, including a Phase II trial in partnership with Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE: PFE) as a potential new therapeutic for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Other ongoing clinical trials include evaluation of MultiStem as a new therapy for treating ischemic stroke (ongoing Phase II); complications associated with traditional bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplants, such as Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD) (Phase I recently completed with Orphan Drug designation from FDA); and damage from acute myocardial infarction (Phase I completed, Phase II authorized to start).

A clear leader in regenerative medicine, Athersys remains “committed to building on [its] inherent expansion advantages to develop the best-in-class commercial manufacturing platform to supply the many therapeutic indications for which MultiStem could be developed," according to Dr. Deans.

Athersys is aggressively investigating several other diseases and conditions for which MultiStem could prove a therapeutic benefit to patients who have limited options. Peer-reviewed scientific publication Journal of Neuroinflammation recently described preclinical study results demonstrating that administration of MultiStem cells modulates the inflammatory environment that follows traumatic brain injury (TBI), by reducing immune cell and cytokine activity associated with inflammation. Further research needs to be conducted, but if clinical trials later validate the preclinical research, MultiStem could provide unprecedented benefits to the 1.7 million TBI patients annually, many of whom may face slow recovery, or secondary tissue damage due to inflammation, as well as long term disability.

Additional results from preclinical studies have also illustrated potential benefits of MultiStem to treat spinal cord injury (SCI), a debilitating and expensive condition that currently affects about 1.2 million patients in the U.S., with an estimated 15,000 to 50,000 new cases added annually. Results from animal models involving SCI from contusion in the thoracic region, showed that treatment with MultiStem one day after the injury resulted in significant and sustained improvement in gross and fine motor function compared to controls in a ten-week study. The results were presented in October at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in New Orleans.

Athersys researchers also presented data at the Second Midwest Conference on Stem Cell Biology & Therapy in Rochester, Michigan highlighting preclinical research demonstrating that MultiStem potentially could be a viable treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although there are several therapies currently available to treat relapsing-remitting forms of MS, there are no therapies to treat the chronic progressive forms of the disease. However recent results suggest that MultiStem may have potential in the area, from studies conducted with the support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Fast Forward.

The company will be discussing these latest advancements as well as the status of its multiple clinical trials during its third-quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Interested parties and shareholders are encouraged to participate. The call can be joined on the Athersys website or by following the information provided in the company’s press release.

GrowLife (PHOT) Commends Legalization Efforts Around the U.S.

Fri 02 Nov 2012 11:44:51 MST

GrowLife Inc. (PHOT) (formerly known as Phototron Holdings Inc.), an innovative leader in high-end horticulture supply, today announced that it commends and supports Colorado, Washington, and Oregon's efforts to fully legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational use. While federal drug laws remain in effect, the move marks significant progress in the right direction.

Newsweek Magazine recently published an article, The New Pot Barons: Businessmen Bank on Marijuana, discussing the burgeoning industry. With Colorado, Washington, and Oregon choosing whether or not to fully legalize marijuana this voting season, businesses are ramping up their presence with even some blue chip cigarette companies rumored to be leasing warehouse space. Meanwhile, the article suggests that the market for recreational marijuana could be 10x bigger than the currently available market focused on medicinal marijuana. The remarkableness of the story is that this industry is becoming a very real business, with very real businessmen involved.

"A startling new report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation found that U.S. police arrest someone for a marijuana violation every 42 seconds," said GrowLife Inc. CEO Sterling Scott. "The reality is that the U.S. already has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world and it costs state prisons about $129 to house an inmate each day. Instead of arresting these non-violent 'offenders', the government should be collecting substantial tax revenue, and these states are finally making that clear with their progressive voter initiatives."

Public companies focused on the marijuana industry are also rapidly expanding, as the regulatory environment becomes more favorable for companies like GrowLife Inc. (PHOT), Hemp Inc. (HEMP) and Medical Marijuana Inc. (MJNA). These companies are joined not by 60's style marijuana advocates, but medical doctors, hospice, palliative care directors, veterans groups and a wide swath of American citizens leading the way in voter initiatives from Oregon and Colorado to more conservative states like Arkansas.

GrowLife is well positioned to benefit from these trends and a vast new potential market with its high-end horticulture products for indoor growing. Recently, the company acquired Greners.com, an online hydroponics superstore, bolstered its product line-up with SG Sensor technologies, and acquired a brick-and-mortar retail presence with its purchase of Urban Garden Supplies in Los Angeles, CA.

"GrowLife Inc. provides our industry with the highest quality gardening products and technologies designed to increase productivity and sustainability across the board," added Mr. Scott. "We were the first company to push the limits of today's LED technology by utilizing high output chips to mimic natural sunlight, while providing a safe and simple solution to high intensity lighting. Moving forward, we will continue to push the barrier and provide our customers with the best, while offering a safe and secure platform for our investors."

About GrowLife, Inc.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) (formerly Phototron Holding, Inc.) is a company with core holdings in innovative technology-based products and services for the indoor gardening industry and specialty markets. These brands include Stealth Grow LED producer of hi-powered LED grow light products for indoor horticulture (www.stealthgrow.com), Greners.com, the online hydroponics superstore (www.greners.com) and Phototron, producer of hydroponic grow containers, which are designed to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits in any environment (www.phototron.com).

For more information about our public holding company, please visit www.growlifeinc.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in GrowLife's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, all entertainment industry products are subject to additional uncertainty, including the risks of delay, cancellation and poor critical or financial reception. GrowLife disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

GrowLife (PHOT) Bolsters Retail Hydroponics Business with Urban Garden Acquisition

Fri 26 Oct 2012 13:21:35 MST

GrowLife Inc. (OTCBB: PHOT), an innovative leader in high-end horticulture supply, has already built up a sizable presence in the online hydroponics business with its acquisition of Greners.com, but now the company is looking to build a nationwide retail hydroponics presence offering more niche home gardening products than Lowe’s Companies (NYSE: LOW) or Home Depot (NYSE: HD).

The acquisition of Urban Garden marks the beginning of a potentially enormous move into brick-and-mortar retail, which the company believes could help significantly scale its revenues and improve its bottom line. Combined with its other recent initiatives, these efforts could unlock significant value for shareholders over the long-term.

GrowLife, Inc. (formerly known as Phototron Holdings Inc.) (PHOT), an innovative leader in high end horticulture supply, today announced the acquisition of Urban Garden Supplies, a retail hydroponics store with a sizable presence in the Los Angeles market over the past 12 years. The stock transaction that closed on October 22, 2012 furthers the company’s goal to build upon its presence in the retail hydroponics industry.

“GrowLife’s expansion into the retail hydroponics industry adds a key brick-and-mortar element to our digital strategy,” said GrowLife Inc. CEO Sterling Scott. “After our recent acquisition of Greners.com, we’ve developed a leadership position in retail hydroponics online, while our new SG Sensor line has helped bolster our product line-up. The acquisition of Urban Garden Supplies marks our next step into the very profitable brick-and-mortar side of the business. Over the next couple of quarters, we will operate Urban Garden Supplies as a model store before exploring a nationwide rollout covering major population centers across the United States.”

The consumer gardening market is estimated to be between $34-36 billion or up to $50 billion, according to a 2010 survey by the Garden Writers Association (GWA). Meanwhile, the Progressive Gardening Trade Association estimates that the retail hydroponics industry could be worth over $1 billion, suggesting a significant market opportunity, particularly given the enormous size of the consumer gardening industry.

About GrowLife, Inc.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) (formerly Phototron Holding, Inc.) is a company with core holdings in innovative technology-based products and services for the indoor gardening industry and specialty markets. These brands include Stealth Grow LED producer of hi-powered LED grow light products for indoor horticulture (www.stealthgrow.com), Greners.com, the online hydroponics superstore (www.greners.com) and Phototron, producer of hydroponic grow containers, which are designed to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits in any environment (www.phototron.com).

For more information about our public holding company, please visit www.growlifeinc.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in GrowLife’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, all entertainment industry products are subject to additional uncertainty, including the risks of delay, cancellation and poor critical or financial reception. GrowLife disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

OxySure (OXYS) May have Developed the Next AED

Tue 23 Oct 2012 10:24:35 MST

Imagine that you’re at a sporting event and someone collapses next to you from a sudden heart attack. If you’re like most Americans, you’ll immediately look for an automated external defibrillator (AED) to jumpstart the person’s heart and save a life.

With more than two million units sold so far in the US alone by companies such as Medtronic Inc. (NYSE: MDT), these devices have become commonplace in just about any U.S. facility and represent an industry expected to exceed $2.2 billion by 2017.

The market for AEDs has been driven in part by increased legislation and in part by higher instances of sudden cardiac arrest – due to an aging and society and other health conditions, such as for example obesity. When a cardiac arrest occurs there is a golden window of opportunity – just a few minutes after, during which the need for an immediate electric shock to the heart is paramount, without waiting for emergency responders to arrive at the scene.

But, what about emergency oxygen?

A study by USA Today found that the gap between the onset of an emergency and the arrival of first responders could be between six and 15 minutes. But unfortunately, just five minutes without emergency oxygen can cause permanent damage to the brain and vital organs.

Until now, there has been no way to easily, quickly and safely deliver emergency oxygen by a lay person.

OxySure Systems Inc. (OTCBB: OXYS) has developed a revolutionary new product that’s similar to an AED in that it’s easily administered and requires no training to operate. But instead of shocking the heart, the device provides instant medical-grade oxygen to patients. This is crucial, because after the heart is restarted by the AED, medical oxygen is the next critical need.

Medical grade oxygen is necessary in far more medical emergencies than a sudden cardiac arrest, too. From a common and relatively minor asthma attack at a high school football game to major trauma from a car accident, medical oxygen is vital in these situations to prevent cardiac arrhythmias, tissue injury, damage to vital organs and ultimately an untimely death.

OxySure’s Model 615 generates medical trade oxygen on demand without compressed tanks by combining two dry, inert and non-hazardous powders that can be safely stored. Like an AED, the unit is also very easy to operate by a layperson during times of emergency.

The technology could have enormous potential.

Given the dire need for medical oxygen and the rapid growth of the AED market, OxySure’s technology could have enormous potential around the world, particular as medical oxygen is used in far more emergency situations than defibrillators.

Currently, the company generates the majority of its revenues by selling into the K-12 educational market, where its product has already helped save hundreds of lives. But it has just begun to scratch the potential market for its innovative technology.

To expand into other markets where AEDs are common, OxySure has focused on signing up existing AED distributors to add its product to their line-up. For instance, an agreement was recently inked with AED Professionals to expand into these markets most effectively. And earlier this year, the firm announced a similar agreement with Grainger and another with Systemax’s Global Industrial to distribute its products around the world.

The company hopes that these products will continue to gain traction in the market over the coming quarters. If OxySure can be successful in garnering just 5% of the AED marketplace, the firm could see sustained revenues in excess of $110 million per year.

This means significant potential for investors.

OxySure trades with a market capitalization of around $15 million, which could represent just a fraction of its potential valuation if the company is able to execute on all of their plans. The Company has already demonstrated its ability to achieve many critical milestones, such as FDA approval, ANVISA approval, solid initial distribution, product and market validation, and intellectual property. Coupled with recent company moves towards improving their bottom line, OxySure has worked hard to greatly enhance their shareholders’ value.

For more information, investors can see the following resources:
• Company Website
• Recent SEC Filings

Boston Therapeutics Builds a Better Metformin Mousetrap

Thu 11 Oct 2012 10:12:14 MST

Diabetes is experiencing a heightened awareness with debates in Washington over healthcare costs and pharmaceuticals companies working to develop new therapies for one of the world’s fastest growing diseases. Presently, one in ten people in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes with that ratio expected to mushroom to one in three by the year 2030, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Major drug makers like Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) are advancing new drug candidates through clinical trials with some success, although sometimes only in specific subsets of diabetes patients. Also moving towards the end of the regulatory pathway to bring a better drug to the diabetes population in Boston Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCBB: BTHE) with its new version of metformin, arguably the most common drug used by diabetes patients worldwide.

J&J recently announced that its drug, canagliflozin, has shown the potential for efficacy in reducing blood sugar in patients on long-term insulin therapy and at high risk for heart problems, according to data culled from a much larger Phase III trial. Merck’s MK-3102, an investigational once-weekly treatment for Type 2 diabetes, was shown in a Phase IIb study to significantly lower blood sugar compared with a placebo. The pharmaceutical giant is initiating a Phase III trial based upon the collected data.

Metformin: The Good and Bad

For the nearly 26 million people in the States that have diabetes there are many common threads, including most of them taking the oral drug metformin to help process sugar in their bodies. Metformin is in a class of drugs called biguanides and is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, as a front-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. The drug acts by increasing the sensitivity of liver, muscle, and fat tissue to the effects of insulin, thereby lowering the level of glucose in the blood. Metformin is also the only anti-diabetic drug that has been conclusively shown to prevent the cardiovascular complications of diabetes by helping to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels with no associated weight gain.

Despite its benefits, metformin users commonly complain about the foul taste and smell of the drug, saying that it smells “fishy” and leaves an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.

Metformin has been around for decades and is known for its many generic formulations. In the States, about 50 million prescriptions of metformin were filled in 2010.

A Better Metformin

Boston Therapeutics, a developer of complex carbohydrate therapeutics to treat diabetes and inflammatory diseases, released strong news late last week that could prove a boon to the company and a relief to millions of metformin users. The company said that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its petition to file an Abbreviated New Drug Application, or ANDA, for a new, chewable tablet formulation of the diabetes drug metformin hydrochloride. The Company plans to market the new formulation under the name PAZAMET™. An ANDA is an application for a U.S. generic drug approval for an existing licensed medication or FDA-approved drug.

Further, the FDA has ruled that no further clinical investigation is necessary to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of PAZAMET, citing PAZAMET’s active moiety being that of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s (NYSE: BMY) approved drug Glucophage® (metformin hydrochloride) Tablets. Additionally, the FDA said that additional clinical trials are not required on PAZAMET to meet requirements of the Pediatric Research Equity Act of 2007, meaning that the new drug could be available to the pediatric population as well upon marketing approval.

As an added component of the new formulation, scientists at Boston Therapeutics have optimized the chemistry of complex carbohydrates known as mannans, a group of complex carbohydrates from plants which possess significant biological activity in moderating blood glucose levels after a meal.

With the ANDA pathway opened, Boston Therapeutics has shaved-off years and millions of dollars in research. The company still must run a small-scale, Phase III clinical trial to prove bioequivalency (meaning that PAZAMET performs similar to Glucophage®). In a phone conversation with David Platt, Chief Executive Officer at Boston Therapeutics, he told us that the company would be moving forward “expeditiously” with the trial.

Complex Carb Experts

The company is centered around their team of complex carbohydrate experts. The BTHE pipeline has five products that are built upon optimizing the chemistry of complex carbohydrates, including SUGARDOWN®, a marketed neutraceutical for the management of blood glucose.

Harnessing the power of mannans, SUGARDOWN® is taken before carbohydrate-containing meals to reduce the absorption of glucose from the intestinal tract. The proprietary mannan formulation in the chewable tablet binds to carbohydrates and digestive enzymes preventing the breakdown to glucose as the ingredients temporarily coat the digestive tract to slow the absorption of glucose. In addition, SUGARDOWN® induces a feeling of fullness and can therefore support portion control. All of these mechanisms combined lead to lowering the rate of glucose absorption from the intestinal tract into the blood.

Solid Front to Back

With a neutraceutical already on the market, Boston Therapeutics presents an opportunity that is not unlike a lot of other upstart biotechs. But, a closer look shows the company to be an anomaly amongst its smaller biotechnology peers. Aside from a strong pipeline and scientific team, the company is basically debt-free even though it has a new drug candidate heading into a Phase III clinical trial; a fact that is virtually unheard of in drug development.

Of course, the most appetizing (no pun intended) component of Boston Therapeutics is PAZAMET in the mid-term. As mentioned, the diabetes population is only growing larger and there is a great area of unmet need simply based upon the taste and smell of current approved therapies. PAZAMET appears to have not only addressed that issue, but has improved upon metformin on multiple levels as well through mannans. In addition to the general patient population where market share could be huge, PAZAMET should be particularly beneficial to the pediatric markets because of the drug being a chewable tablet, rather than a swallowed pill. The geriatric market could also yield a large portion of metformin users immediately to PAZAMET as swallowing, digestive and esophageal problems can be directly overcome with the chewable variation.

By improving a single drug whose sales reach billions of dollars annually, Boston Therapeutics could find itself making a noticeable impact in short order.

Athersys (ATHX) Unveils Progress in its Multiple Sclerosis Program

Wed 10 Oct 2012 11:55:59 MST

Athersys Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development of its proprietary MultiStem® cell therapy product for the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions, similar to companies like Mesoblast (MSB: ASX) and ThermoGenesis Corp (NASDAQ: KOOL), recently unveiled progress in its multiple sclerosis program.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). While there is no cure for MS, there are some strategies to manage the symptoms and improve patient quality of life, but currently available treatments only focus on certain frorms of MS (such as the relapsing remitting form of the disease). Athersys hopes to leverage its adult stem cell platform to introduce an effective treatment option for MS patients. And recently, Maxim Research doubled its price target from $3.00 per share to $6.00 per share in a strong vote of confidence.

Athersys, Inc. (ATHX) recently announced the presentation of new research results at the Second Midwest Conference on Stem Cell Biology & Therapy at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, that highlight the potential for MultiStem®, its proprietary adult stem cell therapy, to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).

The work conducted by Athersys scientists, in collaboration with Robert Miller, Ph.D. and other scientists from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and with the support of Fast Forward, a subsidiary of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, demonstrates the potential benefits of MultiStem therapy for treating MS. In standard preclinical models of MS, researchers observed that MultiStem administration results in sustained behavioral improvements, arrests the demyelination process that is central to the pathology of MS, and supports remyelination of affected axons.

"MultiStem therapy has shown promise in treating multiple disease indications in the neurological and inflammatory and immune disease areas," said Robert Mays, Ph.D., Head of Neuroscience at Athersys. "Multiple sclerosis presents as a neurological disorder, but a central component underlying the disease is immune system dysfunction. The results of our latest preclinical studies confirm that the immunomodulatory and regenerative properties of MultiStem therapy could have relevance for treatment of this disease."

In preclinical experiments, rodents were given either an intravenous injection of MultiStem cells or placebo after the onset of symptoms in an MS model. The rodents treated with MultiStem displayed sustained and statistically significant improvement in functional testing compared to placebo treated animals. This functional improvement correlated with a statistical decrease in demyelinated lesions in the nervous system of cell treated animals compared to placebo as well as increased remyelination in cell treated animals, and this result has been confirmed in a second animal model of MS, suggesting that MultiStem treatment may accelerate the process of axonal remyelination. If validated in human clinical studies, this could represent an important advance for treating chronic progressive forms of MS that are not adequately addressed with currently available therapies.

"Long-term successful treatment of demyelinating diseases, such as MS, will likely require both the regulation of the immune system and the promotion of remyelination to protect axonal integrity," said Robert Miller, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Technology Management at Case Western Reserve University. Miller also serves as Director of the Center for Translational Neuroscience at the university's School of Medicine. "I am pleased that the most recent studies suggest that MultiStem treatment influences both aspects of the disease, which means it has great potential as an attractive therapeutic option."

In 2011, Athersys and Fast Forward, LLC, a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, announced an alliance to fund the development of MultiStem for the treatment of MS, including treatment of chronic progressive forms of the disease. Fast Forward committed up to $640,000 to fund the advancement of the program to the clinical development stage.

About MS

MS is a progressive and unpredictable autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The immune system incorrectly attacks healthy tissue, resulting in progressive neurological damage and deterioration. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. These problems may be permanent or may come and go. According to the National MS Society, at least 400,000 Americans have MS, and every hour someone is newly diagnosed. MS affects about 2.1 million people worldwide.

About MultiStem

MultiStem® cell therapy is a patented product that has shown the ability to promote tissue repair and healing in a variety of ways, such as through the production of multiple therapeutic factors produced in response to signals of inflammation and tissue damage. MultiStem has demonstrated therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory and immune disorders, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular disease, as well as other areas, and represents a unique "off-the-shelf" stem cell product that can be manufactured in a scalable manner, may be stored for years in frozen form, and is administered without tissue matching or the need for immune suppression. The product is extensively characterized for safety, consistency and potency. Athersys has forged strategic partnerships with Pfizer Inc. to develop MultiStem for inflammatory bowel disease and with RTI Biologics, Inc. to develop cell therapy for use with a bone allograft product in the orthopedic market.

About Athersys

Athersys is a clinical stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life. The Company is developing its MultiStem® cell therapy product, a patented, adult-derived "off-the-shelf" stem cell product platform for disease indications in the cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory and immune disease areas. The Company currently has several clinical stage programs involving MultiStem, including for treating inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic stroke, damage caused by myocardial infarction, and for the prevention of graft versus host disease. Athersys has also developed a diverse portfolio that includes other technologies and product development opportunities, and has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as world-renowned research institutions in the United States and Europe to further develop its platform and products. More information is available at www.athersys.com.

About Fast Forward, LLC

Fast Forward, LLC is a nonprofit organization established by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in order to accelerate the development of treatments for MS. Fast Forward accomplishes its mission by connecting university-based MS research with private-sector drug development and by funding small biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies to develop innovative new MS therapies and repurpose FDA-approved drugs as new treatments for MS. More information can be found at www.fastforward.org.

About The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National MS Society addresses the challenges of each person affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move forward with their lives. In 2011 alone, through its national office and 50-state network of chapters, the Society devoted $164 million to programs and services that assisted more than one million people. To move us closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested $40 million to support more than 325 new and ongoing research projects around the world. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. Join the movement at www.nationalMSsociety.org.

OxySure (OXYS) Engages Investment Bank as Financial Advisor

Wed 10 Oct 2012 10:58:58 MST

OxySure Systems Inc. (OTCBB: OXYS), a medical technology company focused on the design, manufacture and distribution of specialty medical and respiratory solutions, similar to companies like St. Jude Medical Inc. (NYSE: STJ) and ZOLL Medical Corporation (NASDAQ: ZOLL), recently engaged C.K. Cooper & Company Inc. as its financial advisor.

C.K. Cooper & Company is a leading full service investment bank that offers insightful research, trading, market making and investment banking services, as well as a sophisticated wealth management platform for individual and corporate clients. Investors are hoping that the agreement will help attract additional institutional partners and shareholders, as well as an acceleration of growth and corporate development initiatives.

OxySure Systems, Inc. (OXYS) ("OxySure" or the "Company"), the pioneering manufacturer of life-saving easy-to-use emergency oxygen solutions with its "oxygen from powder" technology today announced that the Company has engaged C.K. Cooper & Company, Inc. ("CKCC") as its financial advisor.

CKCC will assist OxySure in its growth strategy as OxySure pursues the expansion of its sales and distribution capability and its product offerings. CKCC is a full service investment bank engaged in a broad range of securities activities and financial services, including investment banking, equity research, private wealth management, institutional sales, trading and market making.

"OxySure is pleased to be working with the professionals at C.K. Cooper & Company as they assist us in our corporate development as well as introducing our company to prospective institutional partners and shareholders," stated Julian Ross, CEO of OxySure Systems, Inc.

About OxySure Systems, Inc.

OxySure Systems, Inc. is a Frisco, Texas-based medical technology company that focuses on the design, manufacture and distribution of specialty respiratory and medical solutions. The company pioneered a safe and easy to use solution to produce medically pure (USP) oxygen from inert powders. The company owns numerous issued patents and patents pending on this technology which makes the provision of emergency oxygen safer, more accessible and easier to use than traditional oxygen provision systems. OxySure's products improve access to emergency oxygen that affects the survival, recovery and safety of individuals in several areas of need: (1) Public and private places and settings where medical emergencies can occur; (2) Individuals at risk for cardiac, respiratory or general medical distress needing immediate help prior to emergency medical care arrival; and (3) Those requiring immediate protection and escape from exposure situations or oxygen-deficient situations in industrial, mining, military, or other "Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health" (IDLH) environments. www.OxySure.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements that relate to the Company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company's results from new products in development, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "should", "anticipates", "pursues", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import also identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are based on current facts and analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determined and assumptions of management. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required under applicable law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release. Additional information on risks and other factors that may affect the business and financial results of OxySure Systems, Inc. can be found in the filings of OxySure Systems, Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Liberty Star (LBSR): Capitalizing on Rising Copper Prices

Mon 08 Oct 2012 10:12:49 MST

Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corporation (OTCQB: LBSR) is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition of exploration of mineral properties in Arizona and Alaska with properties totaling 160,000 acres of what its management considers to be some of North America’s richest mineralized regions for copper, gold, silver, molybdenum and uranium.

Copper Prices on the Rise

Copper prices have fallen modestly lower over the past year, thanks to steady copper supply and a decrease in construction and manufacturing activity. But the industry’s fundamentals appear to be shifting with increasing demand from emerging markets and lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets by larger players in the industry, like Rio Tinto plc (NYSE: RIO).

The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) sees long-term copper usage increasing due to the urbanization of China, as well as demand from construction and infrastructure projects in other emerging markets. Meanwhile, ICSG notes that the supply of global copper has already begun to tighten and could get even tighter in 2012 and 2013, according to its 2012 Statistical Yearbook.

As a result, smaller copper exploration and mining companies could see increased interest by larger industry players looking to add capacity without taking on exploration and development risk. Recently, Copper Fox Metals (CVE: CUU) acquired the Sombrero Butte project and Van Dyke Bureau of Land Management claims in Arizona from Bell Resources.

Tombstone’s Big Potential

The Tombstone Super Project (TSP), located in Cochise County, Arizona, represents a large and promising porphyry copper play situated near a large volcanic and intrusive geologic feature known as a caldera. While there are no drilled mineral resources on the property, it’s adjacent to the old historic Tombstone Consolidated mines and the technical work is underway.

In mid-March 2011, Star Liberty contracted SRK Consulting to prepare NI 43-101 style technical reports over three areas within the TSP including Hay Mountain, Tombstone South and Walnut Creek. The resulting technical reports concluded that all three claim blocks were worthy of further exploration work.

After receiving word that its application for Arizona State Mineral Exploration Permits (MEPs) was accepted, the company plans on drilling approximately 10,000 feet of diamond core holes from 500 to 1,000 feet in depth during the winter of 2012. The results of this program will reveal whether economic grade mineralization is present to being commercial operations.

Several Other Promising Projects

Liberty Star’s properties aren’t limited to just its Tombstone Super Project. The company believes that its very promising Big Chunk Super Project, located in Southwestern Alaska next to the Pebble Partnership lands, could contain commercially viable deposits of copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, palladium, rhenium and zinc. After an extensive technical NI 43 101 compliant-report was created, the company completed preliminary drilling in September 2012 and is now evaluating the results in order to determine the mineral grades.

While these other exciting projects are in early-stage development, they do provide investors with additional long-term opportunities when considering Liberty Star.

• North Pipes Super Project – A 100% owned Northern Arizona property located on the historically productive Arizona Strip that the company believes may contain multiple viable deposits of uranium in Brecia Pipes.

• East Silver Bell Porphyry Copper Project – Located within the already operating Silver Bell Mining District northwest of Tucson, this property includes 26 unpatented lode claims covering a previously unrecognized porphyry copper center.

Great Investment Opportunity

Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corporation (OTCQB: LBSR) represents an attractive investment opportunity at its current levels. With a market capitalization of just $18 million, the company trades at a fraction of its potential valuation, if it’s successful in commercializing its mining projects. Meanwhile, the winter 2012 TSP proposed drilling results could prove to be a strong catalyst.

For more information, please see the following resources:

• Company Website
• Recent SEC Filings

New Cell Medium and Personalized Skin Care Sets Stage for Growth of American CryoStem

Mon 08 Oct 2012 09:46:19 MST

It would be inaccurate to ever say that stem cell therapies go out of focus at any time, but October 3 provided additional exposure as it was International Stem Storage Awareness Day. Only a few years ago, stem cells were the subject of intense debates as misperceptions about points of origin ran rampant. Today, however, they offer a virtually unparalleled upside to a portfolio across many verticals with companies like Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NYSE: REGN), American CryoStem Corp. (OTCQB: CRYO) and StemCells Inc. (NASDAQ: STEM) offering different price points and positions in the sector for investment possibilities.

While Regeneron and StemCells are focused on more brick and mortar type of stem cell research for diseases like macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s, little American CryoStem has a diversified business model that can drive revenue from a variety of streams as stem cell usage continues to become more mainstream.

Utilizing its proprietary commercial platform, the Red Bank, New Jersey-based company markets clinical processing and cryopreservation services and patented products for adipose (fat) tissue and Adipose Derived Adult Stem Cells (ADSC). Simply, fat tissue contains an abundance of stem cells which can be used for stem cell therapies or cosmetic treatments ranging from small facial procedures to breast or buttock augmentations that are safer and clinically more effective that any therapies today.

Further, the current medium “cell growth solution” for cell cultures (growth) and in vitro diagnostics contains fetal bovine serum. American CryoStem has developed and patented a new medium, containing human proteins, for cells to survive, grow, and divide that is animal product free, suitable for human clinical and therapeutic uses. The granted patent also allows 12 additional types of animal product free cell culture media. The company has filed four additional patents that cover a broad base of clinical materials and methods necessary to the creation of cellular applications and therapies.

The use of human material to process and store human cells seems far more logical as well as providing a solution to ethical and biological concerns arising from the use of animal-based products. With about 750,000 liters of fetal bovine serum sold each year into the multibillion dollar cell culture media market, the potential for American CryoStem from this one business component alone is tremendous.

The company has also begun delivering revenues from employing its services, products and technology. For insistence, American CryoStem has hundreds of cosmetic surgeons in its network that are now offering clients access to Personal Cell Sciences’ U Autologous skin care line. Truly defined by its name, stem cells are processed from a person’s own fat tissue to harness the youth and power of each clients stem cells in probably the most unique, technologically-advanced skin care product available today.

American CryoStem and Personal Cell Sciences have conducted clinical studies that incorporated state-of-the-art technology to document before and after results of its products. In a phone conversation with John Arnone, he told us that prior to the clinical study he was the first patient. Twenty patients participated in the 8-week long clinical study showing an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Doctors in the network are also able to use the American CryoStem’s tissue storage technology in cosmetic fat grafting procedures. Stored fat tissue as a natural bio-compatible filler can replace a plethora of standards today, such as saline/silicone breast implants, or chemical based injectables that are used in smaller procedures. Through a one-time liposuction procedure to remove adipose tissue, the patient can store enough for a lifetime of cosmetic work. According to Arnone, the company is already getting a strong response to the newly launched products with sales starting to steadily come in.

Addressing another market, American CryoStem has partnered with privately-held Protein Genomics, a developer and manufacturer of unique products for the biotechnology industry. Through a collaborative agreement, the companies are working to develop novel cellular therapies for the wound healing, regenerative and cellular therapy markets. The company intends to continue its licensing and partnering programs to expand its intellectual property revenue opportunities.

So much more than “just another stem cell bank,” American CryoStem sits as a quiet leader of regenerative medicine in its own respect. The cosmetic components could easily drive millions in revenue given it’s a new product in the multi-billion-dollar cosmetic surgery industry, but it would seem to be more of a vehicle to even greater success with the media, cryostorage and wound care offerings. The new medium is particularly impressive and could set the industry on its side based upon its granted patent claims.

If that’s not enough to inspire further due diligence, the company has no debt and an impeccable team of thought leaders and experts in biotechnology, dermatology and cell biology. If they hit their goal of $3 million to $5 million in sales during 2013 as Arnone told us they are aiming for, the days of the $7.5 million market cap that they are currently carrying will be long gone.

Athersys (ATHX) Reports Progress in Phase 2 Study of MultiStem for Ischemic Stroke

Fri 05 Oct 2012 12:14:12 MST

There are many areas of unmet medical need across the planet, but stroke is arguably one of the most debilitating traumas for which an efficient, effective treatment is currently lacking. The reality is that traditional drugs are not the answer for the roughly 2 million people each year in the United States, Europe and Japan that suffer an ischemic stroke (which is caused by a clot that blocks the flow of blood to the brain). Many people feel regenerative medicine holds the greatest promise to change the landscape of stroke care as we know it today, because unlike the pharmaceutical based approaches that have failed to have an impact, cell therapies are living entities that have shown the potential to repair the damage in a dynamic and multifaceted way.

On October 2nd, 2012 Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing its MultiStem® cell therapy product and operating in the same industry as peers Cytori Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CYTX) and Osiris Therapeutics (NASDAQ:OSIR), delivered promising news for stroke victims and the regenerative medicine sector in general. While MultiStem®, a patented, adult-derived stem cell product platform, is in human trials for multiple indications, Athersys reported that it received the “go ahead” from an independent clinical safety committee to advance its mid-stage trial in ischemic stroke patients, after the initial phase of the study showed that both lower and high doses were safe and well-tolerated.

ATHX recently completed enrollment of the first two patient groups of its Phase 2 study of MultiStem(R), a novel adult stem cell therapy being developed by Athersys, administered to patients within approximately 1 to 2 days after they have experienced an ischemic stroke. The independent safety committee reviewed data from these patients, finding that both of the doses evaluated were safe and well tolerated, and therefore, recommended proceeding with high dose administration to patients for the remainder of the trial.

The Phase 2 study is a double blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of MultiStem when administered to patients who have suffered a moderate to moderately severe stroke, as defined by a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 8 to 20. Patients enrolled in the study receive a single intravenous dose of MultiStem therapy or placebo in the 24 to 36 hours following the stroke, which is a significant extension of the current treatment window over existing standard of care. The study is currently being conducted at multiple centers throughout the United States.

"We are very excited about the initial results from this program and believe that it could represent a major advance in clinical care for ischemic stroke patients. We believe MultiStem has the potential to significantly enhance patient recovery, as well as meaningfully extend the treatment window over the current standard of care for stroke victims, enabling many more patients to receive treatment," said Dr. Gil Van Bokkelen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Athersys. "We are pleased with the results from the initial phase of the study, including the additional evidence of a consistent safety profile for MultiStem, and we intend to move the program forward aggressively to completion."

The first part of the Phase 2 study included two cohorts, with each cohort including a placebo group and a treatment group -- a low dose of MultiStem in the first cohort and a higher dose in the second cohort. The third cohort has a placebo group and treatment group, which will be evenly randomized. The study is expected to enroll approximately 136 patients in total.

Primary safety endpoints for the trial include measuring acute infusional reactions over the first 7 days following treatment. Primary efficacy measures include determining the proportion of patients with a modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2 (which represents patients capable of independent living) at day 90 in the MultiStem treatment group compared to subjects in the placebo treatment group. Secondary endpoints include functional outcome as determined by NIHSS score and Barthel Index. The study includes additional exploratory endpoints, such as measuring stroke infarct size and blood marker changes between the MultiStem and placebo treatment groups.

"We believe that development of a safe and effective therapy for ischemic stroke represents both a major clinical and commercial opportunity, and one that could drive value for our shareholders," added Dr. Van Bokkelen. "We believe that this Phase 2 study will provide compelling evidence of the potential of the program."

About Stroke

According to the American Heart Association, approximately 800,000 individuals suffer a stroke each year in the United States, and an estimated 2 million individuals suffer a stroke each year in the United States, Japan and major European countries, combined. Given the current lack of effective therapies, many patients who suffer a stroke experience long term disability and require extensive physical therapy or experience significant or permanent disability, and as a result, must receive long-term institutional care or be cared for by a family member.

Approximately 85% of strokes are ischemic, meaning they are caused by a blockage of blood flow in the brain, which occurs as a result of a clot or "thrombus." Currently, there is only one FDA-approved drug therapy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, the thrombolytic tPA, which helps to dissolve the blood clot that impedes blood flow in the brain. However, tPA must be administered within three to four hours from when the stroke has occurred in order to be effective. Due to its limited window, only a small percentage of all patients who could potentially benefit from therapy with tPA actually receive treatment.

As a consequence of an aging population, recent forecasts from the American Heart Association project that the prevalence of stroke will increase by 25% in the next twenty years, and the total estimated annual cost for treating and caring for stroke survivors in the United States will skyrocket from $64 billion in 2010 to $140 billion in 2030, representing a substantial increase in costs to the healthcare system. The company believes that the market for a safe and effective therapy for stroke that could be administered within a clinically reasonable time frame could represent a $15 to 20 billion annual market opportunity.

About MultiStem

MultiStem(R) cell therapy is a patented product that has shown the ability to promote tissue repair and healing in a variety of ways, such as through the production of multiple therapeutic factors produced in response to signals of inflammation and tissue damage. MultiStem has demonstrated therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory and immune disorders, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular disease, as well as other areas, and represents a unique "off-the-shelf" stem cell product that can be manufactured in a scalable manner, may be stored for years in frozen form, and is administered without tissue matching or the need for immune suppression. The product is extensively characterized for safety, consistency and potency. Athersys has forged strategic partnerships with Pfizer Inc. to develop MultiStem for inflammatory bowel disease and with RTI Biologics, Inc. to develop cell therapy for use with a bone allograft product in the orthopedic market.

About Athersys

Athersys is a clinical stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life. The Company is developing its MultiStem(R) cell therapy product, a patented, adult-derived "off-the-shelf" stem cell product platform for disease indications in the cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory and immune disease areas. The Company currently has several clinical stage programs involving MultiStem, including for treating inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic stroke, damage caused by myocardial infarction, and for the prevention of graft versus host disease. Athersys has also developed a diverse portfolio that includes other technologies and product development opportunities, and has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as world-renowned research institutions in the United States and Europe to further develop its platform and products. More information is available at www.athersys.com.

September Proves Another Productive Month at Cardium Therapeutics

Thu 04 Oct 2012 09:38:15 MST

As in previous months, September was busy again for Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) with the company showcasing its portfolio of products and technologies at leading biotechnology investor conferences. Of particular interest during the month included a presentation by Cardium’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Christopher Reinhard presented at the BioX Noble Financial Life Sciences Exposition held at the University of Connecticut, Stamford Campus on September 24 – 25, 2012. The presentation gives a succinct look at the full breadth of Cardium’s portfolio of investments. Operating for nearly three decades as a full-service investment banking boutique, Noble Financial Capital Markets has become renowned for its research on emerging growth companies. A video of the presentation can be viewed at: http://www.slideshare.net/CardiumTherapeutics/cardium-therapeutics-at-noble-biox-life-sciences-exposition-conference

As can be noted in the presentation, Cardium’s Generx® product candidate is a DNA-based angiogenic growth factor therapeutic being developed for the potential treatment of patients with advanced coronary artery disease. Cardium announced the initiation of the Generx late stage / registration ASPIRE study in March. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News published an article early in the month titled, “Honing In On Gene Delivery Targets” which featured Generx. The article discussed the ultimate use of transfection—modifying the human organism—and the important discoveries and advancements in the arena provided by Cardium and Generx® related to ischemia. The full article can be read at http://www.genengnews.com/gen-articles/honing-in-on-gene-delivery-targets/4425/.

News was also released on Excellagen®, Cardium’s FDA-cleared highly-refined fibrillar collagen-based topical gel for the management of full spectrum wounds of different origins ranging from diabetic ulcers to surgical wounds. In order to effectively advance the commercialization Excellagen, Cardium has formed a new Medical Advisory Board bringing together respected professionals in the wound care sector to assist the company in the commercialization efforts. More on this development can be read at: http://biotechstocktrader.com/cardium-cxm-forms-medical-advisory-board-to-support-fda-cleared-wound-care-product-639/.

Cardium’s MedPodium® health sciences brand consists of several nutraceutical products that are on the market today, MedPodium® is a portfolio of premium, science-based, easy to use nutraceuticals, metabolics and aesthetics designed to promote health and well-being for today's active and professional lifestyles. Leading industry website NutraIngredients-USA.com published an article detailing the rapid growth of nutraceuticals, despite a challenging economic climate. Specifically, the article cited a recent report from Packaged Facts that said sales of nutritional supplements grew another 7 percent so far in 2012 and should hit $11.5 billion for the year. Further, the company forecasts that sales will reach $15.5 billion annually by 2017, driven by consumer desire to less-expensive alternatives to traditional medical care. To learn more about the burgeoning industry, read http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/Supplement-sales-hit-11.5-billion-in-U.S.-report-says.

Breaking News – October 1st, 2012 Cardium Announces the Acquisition of To Go Brands

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) announced that its MedPodium® operating unit has acquired the assets, business and product portfolio of privately-held To Go Brands® to support the expansion of its health sciences nutraceutical brand platform. To Go Brands has introduced products in a number of food, drug and mass channel retailers, and the company recorded revenues of approximately $1.7 million for the first 6 months of 2012. Continue reading http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77949&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1739947&highlight=

Cardium (CXM) Adds To Go Brands(R) to Its Nutraceutical Platform

Tue 02 Oct 2012 09:55:04 MST

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) MedPodium® platform is a portfolio of premium, science-based, easy-to-use nutraceuticals, metabolics and aesthetics designed to promote health and well-being for today’s active and professional lifestyles.

With products sold at Whole Foods Market Inc. (NASDAQ: WFM) and CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), To Go Brands® provides new potential distribution channels for the Cardium’s existing products. According to a new industry report, U.S. supplement sales could reach $15.5 billion by 2017.

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) today announced that its MedPodium® operating unit has acquired the assets, business and product portfolio of privately-held To Go Brands® to support the expansion of Cardium's health sciences nutraceutical brand platform. To Go Brands has introduced its products in a number of food, drug and mass channel retailers, and the company recorded revenues of approximately $1.7 million for the first 6 months of 2012.

San Diego-based To Go Brands develops, markets and sells a portfolio of over 25 products, including nutraceutical powder mixes, supplements and chews to support healthy lifestyles. The product line includes antioxidant-rich drink mixes in convenient stick packs that are designed to pour directly into a water bottle, as well as mix packages for home use and capsule-based dietary supplements, including Trim Energy Green Coffee Bean™, which supports healthy weight loss. These products are sold through food, drug and mass channels at retailers including Whole Foods®, CVS®, Kroger®, GNC®, Jewel-Osco®, Ralph's Supermarkets®, Meijr®, and the Vitamin Shoppe® and from the company's web-based store. To learn more about To Go Brands, please visit www.togobrands.com. An updated investor presentation that includes information on To Go Brands is available on Cardium's website at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77949&p=irol-presentations.

"Our acquisition of To Go Brands is focused on building Cardium's MedPodium in-house brand platform and health sciences business. To Go Brands have an established brand, a portfolio of marketed products, established logistics and distribution capabilities, a website e-commerce platform, and an experienced management team with key contacts and a track record of developing and placing new and innovative health and nutraceutical products into the mass, food and drug retail channels. To Go Brands will coordinate Cardium's health sciences brand platform, including the MedPodium Nutra-Apps® product line, as well as our strategic investment in SourceOne Global Partners, a leading supplier of science-based ingredients and proprietary formulas to the national supplement and functional food and beverage industries. According to a new industry report, U.S. supplement sales are estimated to total $11.5 billion in 2012 and are projected to reach $15.5 billion by 2017. The success of products like Five Hour Energy® have shown that the nutraceutical space has the potential to generate billion dollar products without the extensive regulatory and other hurdles biologics and pharmaceuticals face," stated Christopher J. Reinhard, Chief Executive Officer of Cardium.

"Cardium continues to focus on the strategic partnering, business development and economic monetization of our advanced tissue engineering investment that includes our FDA-cleared Excellagen professional-use wound care product, which is designed as an acellular biological modulator to activate the healing process. At the same time, bioRASI, our development partner, continues to advance the international ASPIRE Phase 3 clinical development of our Generx [Ad5FGF-4] DNA-based angiogenic biological product candidate for the potential treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. In addition, consistent with our capital-efficient business model, we continue to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities," Mr. Reinhard added.

Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, Cardium issued 8.4 million unregistered shares of common stock, representing approximately 6.5% of outstanding common stock after giving effect for the issuance of shares for the acquisition, to be held in escrow for 6 months and then released in tranches over the following one year period ending 18 months following the closing of the transaction. An additional 1.2 million shares of common stock have been issued and will be held in escrow for an 18-month period for unrecognized claims that may arise in connection with the asset purchase transaction or the related business. The transaction covers the acquisition of the assets, business and product portfolio of To Go Brands, Inc. The shares of Cardium common stock that have been issued under the purchase agreement are unregistered and restricted for sale pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Exchange Act and certain other conditions. To Go Brands recorded revenues of approximately $1.7 million for the first 6 months of 2012. Cardium plans to file a Form 8-K/A providing audited financial statements of the To Go Brands business.

About To Go Brands®

To Go Brands develops, markets and sells a portfolio of over 25 products including, nutraceutical powder mixes, supplements and chews to support healthy lifestyles. The product line contains 100% natural antioxidant-rich drink mixes with organic ingredients, in convenient stick packs, designed to pour directly into a water bottle, mix packages for home use and capsule-based dietary supplements. The Healthy To Go product line includes Go Greens Super Fruits and Veggies™, Acai Natural Energy Boost™, Green Tea Energy Fusion™, Trim Energy™, Healthy Belly™ probiotic and Smoothie Complete™, as well as Acai and High Octane™ energy chews, VitaRocks® (nutrients for children) and dietary supplements including Trim Green Coffee Bean™ and Glucoberry™. These products are sold through the company's web-based store and mass, food and drug channels at retailers including Whole Foods®, CVS®, Kroger®, GNC®, Jewel-Osco®, Ralph's Supermarkets®, Meijr®, and the Vitamin Shoppe®. To learn more about To Go Brands, visit their website (www.togobrands.com).

About MedPodium Nutra-Apps®

MedPodium Nutra-Apps are small pharmaceutically-sealed, tasteless, easy-use capsules in pocket-sized packaging that are designed to address the unique needs of today's millennial consumers. Nutra-Apps provide premium science-based ingredients that have been characterized scientifically and shown to support an active lifestyle by enhancing energy, weight management, and relaxation*. Nutra-Apps come in simple, "one-and-done" servings and are designed to fit comfortably in a pocket or purse for use anytime, anywhere. For information about MedPodium Nutra-Apps, please visit www.medpodium.com. The video, "Nutra-Apps: Fuel your Lifestyle", is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtGqfI0Vfvs.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's in-house MedPodium Health Sciences healthy lifestyle product platform. The Company's lead commercial product Excellagen® topical gel for wound care management has received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. In July 2009, Cardium completed the sale of its InnerCool Therapies medical device business to Royal Philips Electronics, the first asset monetization from the Company's biomedical investment portfolio. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from stated expectations, which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from stated expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that To Go Brands business can be successfully integrated and expanded or that revenues for 2012 will continue at the pace realized during the first six months; that the acquisition of To Go Brands will accelerate the growth and development of Cardium's MedPodium business; that the To Go Brands product line or MedPodium's Neo-Chill™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc® or other Nutra-Apps® can be effectively commercialized; that the To Go Brands or MedPodium product line can be successfully broadened to include additional healthy lifestyle opportunities and that these products will be commercially successful or will effectively enhance our businesses or their market value; that results or trends observed in clinical studies or other observations will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in broader use; that our products or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive; that the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission or other regulatory agencies will not introduce additional or more restrictive regulations covering naturally-derived products such as those in our MedPodium product line; that our in-house or external product commercialization efforts will be successful or will effectively enhance our businesses or their market value; that our co-development and strategic licensing arrangements will successfully and in a timely manner lead to the development, formulation, manufacture and licensing of products for Cardium's MedPodium healthy lifestyle line; or that these or any other third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated.

Actual results may also differ substantially from those described in or contemplated by this press release due to risks and uncertainties that exist in our operations and business environment, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties that are inherent in the development of complex biologics and in the conduct of human clinical trials, including the timing, costs and outcomes of such trials, our ability to obtain necessary funding, regulatory approvals and expected qualifications, our dependence upon proprietary technology, our history of operating losses and accumulated deficits, our reliance on collaborative relationships and critical personnel, and current and future competition, as well as other risks described from time to time in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2012 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved.

For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com.

Cardium Therapeutics®, Generx®, Cardionovo™, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium®, Appexium®, Linee®, Alena®, Cerex®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc®, Neo-Chill™, and Nutra-Apps® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company.

To Go Brands®, Super Fruits and Veggies™, Acai Natural Energy Boost™, Green Tea Energy Fusion™, Trim Energy™, Healthy Belly™, Smoothie Complete™, Acai and High Octane™, VitaRocks®, Trim Green Coffee Bean™ and Glucoberry™ are trademarks of To Go Brands, Inc.

(Other trademarks belong to their respective owners)

*Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

SpectraScience (SCIE) Initiates Sales Training with PENTAX in Germany & Belgium

Mon 01 Oct 2012 10:10:48 MST

SpectraScience Inc. (OTCBB: SCIE), a developer of light-based diagnostic systems for cancer identification, similar to companies like Verisante Technology Inc. (CVE: VRS) and MELA Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: MELA), recently announced that it has begun sales training with its partner PENTAX Europe in Germany and Belgium following its technician training program.

The sales training is aimed at raising awareness of the WavSTAT units at hospitals in several European countries, where the company has already seen an enthusiastic start, according to CEO Michael Oliver. The move paves the way for near-term revenues for the company from not only the base units, but the disposables that provide a recurring revenue stream over time.

In addition to the sales training, WavSTAT technology was demonstrated in the PENTAX booth at the German Society of Digestive and Metabolic Disease Conference in Hamburg, September 19-22. The conference was attended by leading gastroenterologists and abdominal surgeons, and represented the first opportunity to feature WavSTAT at a major professional event in Germany.

"Our sales training program in Europe is off to a terrific start, and we are moving forward in other countries in the next few weeks," said Michael Oliver, SpectraScience's Chief Executive Officer. "The PENTAX Europe sales force is very enthusiastic regarding the prospects for WavSTAT, and the conference audience regarded it as an important addition to the PENTAX product portfolio. We believe WavSTAT will generate new revenue for PENTAX in existing accounts and, perhaps more importantly, also provide access to competitive accounts seeking a unique technology."

About SpectraScience, Inc.

SpectraScience is a San Diego-based medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets light-based analysis systems capable of determining whether tissue is normal, pre-cancerous or cancerous without physically removing tissue from the body. The WavSTAT Optical Biopsy System uses light to optically diagnose tissue and provide the physician with an immediate analysis. With approval for sale under the CE Mark for the European Union, the WavSTAT System is the first commercially available product that incorporates this innovative technology for clinical use.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar expressions. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, acceptance of the Company's products and services in the marketplace, competitive factors, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.

Aethlon Could Be Astronaut in MD Anderson Cancer Center Moon Shot Program

Fri 28 Sep 2012 10:12:46 MST

On September 21, the cancer research experts at Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center announced its “Moon Shot Program” - named in honor of President John F. Kennedy’s bold prediction in 1962 that the U.S. would make it to the moon by the 1970’s – as it embarks on a journey to drastically reduce the number of deaths from specific cancers by the year 2020.

In the highly motivated $3 billion dollar program, the large cancer center will be focused on lung cancer, melanoma, triple negative breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and the blood cancers acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. With a concerted effort, the doctors believe that people dying from cancer can be as infrequent as deaths from pneumonia.

Although the death rate from cancer has been steadily declining since the 1990s, the disease is still a leading killer annually across the globe. In the U.S., it is estimated that more than one half a million people will die from cancer with more than 1.5 million new cases being diagnosed in 2012.

There are a number of companies with novel therapies that could potentially garner support from the grand initiative of MD Anderson, although no official collaborations have been reported with the recent program launch.

It is notable that Aethlon Medical, Inc. (OTCBB: AEMD) Chairman and CEO, Jim Joyce, and Chief Science Officer, Dr. Richard Tullis, were invited to give a presentation at the MD Anderson Cancer Center earlier this month. The presentation was entitled, “The extracorporeal removal of tumor-secreted exosomes: An adjunct strategy to reverse immune suppression and inhibit metastases in melanoma.”

To understand why Aethlon may be a strong candidate to be a part of the MD Anderson push for cures is to understand Aethlon’s unique position in the cancer space related to exosomes.

Research across many indications is continuing to define the importance of exosomes, or tiny discus-shaped vesicles (microscopic “bubbles” inside cells that are filled with molecules like proteins and nucleic acids). Every mammal has exosomes shuttling around in their body. Because they can carry a wide variety of molecules, their role is expansive in playing a vital part of the immune system and has now been directly linked to potentially holding a the key to a next generation therapy for diseases such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB), and various forms of cancer, including ovarian, melanoma, breast, lymphoma, and colorectal. Take note of the similarities above in the cancers that MD Anderson has targeted.

This past summer new findings published in the journal Nature featured a groundbreaking cancer study by a team comprised of Weill Cornell Medical College, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, with collaborative support from researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the National Cancer Institute, and the US National Institutes of Health. In the publication, lead author Dr. Hector Peinado said, "If, in the future, we were able to find a way to control the education of bone marrow cells, as well as the release and content of tumor exosomes in cancer patients, we would be able to curtail and reduce the spread of cancer, and improve the patient's quality of life and survival."

With its Hemopurifier®, Aethlon is positioned as a leader in eradicating cancer-promoting exosomes that prove highly invasion to the immune system in cancer patients. The Hemopurifier®, which is a first-in-class device being advanced in Hepatitis C care, has also demonstrated the ability to capture cancer-promoting exosomes secreted by tumors. While Aethlon is conducting human trials and collecting robust data against hepatitis C virus, the company is also producing promising research in laboratory studies against cancer. In vitro studies have documented that the Hemopurifier® captures exosomes underlying cancer of different origin points. To date, the company has reported the in vitro capture of exosomes underlying melanoma, lymphoma, colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancer. Being the only device of its nature – coupled with the compelling data and growing knowledge of the role that disease enhancing exosomes play in cancer – puts Aethlon in a prime position to build a strong brand and potentially make substantial contributions in oncology. The company and its technology would seem to make a solid partner with MD Anderson and its commitment to changing the prognosis for many cancer victims.

OxySure (OXYS) and AED Professionals Sign Distribution Agreement

Thu 27 Sep 2012 14:16:20 MST

OxySure Systems Inc. (OTCBB: OXYS), a medical technology company focused on the design, manufacture and distribution of specialty respiratory and medical solutions, similar to companies like Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) and Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: OXBT), recently announced a new distribution agreement.

AED Professionals will offer OxySure as an add-on product to their existing installed base of AEDs and as a companion product for new AED sales. As a leader in the supply of such products, the new distributor offers the company significant reach into a complementary market. The agreement contains a “take or pay” provision, which requires AED Professionals to purchase a minimum number of 500 OxySure units in the next 12 months.

OxySure® Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:OXYS) (“OxySure”) and AED Professionals (“AED Professionals”) today announced they have signed a distribution agreement for AED Professionals to market and promote OxySure’s flagship product, the OxySure Model 615 portable emergency oxygen device, and all related accessories. AED Professionals will offer OxySure as an add-on product to their existing installed base of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and as a companion product for new AED sales. AED Professionals, General Medical Devices, Inc. company is one of the largest distributors of AEDs in the United States.

Ms. Kanchan K. Lall, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Medical Devices, Inc./AED Professionals stated: “The accepted clinical protocols require the application of supplemental oxygen as soon as possible – post-resuscitation, in cardiac emergencies and cardiac arrest in particular. OxySure provides a proven, safe and easy to use solution that allows a lay rescuer to administer the oxygen, while waiting for first responders to arrive. We are pleased to partner with OxySure, as this will make us a single source supplier of AEDs and first-aid emergency oxygen equipment to meet the needs of our customers.”

“We are pleased about the opportunity to work with AED Professionals,” said Julian Ross, CEO of OxySure.” “We believe OxySure’s Model 615 is a natural complement to AEDs, which is why this partnership makes so much sense,” he added.

About OxySure Systems, Inc.

OxySure Systems, Inc. is a Frisco, Texas-based medical technology company that focuses on the design, manufacture and distribution of specialty respiratory and medical solutions. The company pioneered a safe and easy to use solution to produce medically pure (USP) oxygen from inert powders. The company owns numerous issued patents and patents pending on this technology which makes the provision of emergency oxygen safer, more accessible and easier to use than traditional oxygen provision systems. OxySure’s products improve access to emergency oxygen that affects the survival, recovery and safety of individuals in several areas of need: (1) Public and private places and settings where medical emergencies can occur; (2) Individuals at risk for cardiac, respiratory or general medical distress needing immediate help prior to emergency medical care arrival; and (3) Those requiring immediate protection and escape from exposure situations or oxygen-deficient situations in industrial, mining, military, or other “Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health” (IDLH) environments. www.OxySure.com

About AED Professionals

AED Professionals is a General Medical Devices, Inc. company and is a leader in the supply of products relating to medical imaging, medical diagnostics, cardio-resuscitation, patient monitoring and emergency care systems. AED Professionals is regarded as the most trusted name in AEDs and AED Supplies nationwide, and was recently awarded Preferred AED Supplier status for the New York State Dental Association. AED Professionals is the Proud Lifetime Donor of all AEDs and AED accessories needed at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the Ground Zero in New York City. http://www.aedprofessionals.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements that relate to the Company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company's results from new products in development, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import also identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are based on current facts and analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determined and assumptions of management. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required under applicable law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release. Additional information on risks and other factors that may affect the business and financial results of OxySure Systems, Inc. can be found in the filings of OxySure Systems, Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Cardium (CXM) Presents at Investor Conference

Thu 27 Sep 2012 10:41:50 MST

Accentia Biopharma (ABPI) Appears Undervalued

Wed 26 Sep 2012 10:36:12 MST

Accentia Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCQB: ABPI), majority owner of Biovest International Inc. (OTCQB: BVTI) and other subsidiaries, operating in the same space as companies like Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ARIA), appears to be an undervalued cancer stock given its extensive clinical backing.

Innovative Solution to Unmet Needs

Accentia Biopharmaceuticals’ majority-owned subsidiary, Biovest International, has developed an innovative solutions designed to target B-cell cancers. B-cells are the most prevalent type of lymphocyte in the bloodstream that produce antibodies to fight infections. The problem occurs when these cells mutate and become cancerous. [3]

While most monoclonal antibody-based therapies like Rituxan®, Bexxar® and Zevalin® target CD20, a cell-surface protein expressed by both tumor and healthy B-cells, Biovest’s BiovaxID® targets tumor-specific idiotype, a protein unique to the tumor and not found on healthy B-cells. Ultimately, this makes for a far safer and more efficacious therapy. [1]

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the company’s primarily focus, represents the fifth most common type of cancer in the U.S., with an estimated 454,378 cases in 2008 in the U.S. Moreover, the condition accounts for approximately 3.4% of all cancer deaths in the U.S. With few efficacious treatments, the company could likely achieve blockbuster status with an approved drug. [1] [2]

Phase III Studies with Extensive Data

Biovest International is developing a personalized therapeutic cancer vaccine called BiovaxID® for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and potentially other B-cell blood cancers. In clinical trials to date, the company has demonstrated both a strong safety record and prolonged disease-free survival in FL patients. [1]

Currently, the company is undergoing an extensive clinical development program in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that includes both Phase II and Phase III programs. [1] In its most recent ASCO abstract, the company demonstrated that its therapy initiated an antitumor cellular immune response that significantly delayed tumor growth. [4]

Ultimately, these programs are expected to lead to approvals in the European Union and Canada in less than a year and a product on the market as early as the latter part of 2013, according to the firm’s management. [2] Despite this near-term potential, the company’s stock trades with a market capitalization of just $19.1 million, according to Google Finance. [5]

Near-term Catalysts, Long-term Potential

Accentia Biopharmaceuticals and its subsidiary Biovest International have both near-term catalysts and long-term potential. While the stock was hit by bankruptcy concerns in the past, the potential for a near-term regulatory approval backed by many years of data could make it an attractive investment opportunity with a sub-$20 million valuation.

For more information, please see the following resources:

• Company Website • Recent SEC Filings

Sources

1. http://edgar.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/704384/000119312511345808/d225429d10k.htm
2. Management Interview Call
3. http://www.lymphomainfo.net/nhl/b-cell.html
4. http://abstract.asco.org/AbstView_114_100528.html
5. http://www.google.com/finance?q=PINK%3AABPI

A Look at SpectraScience's Management Team

Mon 24 Sep 2012 11:13:39 MST

SpectraScience Inc. (OTCBB: SCIE), a developer of light-based diagnostic systems for cancer identification, similar to companies like Verisante Technology Inc. (CVE: VRS) and MELA Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: MELA) has been on a roll recently. After selling more than $300,000 worth of systems during the second quarter, the company announced earlier this month that it completed initial WavSTAT4 installation and training with its partner PENTAX Europe.

The company’s WavSTAT4 is lets doctors determine if tissue is normal, precancerous or cancerous without removing tissue from the body using Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) spectrophotometry. By removing any guesswork and eliminating the need for a physical tissue sample, the technology provides accurate and real-time information to doctors and patients, and saves money by eliminating unnecessary costs associated with physical biopsies.

As the company continues to hit its commercialization milestones, management is gearing up to unlock value for its shareholders in a number of different ways.

Experience in Unlocking Value

President and CEO Michael Oliver has over 25 years of experience in the medical device industry working for several different companies in a variety of roles. But notably, he has been a member of four separate management teams that took over struggling medical device companies, increased their revenue and profitability and sold them to strategic buyers.

Turnaround CEOs tend to be very adept at focusing on core principles to rapidly bring products to market with minimal overhead. In this case, Mr. Oliver’s experience has helped him bring Spectra Science’s redesigned WavSTAT4 to market just two years after taking the helm.

The company is now on its fourth iteration of its WavSTAT Optical Biopsy Systems, with each generation demonstrating substantial improvements in ease of use and diagnostic power. After receiving a European CE Mark, the product was launched commercially in Europe with the first sales occurring in December of 2011.

Targeting the European Market

SpectraScience has made the strategic decision to target the European marketplace because minimizing cost is more important to European healthcare systems and the regulatory environment allows the company to redefine its products before coming back to the U.S. The company hired Director of Business Development Hugues Wielemans in February 2012 to help roll out its products in the European marketplace, as well as in the Middle East and Africa.

Mr. Wielemans has been instrumental in this European push so far with over 20 years of sales, marketing and management experience working with multinational medical device companies and distributors in Europe. His contacts and experience in these target markets has helped expedite the launch of WavSTAT4 in these regions and promises to help moving forward.

In particular, the company’s deal with PENTAX Europe marked a significant turning point in terms of commercialization. PENTAX is one of the largest and most respected worldwide providers of gastroenterology devices and will begin marketing WavSTAT4 for colon cancer applications at events like the upcoming United European Gastroeterology Week in October.

A Talented Management Team

SpectraScience has a number of other strong people on its management team in addition to Mr. Oliver and Mr. Wielemans. CFO Jim Dorst brings 20 years of senior management experience in finance, operations, planning and business transactions after working for several other companies, including Aethlon Medical and Verdisoft before its buyout by Yahoo! Inc.

Meanwhile, Glen Freiberg, Mike Brady and Todd Pinkowski round out the management team by providing many years of experience working for a number of large companies in the medical space and tech industries. Combined, this management team appears extremely capable of guiding the company to profitability in Europe and eventually the U.S.

Great Investment Opportunity

SpectraScience Inc. (OTCBB: SCIE) stands at the very beginning of its commercialization ramp, with a very capable management team at the helm. With a market capitalization of just $14 million, the company appears to be trading at a discount to its near-term sales potential, given its agreement with PENTAX Europe, and future potential market penetration.

Despite this potential, the company remains largely misunderstood by the financial markets, creating an opportunity for investors to jump in ahead of any potential upside.

For more information, and to follow the company, please visit

• Company Profile

Cardium (CXM) Forms Medical Advisory Board To Support FDA Cleared Wound Care Product

Fri 21 Sep 2012 11:27:03 MST

Cardium Therapeutics Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CXM), an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and business with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and definable pathways to commercialization, similar to companies like Impax Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: IPXL) and Osiris Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: OSIR), said today that they have assembled a new Excellagen Medical Advisory Board as part of its initiatives for the ongoing commercialization of the Company’s Excellagen wound care product.

Today’s news follows last month’s corporate update on the Company’s portfolio of assets, including its lead clinical development product candidate, Generx, a DNA-based angiogenic biologic for coronary artery disease patients.

Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) recently announced the formation of the new Excellagen Medical Advisory Board, comprising leading practitioners, clinicians and researchers with diversified expertise in the field of advanced wound care. The Medical Advisory Board will provide strategic feedback and guidance to the Company on its ongoing commercialization activities, post-marketing research, reimbursement strategies and educational opportunities for Cardium's new Excellagen advanced wound care product platform.

Since receiving FDA clearance for Excellagen, Cardium has established cGMP out-sourced manufacturing and supply with UK-based Angel Biotechnology, developed cold chain logistics and distribution with Smith Medial Partners, initiated a pathway toward securing private payer and government product reimbursement, including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and assembled an internal strategic and tactical sales and marketing team. The Company is currently engaged in physician relationship building, product sampling, practice integration and building a portfolio of physician case studies. As a result of Excellagen's FDA clearance labeling, it can now be marketed and sold for the treatment of a broad array of wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, surgical, and other dermal wounds. In the U.S., the Company is initially focused on four vertical wound healing market channels: (1) podiatry, (2) wound care centers, hospitals, and long-term care facilities, (3) government agency providers (such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Bureau of Indian Affairs), and (4) dermatology. Consistent with Cardium's business strategy, the Company is currently working with U.S. and international strategic players to establish representation, marketing and sales, or co-promotional arrangements, leading toward an expanded physician base, revenues, and monetization opportunities.

"We are pleased to have assembled such an impressive group of key opinion leaders and industry experts in the field of our initial target diabetic wound care market. The Medical Advisory Board's collective expertise, insights and practical clinical experience will be instrumental as we advance our commercialization efforts to better target the needs of wound care practitioners and patients who could benefit from our Excellagen wound care product," stated Christopher J. Reinhard, Cardium's Chairman and CEO.

Excellagen Medical Advisory Board Members

Rudolph C. Anderson, Jr., DPM, FAPWCA: Virginia Medical Alliance, Springfield, VA; Active Staff at Sentara Potomac Hospital, Virginia Hospital Center and INOVA Springfield Ambulatory Surgical Center

Jay S. Berenter, DPM, FACFAS: Podiatrist and Chief, Podiatric Division Department of Orthopedics, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

James Blaine, DPM: President and CEO of Limb Savers Podiatric Wound Care Center, Columbus, OH

Anthony Cannizzaro, DPM, MPH, FAPWCA: Senior Clinical Consultant, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, CA; CPMA Society President, Southern California Kaiser Permanente Podiatry Society; and Clinical Associate Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA

John D. Halebian, DPM: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Henry Mayo Hospital, Valencia, CA; and Attending Staff Wound Care and Attending Physician, Henry Mayo Hospital

Howard M. Kimmel, DPM: Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland OH; Senior Clinical Instructor, Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Core Clinical Faculty, Ohio College of Osteopathic Medicine; Faculty Member, St. Vincent's Charity Residency Program; Chief of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Free Clinic of Cleveland; and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine

Lawrence A. Lavery, DPM, MPH, BS: Professor Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX and Vice Chair of Medical Affairs, Chronic Disease Specialists

Eric J. Lullove, DPM, PA: Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Board Certified Wound Specialist, Boca Raton, FL; Speaker Bureau Member/Consultant for Cordis Corporation/Johnson & Johnson; and Active Surgical Staff Committee Member, West Boca Medical Center

William D. McDonald, DPM: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Pacific Wound Center, Stockton, CA

Jeffrey A. Ross, DPM, MD, FACFAS: Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Houston, TX; Clinical Instructor Externship Program at Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Iowa College of Podiatric Medicine and Barry University College of Podiatric Sports Medicine

Arthur J. Tallis, DPM: President and Medical Director, Associated Foot & Ankle Specialists, Phoenix, AZ; Physician Peer Review, Health Care Finance Commission; Physician Peer Review Panels of the Health Service Advisory Group and Mediq Review Services; and Sub-Investigator, Phoenix Center for Clinical Research

David A. Yeager, DPM, FASPS, FACFAS: Podiatrist at KSB Foot and Ankle Center/Wound Care Center, Dixon, IL; Director of Podiatric Medical Education and Adjunct Professor, St. Joseph's Hospital Podiatric Surgical Residency; and Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford

Stephanie C. S. Wu, DPM: Associate Dean of Research and Associate Professor, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL; and Director of Educational Affairs and Outreach, Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR)

About Excellagen

Excellagen is an FDA-cleared formulated collagen topical gel (2.6%) designed for use with debridement and engineered to support a favorable wound healing environment and platelet activation for non-healing lower extremity diabetic ulcers and other dermal wounds. Excellagen's unique high-molecular weight structured collagen formulation is topically applied through easy-to-control, pre-filled, sterile, single-use syringes and its viscosity-optimized gel formulation is designed for application at only one or two week intervals. Excellagen is intended for professional use following standard debridement procedures in the presence of blood cells and platelets, which are involved with the release of endogenous growth factors.

Cardium's market research indicates that physicians seek easy-to-use products to reduce preparation time and facilitate product application - and Excellagen's unique, ready-to-use syringe-based collagen gel requires no thawing or mixing. Because of its specialized formulation, only a thin layer needs to be applied over the wound area, and one syringe containing 0.5 cc of Excellagen covers wounds up to 5cm2 in size using the supplied 24-gauge sterile, single-use flexible applicator tip. To learn more about Excellagen and for product ordering information, please visit http://www.excellagen.com and view the information video, "Excellagen: A New Wound Care Pathway for Diabetic Foot Ulcers", at http://www.excellagen.com/excellagen-video.html.

About Cardium

Cardium is an asset-based health sciences and regenerative medicine company focused on the acquisition and strategic development of innovative products and businesses with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and having definable pathways to commercialization, partnering or other economic monetizations. Cardium's current portfolio includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's in-house MedPodium Health Sciences healthy lifestyle product platform. The Company's lead commercial product Excellagen® topical gel for wound care management, recently received FDA clearance for marketing and sale in the United States. Cardium's lead clinical development product candidate Generx® is a DNA-based angiogenic biologic intended for the treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery disease. In addition, consistent with its capital-efficient business model, Cardium continues to actively evaluate new technologies and business opportunities. In July 2009, Cardium completed the sale of its InnerCool Therapies medical device business to Royal Philips Electronics, the first asset monetization from the Company's biomedical investment portfolio. News from Cardium is located at www.cardiumthx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release or the referenced investor presentation are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that we can successfully build key physician relationships or effectively market Excellagen in any of the potential wound healing market channels, that our Medical Advisory Board will effectively assist such efforts, or that we will successfully secure government, CMS or private payer reimbursement; that the company can attract suitable commercialization partners for its products or that we or partners can successfully commercialize them; that our product or product candidates will not be unfavorably compared to competitive products that may be regarded as safer, more effective, easier to use or less expensive or blocked by third party proprietary rights or other means; that the products and product candidates referred to in this report or in our other reports will be successfully commercialized or will enhance our market value; that third parties on whom we depend will perform as anticipated; that results or trends observed in one clinical study or procedure will be reproduced in subsequent studies or in actual use; that new clinical studies will be successful or will lead to approvals or clearances from health regulatory authorities, or that approvals in one jurisdiction will help to support studies or approvals elsewhere; that new product opportunities or commercialization efforts will be successfully established; that we can raise sufficient capital from partnering, monetization or other fundraising transactions to maintain our stock exchange listing or adequately fund ongoing operations; or that we will not be adversely affected by these or other risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations, business or other matters, as described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

Copyright 2012 Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved.?For Terms of Use Privacy Policy, please visit www.cardiumthx.com. Cardium Therapeutics®, Generx®, Cardionovo™, Tissue Repair™, Gene Activated Matrix™, GAM™, Excellagen®, Excellarate™, Osteorate™, MedPodium®, Appexium®, Linee®, Alena®, Cerex®, D-Sorb™, Neo-Energy®, Neo-Carb Bloc®, Neo-Chill™, and Nutra-Apps® are trademarks of Cardium Therapeutics, Inc. or Tissue Repair Company.

DigiDev (DIDG) Adds More Content to Growing Digital Library

Thu 20 Sep 2012 13:11:10 MST

Digital Development Group (OTCBB: DIDG), a provider of seamless, scalable and integrated technology enabling content providers to deliver their content across multiple platforms online, aiming to gain market share along with traditional content platforms like Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) and Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA), recently announced new content additions.

The company signed an agreement with Media Blasters Inc., owner of live action Asian films, horror movies and original productions. With content available on multiple platforms ranging from DVDs to Hulu.com, the company is a perfect fit for DigiDev’s unique online platform designed to enhance monetization for smaller publishers and content owners.

The Digital Development Group Corp. (DIDG) (“DigiDev”or the “Company”), a content licensing and technology company offering a wide array of content for television and other Internet enabled devices, today announced an agreement with Media Blasters Inc.

John Sirabella, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Media Blasters says “I am delighted to be working with The Digital Development Group as they are true innovators in this rapidly growing market. Our commitment to them is that we will continuously supply them with great genre product from our expanding library. DigiDev is our bet on the future”.

"Our agreement with John and his team at Media Blasters is indicative of our desire to provide content to a global audience," said Martin W. Greenwald, CEO, DigiDev. "We look forward to delivering programming from their deep catalog as well as an exciting pipeline of new entertainment."

Greenwald credits Bruce Venezia, VP of Acquisitions, who successfully negotiated the agreement as an indication of his deep connections in the industry.

DigiDev is targeting the rapidly expanding and revolutionary “OTT” technology arena to facilitate the video delivery of movies, games & apps to millions of desktops, mobile and smart/Internet enabled TV devices around the World. “OTT” or Over The Top devices piggyback on existing network services in consumers’ homes or offices; pull content from the Internet and deliver it to their TV or Internet enabled device.

Additional details of the Company’s business can be found in the Company’s public disclosures as a reporting issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) EDGAR database. Please refer to our full disclaimer, which includes our safe harbor statement, by clicking on or copying this link below into your browser: http://digidev.com/disclaimer/

About The Digital Development Group Corp. (DIDG). The Company’s founders, CEO Martin W. Greenwald and President Joe Q. Bretz who have extensive experience in the entertainment industry. As CEO, Mr. Greenwald, oversaw Image Entertainment Inc. growth to over $120 million in revenues. Given Greenwald’s focus in content licensing and Bretz’s technological know-how, the Company is well positioned to be a leader in the Internet television revolution. For more information please visit our website www.digidev.com.

About Media Blasters, Inc. Founded in 1997, New York City based Media Blasters was created to give sub-culture media the treatment and distribution usually only afforded to pop-culture offerings. Some of Media Blasters' most well known labels include Animeworks, specializing in Japanese animation, Tokyo Shock, specializing in Asian film, and Shriek Show, specializing in horror. Engaging in licensing, production, localizing and distribution, Media Blasters has handled groundbreaking titles like the perennial blockbuster “Beserk”, Adult Swim's “Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit”, action hit “Versus”, cult classic “Ichi The Killer” and the legendary original “Voltron: Defender of the Universe”.

Please visit www.media-blasters.com.

Nothing on this website is either an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell, shares of DigiDev Group or any other entity. Nothing on this website is a solicitation of a proxy from a security holder of Digital Development Group Corp. or any other company.

OxySure (OXYS) Expands Production Capacity with New UV-Curing Conveyor System

Fri 14 Sep 2012 09:58:28 MST

OxySure Systems Inc. (OTCBB: OXYS), a medical technology company focused on the design, manufacture and distribution of specialty medical and respiratory solutions, similar to companies St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE: STJ), recently announced that it purchased a new ultra violet curing conveyor system from Textron/Bell Helicopter (NYSE: TXT).

The new conveyor system will be incorporated into the company’s production line in the early part of the fourth quarter 2012 and eliminate 10-12 minutes of production cycle time. Investors are hoping that the improved efficiency will help drive revenues higher as demand for the company’s products pick up over the coming quarters.

OxySure(R) Systems, Inc. (OXYS) ("OxySure" or the "Company"), the pioneering manufacturer of life-saving easy-to-use emergency oxygen solutions with its "oxygen from powder" technology today announced the Company has expanded its production capability with the acquisition of an ultra violet curing conveyor system from Textron/Bell Helicopter.

Speaking from the annual Emergency Cardiovascular Care Update 2012 (ECCU 2012) Conference in Orlando, Florida where OxySure is an exhibitor Julian Ross, CEO of OxySure stated: "Our goal is to constantly improve our production process and reduce production cycle time. This UV-curing conveyor system should eliminate approximately ten to twelve minutes of production cycle time for us, and should improve our production efficiency significantly. We are pleased about that."

According to the system manufacturer this widecure system offers fast, consistent curing of large parts, and the conveyor runs from 4 to 50 feet per minute. OxySure acquired the UV-curing system for cash, and took delivery on Monday, September 10, 2012. The Company plans to incorporate the system into its production line in the early part of the fourth quarter of 2012.

About OxySure Systems, Inc.

OxySure Systems, Inc. is a Frisco, Texas-based medical technology company that focuses on the design, manufacture and distribution of specialty respiratory and medical solutions. The company pioneered a safe and easy to use solution to produce medically pure (USP) oxygen from inert powders. The company owns numerous issued patents and patents pending on this technology which makes the provision of emergency oxygen safer, more accessible and easier to use than traditional oxygen provision systems. OxySure's products improve access to emergency oxygen that affects the survival, recovery and safety of individuals in several areas of need: (1) Public and private places and settings where medical emergencies can occur; (2) Individuals at risk for cardiac, respiratory or general medical distress needing immediate help prior to emergency medical care arrival; and (3) Those requiring immediate protection and escape from exposure situations or oxygen-deficient situations in industrial, mining, military, or other "Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health" (IDLH) environments. www.OxySure.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements that relate to the Company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company's results from new products in development, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import also identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are based on current facts and analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determined and assumptions of management. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required under applicable law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release. Additional information on risks and other factors that may affect the business and financial results of OxySure Systems, Inc. can be found in the filings of OxySure Systems, Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

GrowLife (PHOT) Announces Development Plan for Cannabis.Org Portal

Wed 12 Sep 2012 11:56:35 MST

Phototron Holdings Inc. (OTCBB: PHOT), a developer of cutting-edge indoor mini-greenhouses capable of year-round growth of herbs, vegetables, flowers, fruits and medicines, offers smaller scale solutions that yield better, stronger and faster results than traditional farming methods from companies like Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) and Agrium Inc. (NYSE: AGU).

Recently, the company announced that it has acquired and is actively developing Cannabis.Org as an information portal for the medical marijuana industry. Moreover, the firm plans to develop the website into a powerful venue for celebrity sponsors to reach millions of new potential customers in its core demographics.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) (formerly Phototron Holdings, Inc.), a leading technology supplier to the hydroponic growing industry today announced that it has acquired and is actively developing Cannabis.Org as an information portal for the medical marijuana industry. Details regarding the creative content, celebrity-sponsor/contributors and release plans will be announced in Q4 2012, closer to the full release of the website.

GrowLife CEO Sterling Scott explained: “There are a very limited number of immediately recognizable portals for our industry like Cannabis.Org. GrowLife is very fortunate that our prominent position in the industry has allowed us this exciting opportunity to promote industry advocacy and events along with links that allow merchandising of technology and lifestyle products. Cannabis.Org will also be a powerful venue for our celebrity sponsors to reach millions of new potential customers in our core demographics.”

SearchCore, Inc. (SRER) acquired another highly recognizable industry portal, Marijuana.Com, in a cash transaction for a reported $4,200,000 in November 2011. According to GrowLife CEO Sterling Scott, the rights transfer to GrowLife for Cannabis.Org was a stock only transaction.

GrowLife’s acquisition of Cannabis.Org and its development plans are part and parcel of the continued development of GrowLife, Inc. as a lifestyle company to compliment its premier hydroponic equipment brands.

About GrowLife, Inc.

GrowLife, Inc. (PHOT) (formerly Phototron Holdings, Inc.) is a company with core holdings in innovative technology-based products and services for the indoor gardening industry and specialty markets. These brands include Stealth Grow LED producer of hi-powered LED grow light products for indoor horticulture (www.stealthgrow.com), Greners.com, the online hydroponics superstore (www.greners.com) and Phototron, producer of hydroponic growing containers, which are designed to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits in any environment (www.phototron.com). For more information about our public holding company, please visit www.growlifeinc.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in GrowLife’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, all entertainment industry products are subject to additional uncertainty, including the risks of delay, cancellation and poor critical or financial reception. GrowLife disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

Boston Therapeutics (BTHE) Receives $1.10 Price Target from Taglich Brothers

Mon 10 Sep 2012 15:51:28 MST

Boston Therapeutics Inc. (OTCBB: BTHE), a developer of complex carbohydrates to treat diabetes and inflammatory diseases, operating in the same market as companies like DepoMed Inc. (NASDAQ: DEPO) and Spherix Inc. (NASDAQ: SPEX), was recently initiated with a buy rating and $1.10 per share price target by a major stock analyst.

Taglich Brothers initiated the stock with a Speculative Buy rating and a $1.10 per share 12-month price target, which represents a significant 116% premium over the $0.51 share price. With revenues of $1.2 million anticipated by the end of 2013, the analyst’s price target is calculated with a 10.5x price-to-sales ratio for the period. Boston Therapeutics has two products designed to manage after-meal glucose levels: SUGARDOWN® is currently available as an over-the-counter product, and PAZ320 will soon enter a Phase III clinical trial as an adjunctive therapy with metformin.

To read the full report, please visit the following link: http://www.taglichbrothers.com/equityuniverse/companies/bostontherapeutics/bostontherapeutics.aspx

About Boston Therapeutics, Inc.

Boston Therapeutics, headquartered in Manchester, NH, (OTCBB: BTHE) is a leader in the field of complex carbohydrates, a specialized field involving understanding the importance of the role that carbohydrates play in biochemistry and progression of diseases. The Company’s initial product pipeline is focused on developing and commercializing therapeutic molecules for diabetes: SUGARDOWN®, a non-systemic chewable complex carbohydrate dietary supplement designed to moderate post-meal blood glucose; PAZ320, a non-systemic chewable therapeutic compound designed to reduce post-meal glucose elevation, and IPOXYN™, a systemic, injectable complex carbohydrate-based oxygen therapeutic for limb ischemia. More information is available at www.bostonti.com.

About Taglich Brothers, Inc. Equity Research

Taglich Brothers' Equity Research department is dedicated to providing research reports that are informative, insightful and illuminating. Reports are designed to distill volumes of investment information into a concise, straightforward format so that busy professional investors can make informed investment decisions. More information is available at www.taglichbrothers.com.