Protara Therapeutics Announces Appointment of Cynthia Smith to Board of Directors

NEW YORK, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TARA), a clinical-stage company developing transformative therapies for the treatment of cancer and rare diseases with significant unmet needs, today announced the appointment of Cynthia Smith to its Board of Directors. Ms. Smith brings to Protara over 20 years of diverse leadership experience within the healthcare industry, most recently serving as Chief Commercial Officer at ZS Pharma.

“It is with great excitement that we welcome Cynthia to our Board of Directors,” said Jesse Shefferman, Chief Executive Officer of Protara Therapeutics. “As an accomplished leader with a proven track record in key commercial and strategic roles at several leading biopharmaceutical organizations, we look forward to leveraging Cynthia’s unique insights as we continue to work toward establishing a path to market in the U.S. for TARA-002 for the treatment of lymphatic malformations and advancing our non-muscle invasive bladder cancer program.”

“Protara holds great promise in its mission to develop transformative therapies for the treatment of cancer and rare diseases,” said Ms. Smith. “I look forward to working alongside the talented management team and Board to help drive Protara’s continued growth and create value-enhancing opportunities for its shareholders.”

While in her role as Chief Commercial Officer at ZS Pharma, Ms. Smith led the company’s transition from a development stage company to a commercial organization. Prior to joining ZS Pharma, she served as Vice President, Market Access and Commercial Development at Affymax, Inc. Earlier, she held various senior leadership positions in market access, corporate strategy, government relations and external affairs at Merck & Co. Before beginning her career in the biopharmaceutical industry, Ms. Smith served as a Healthcare Policy Analyst in the White House Office of Management and Budget. She currently serves on the Board of Directors at Spero Therapeutics, Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, and Akebia Therapeutics. She earned a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.B.A. from the Wharton School and an M.S. in public policy from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.

About Protara Therapeutics, Inc.

Protara is committed to identifying and advancing transformative therapies for people with cancer and rare diseases with limited treatment options. Protara’s portfolio includes its lead program, TARA-002, an investigational cell-based therapy being developed for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and lymphatic malformations, and IV Choline Chloride, an investigational phospholipid substrate replacement therapy for the treatment of intestinal failure-associated liver disease. For more information, visit www.protaratx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Protara may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “designed,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to, statements regarding Protara’s intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: statements regarding Protara’s business strategy, Protara’s development plans for its product candidates and the contribution of Ms. Smith’s experience and past achievements in helping us achieve our strategic objectives, including the advancement of our programs. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties associated with: Protara’s development programs, including the initiation and completion of non-clinical studies and clinical trials and the timing of required filings with the FDA and other regulatory agencies; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Protara’s business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape; changes in Protara’s strategic and commercial plans; Protara’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund its strategic plans and commercialization efforts; the loss of key members of management; and the risks and uncertainties associated with Protara’s business and financial condition in general, including the risks and uncertainties described more fully under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in Protara’s filings and reports with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Protara undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Company Contact:

Justine O’Malley
Protara Therapeutics
[email protected]
646-817-2836



StoneX Group Inc. Announces Date for 2021 Fiscal First Quarter Earnings Conference Call

NEW YORK, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StoneX Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SNEX) today announced that it will release its fiscal 2021 first quarter results after the market close on Monday, February 8, 2021. Management will host a conference call on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time to review the Company’s 2021 fiscal first quarter results.

A live web cast of the conference call as well as additional information to review during the call will be made available in PDF form at https://www.stonex.com. Participants can also access the call by dialing 1-844-466-4112 (within the United States and Canada), or 1-408-337-0136 (international callers) approximately ten minutes prior to the start time.

A replay of the call will be available at https://www.stonex.com approximately two hours after the call has ended and will be available through February 16, 2021. To access the replay, dial 1-855-859-2056 (within the United States and Canada), or 1-404-537-3406 (international callers) and enter the replay passcode 7271177.

About StoneX Group Inc.

StoneX Group Inc. (formerly INTL FCStone Inc.), through its subsidiaries, operates a global financial services network that connects companies, organizations, traders and investors to the global market ecosystem through a unique blend of digital platforms, end-to-end clearing and execution services, high touch service and deep expertise. The Company strives to be the one trusted partner to its clients, providing its network, product and services to allow them to pursue trading opportunities, manage their market risks, make investments and improve their business performance. A Fortune-500 company headquartered in New York City and listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (NASDAQ:SNEX), StoneX Group Inc. and its 2,950 employees serve more than 32,000 commercial and institutional clients, and more than 330,000 active retail accounts, from more than 40 offices spread across five continents. Further information on the Company is available at www.stonex.com.

CONTACT: StoneX Group Inc.

Investor Inquiries:

Kevin Murphy
(212) 403 – 7296
[email protected]

SNEX-G



Punchcut Launches FutureView 2021 Design Trends Report

Annual Trend Report Provides Insights on Shifting Consumer Values and Preferences; Outlines Steps Companies Can Take to Elevate Product and Service Design

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Punchcut, one of the leading digital product design firms, today launched its annual trends report, FutureView 2021: Designing a More Conscious Future. This year’s FutureView looks at how businesses can respond to rapidly evolving consumer values and preferences, and provides predictions across four key themes that will drive design and product evolution this year: Human Renewal, Intelligent Empowerment, Immersive Enrichment and Systemic Balance.

As businesses emerge from one of the most tumultuous years in history, companies are challenged to find new levels of agility and innovation to meet the needs of their customers. Buyers’ needs for immersive, human-centered digital experiences have rapidly evolved during the pandemic. The experiences of 2020 created a foundation for design innovation at a pace never seen before, with human-centered design taking center stage. In the report, Punchcut reveals business impacts and actions across the themes:

1) Human Renewal: Constant health vigilance and social isolation are prompting a renewal of personal values and a search for dynamic human connections. People struggling to cope with the lasting effects of the pandemic will seek comfort in more human-centric solutions that are empathetic to both personal and social values.

2) Intelligent Empowerment: For the past year, technology has been our lifeline to connection – providing remote “on-demand” access to virtually all parts of our lives. Digital transformation of our health and wellness, work style, media consumption, family, and personal interactions is accelerating. While fantastic, there is also the reality that we all suffer from “digital fatigue.” Fatigue and “on-demand” expectations are rapidly driving consumers and employees to seek more intelligent automation that frees them from the cognitive overload of constant digital management.

3) Immersive Enrichment: Digital technology has sustained our connections across distances, but the desire to interact more authentically will continue to drive new experiences. People will seek to fill the tactile void that distance has created and drive the use of haptics and other sensory technologies. Mixed spatial dynamics such as online and in-store shopping, at home or in-office working, or local or distant commerce, is rapidly creating a “hybridization” that is uniting digital and physical spaces and experiences.  

4) Systemic Balance: Social distancing has forced the distribution of services and teams to operate from anywhere and everywhere. Remote and distance approaches are radically transforming vast business sectors including how we work, how we get healthcare, education, and of course commerce. Despite being temporary adaptations, many models will remain to provide flexibility into the future. As traditional sectors evolve to be systemic services, they’ll require major advances in edge infrastructure and more inclusive operating models. This innovation will open up opportunities to new populations but also trigger challenges for others based on variable conditions like economics, abilities, etc. Leaders will have a responsibility to extend flexible and equitable systems that find balance and harmony across distributed contexts.

“Now, more than ever, businesses must accelerate the adoption of human-centered conscious experience design that bridges humans and technology in new ways while ensuring that rapid digitization aligns with the changing values and sentiments of consumers,” said Ken Olewiler, co-founder and managing director at Punchcut. “After a year of social deprivation and digital fatigue, people are demanding more in every engagement, whether professional or personal. We see 2021 as a transitional year of renewal and growth that will require creativity, deep sensitivity, and conscious innovation as mantras of product teams and companies. Success will be driven by a renewed focus on the relationship between the technology they’re building and human experiences.”

If you’d like to learn more about the changing nature of product and service design in response to shifting consumer values, we invite you to join the UX design conversation and learn more about ways to accelerate design by putting your users’ thoughts, perceptions and needs at the center of product and service efforts.

About Punchcut

Punchcut is a digital product design and innovation company that specializes in future experience transformation. We consult with the world’s top companies to envision, design and realize next generation digital products and services that more consciously engage customers and transform businesses across emerging technologies. We provide Design Acceleration services that spark future vision, energize product design and fuel design team growth for our partners. Learn more at www.punchcut.com, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Media Contact:

[email protected]



Aleafia Health Repays $25M Debt with Cash, Provides Update on Sales Growth, New Product Mix

TORONTO, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aleafia Health Inc. (TSX: AH, OTC: ALEAF) (“Aleafia Health” or the “Company”) today announced the full repayment in cash of its 8% unsecured convertible debt (the “Convertible Debt”), which matured on February 2, 2021. Emblem Corp., which issued the Convertible Debt on February 2, 2018, was acquired by the Company on March 14, 2019.

“Our team is excited to see continued cannabis sales growth in 2021, driven by new products launched late last year,” said Aleafia Health CEO Geoffrey Benic. “The adult-use, medical and international cannabis markets are the pillars of our 2021 growth strategy, and we look forward to capitalizing on this global opportunity through the continued expansion of our cannabis product portfolio.”

Building on record cannabis net revenue realized in the quarter ended December 31, 2020 (“Q4 2020”), the Company is pleased to report on additional near term growth opportunities across the medical, adult-use, and international sales channels.

  • Medical Cannabis: Q4 2020 represents Aleafia Health’s best medical cannabis sales quarter to date. The Company expects to continue this growth trajectory in 2021 with a more diverse product mix, expanded same-day delivery service which is critical during Covid-19, and through its strategic partnership with Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union. In January, traditionally a month with slower demand, the Company observed its fourth consecutive monthly record for medical cannabis revenue.
  • Adult-use Cannabis: The Company’s adult-use market strategy, coupling an expanded product portfolio and dedicated sales team with deep cannabis experience, is now delivering promising results. In the first month of 2021, adult-use purchase orders have nearly surpassed the total order value in Q4 2020, driven in part by sales of an innovative product, Kin Slips® sublingual strips. Shipments to additional provincial markets are also expected to commence in the near term.
  • International Cannabis: Following the completion of its largest international cannabis shipment in Q4 2020, the Company has entered into supply agreements with new strategic partners in the European Union and Israel, significantly expanding international cannabis sales. Purchase orders for both markets, and a new order from Australia, are being processed, with timing of delivery dependent on the receipt of necessary import and export permits.
  • Product & Brand Development: The launch of new product formats and a strengthening of core lines has substantially driven sales growth in early 2021. Further product development is also underway, with the near term launch of soft chews and new dried flower cultivars. Later this month, the Company plants to provide further details on a much broader expansion of its adult-use brand and product portfolio. This will be led by new brands tailored to specific consumer segments, each featuring novel and high-demand formats, aligned with the needs of Canadian consumers.

For Investor & Media Relations:

Nicholas Bergamini, VP Investor Relations
1-833-879-2533
[email protected]
LEARN MORE: www.AleafiaHealth.com

About Aleafia Health:

Aleafia Health is a vertically integrated and federally licensed Canadian cannabis company offering cannabis health and wellness services and products in Canada and in international markets. The Company operates medical clinics, education centres and production facilities for the production and sale of cannabis.

Aleafia Health owns three significant licensed cannabis production facilities, including the first large-scale, legal outdoor cultivation facility in Canadian history. The Company produces a diverse portfolio of commercially proven, high-margin derivative products including oils, capsules and sprays. Aleafia Health operates the largest national network of medical cannabis clinics and education centres staffed by MDs, nurse practitioners and educators and operates internationally in three continents.

Innovation, the heart of Aleafia Health’s competitive advantage, has led to the Company maintaining a medical cannabis dataset with over 10 million data points to inform proprietary illness-specific product development and its highly differentiated education platform FoliEdge Academy. The Company is committed to creating sustainable shareholder value; the TSX Venture Exchange named Aleafia the 2019 top performing company prior to its graduation to the TSX.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained in this news release. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks contained in the Company’s annual information form filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.



Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation Investors: Last Days to Participate Actively in the Class Action Lawsuit; Portnoy Law Firm

Investors with losses are encouraged to contact the firm before February 8, 2021; click


here


to submit trade information

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Portnoy Law Firm advises investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (OTCQX: SMICY) investors that acquired shares between April 23, 2020 and September 26, 2020. Investors have until February 8, 2021 to seek an active role in this litigation.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, to determine eligibility to participate in this action, by phone 310-692-8883 or email, or click here to join the case.

After market hours on September 7, 2020, it was reported in Reuters that “The Trump administration is considering whether to add China’s top chipmaker SMIC to a trade blacklist, a Defense Department official said[.]” SMIC’s American depositary receipt (“ADR”) price fell $3.08 per share, or over 20%, on this news, to close at $12.02 per share on September 8, 2020, the next trading day. Reuters reported on September 26, 2020 that “The United States has imposed restrictions on exports to China’s biggest chip maker SMIC after concluding there is an ‘unacceptable risk’ equipment supplied to it could be used for military purposes.” SMIC’s ADR price fell sharply on this news, during intraday trading on the next trading day, September 28, 2020.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 8, 2021.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims arising from corporate wrongdoing. The Firm’s founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.
Admitted CA and NY Bar
[email protected]
310-692-8883
www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising



Portnoy Law: Lawsuit Filed On Behalf of iRhythm Technologies, Inc. Investors

Click


here


to join the case

​LOS ANGELES, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —


The Portnoy Law Firm
advises investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (“iRhythm” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: IRTC) investors that acquired securities between September 4, 2019 and October 28, 2020.  

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, to determine eligibility to participate in this action, by phone 310-692-8883 or email, or click here to join the case.

According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (“CMS”) rulemaking caused iRhythm’s business to suffer. The Company’s reimbursement rates plummeted as a result. Further uncertainty and weakness in the Company’s business was caused by a lack of national pricing in the CMS rule and fee schedule. Based on these facts, the Company’s public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about iRhythm, investors suffered damages.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims arising from corporate wrongdoing. The Firm’s founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.
Admitted CA and NY Bar
[email protected]
310-692-8883
www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising



Abpro Announces Positive Phase 1 Results Demonstrating A Favorable Safety and Pharmacokinetic Profile of ABP 300, A Neutralizing Antibody Therapeutic for the Treatment of COVID-19

• Results of this study showed safety and pharmacokinetic data at doses from 4 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg

• Phase 2/3 registrational studies have been initiated

WOBURN, Mass., Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abpro Corporation today announced the results of a Phase 1 study demonstrating a favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile of ABP 300, a human neutralizing antibody for the treatment of COVID-19 derived from patients who have recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The Phase 1 clinical trial was conducted in 42 healthy subjects and showed safety and pharmacokinetic data at doses from 4 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg. Following the completion of this Phase 1 in December 2020, a series of Phase 2/3 registrational studies of ABP 300 has recently been initiated.

“A key quality in any approvable antibody treatment, especially for those being administered to already-vulnerable COVID-19 patients, will be safety and tolerability and we are pleased to have observed such promising safety signals with ABP 300,” said Ian Chan, chief executive officer of Abpro. “Completion of this safety study in December stands as an encouraging validation of this potentially best-in-class therapy. The Phase 2/3 is anticipated to include up to 2,000 patients in the aggregate in a series of studies, including a global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pivotal registrational clinical trial of monoclonal antibody ABP 300 for the early treatment of patients with mild or moderate COVID-19.”

ABP 300 is a novel human antibody therapy that neutralizes COVID-19 by binding to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, blocking the viral interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors of host which are critical for viral entry and infection. Through this mechanism of action, ABP 300 not only completely neutralizes COVID-19 in animal models but could potentially do so more safely and more effectively than other monoclonal antibodies already approved and in clinical development. A study validating the efficacy of ABP 300’s mechanism of action in non-human primate models was recently published in Nature Communications.

ABP 300 was developed to confer design features that potentially allow for more potent viral neutralization, higher efficacy against a larger number of strains, and enhanced safety benefits due to reduced antibody dependent enhancement (ADE), a potential adverse side effect of monoclonal antibody therapies.

About ABP 300 

ABP 300 is a human neutralizing monoclonal antibody therapy against COVID-19 that was created using the latest technologies available for antibody discovery. It was isolated from a patient who recovered from COVID-19 and engineered for highest safety and efficacy. ABP 300 disrupts the interaction of the viral receptor binding domain (RBD) with host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and has shown neutralizing efficacy in vivo against COVID-19 by blocking viral entry into cells. Data has been published in Nature Communications. ABP 300 is currently being studied in Phase 2/3 global registrational studies in patients with COVID-19.  

About Abpro 

Abpro Corporation is a clinical stage biotechnology company located in Woburn, Massachusetts. The Company’s mission is to improve the lives of mankind facing severe and life-threatening diseases with next-generation antibody therapies. Abpro’s DiversImmune™ platform has been used successfully to generate monoclonal antibodies against 300 traditionally difficult targets. The Diversimmune™ platform combines the latest in nano-immunology, next-generation sequencing, advanced engineering and bioinformatics to create monoclonal antibodies against traditionally difficult targets. The Company has a pipeline of therapies to treat cancer, eye, autoimmune, infectious diseases and other areas. For more information, please visit www.abpro.com.  

Media Contact 
Michael Tattory 
LifeSci Communications 
1 (646) 751-4362 
[email protected] 



Protech Enters Florida With Accretive Acquisition of Mayhugh’s Medical Equipment

$7 Million in Annualized Revenues, in Excess of 15% Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Increases Protech’s Active Patient Count by More Than 10,000

5,000 Patients to Immediately Enter Protech’s Subscription Re-Supply Platform

CINCINNATI, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Protech Home Medical Corp. (“Protech” or the “Company”) (TSXV: PTQ), (OTCQX: PTQQF), a U.S. based leader in the home medical equipment industry, focused on end-to-end respiratory care, is pleased to announce that it has acquired Mayhugh’s Medical Equipment (“MME”), a company based in Florida, reporting unaudited trailing 12-month annual revenues of approximately $7 million, Adjusted EBITDA (defined below) of $1.2 million, and positive net income.


Acquisition Details

Excluding the impact of future acquisitions, and organic growth derived from continuing operations, we are pleased to share the following selected financial and operating metrics for Protech following the closing of the acquisition of MME:

  • Run-Rate Revenue of $130-$135 million;
  • Run-Rate Adjusted EBITDA of $26-$30 million;
  • 120,000 current active patients;
  • 17,000 unique referrals; and
  • 49 locations across 11 U.S. States.

MME is a leader in the respiratory home care services industry in Northern Florida and will add over 10,000 active patients to Protech’s patient population. Furthermore, MME represents Protech’s entrance into its 11th U.S. State with its 49th location. MME gives Protech immediate access to Jacksonville, an attractive metro hub in which it will leverage its existing infrastructure to create significant cross selling and patient growth opportunities. The MME management team has successfully transitioned MME from a relatively small medical equipment company to a clinical respiratory company with its product mix at over 85% respiratory, possessing a large selection of respiratory and home medical equipment to meet the needs of today’s patients at home. The staff delivers on a high touch service model, aligned with Protech’s existing model, and is continually educating their patient base to ensure strong compliance of equipment. In addition, MME gives Protech the ability to immediately add over 5,000 patients from its patient base to Protech’s existing subscription-based resupply program and Protech expects to derive strong revenue synergies from this initiative.

MME has a diverse payor mix with no more than 50% coming from a particular payor source.

Under the terms of the definitive purchase agreement, Protech acquired MME for total consideration of approximately $5.8 million. Post integration, it is expected that MME will increase Protech’s annual revenues by approximately $7 million and Adjusted EBITDA by $1.4 to $1.8 million. Leveraging existing infrastructure and payor contracts, Protech expects to achieve additional revenue generated from organic growth, cross selling and corporate synergies.


Management Commentary

“We are delighted to close on the acquisition of MME, which provides us with a solid foundation from which to grow in the State of Florida, representing a major milestone for our company,” said Greg Crawford, Chairman and CEO of Protech. “We are excited to add another turn-key respiratory home care operator to our family of companies, with MME being a logical fit for Protech. We expect a smooth integration process and will move quickly to capture the tremendous amount of synergies, beginning with adding 5,000 patients to our subscription re-supply model, which will provide an immediate revenue driver for us. MME is immediately accretive, similar to our deep pipeline of potential acquisition targets, which we expect to be very busy moving through the funnel in the months to come.”

Chief Financial Officer, Hardik Mehta added, “MME’s heavily weighted respiratory product mix, and diversification of the payor mix, provides Protech with a stable foundation to start its Florida operations. We are excited to have the opportunity to penetrate the attractive Jacksonville market and have already begun the integration process. We will look to grow our scale in Florida both organically and through strategic bolt-on opportunities that present themselves. We believe MME is just the beginning of what will be an aggressive acquisition pace for us over the remainder of 2021, including potential larger revenue opportunities as we look to accelerate our scale beyond the current run-rate revenue we have.”

The Company had originally announced a non-binding letter of intent with MME on January 5, 2021.‎

ABOUT PROTECH HOME MEDICAL CORP.

The Company provides in-home monitoring and disease management services including end-to-end respiratory solutions for patients in the United States healthcare market. It seeks to continue to expand its offerings to include the management of several chronic disease states focusing on patients with heart or pulmonary disease, sleep disorders, reduced mobility and other chronic health conditions. The primary business objective of the Company is to create shareholder value by offering a broader range of services to patients in need of in-home monitoring and chronic disease management. The Company’s organic growth strategy is to increase annual revenue per patient by offering multiple services to the same patient, consolidating the patient’s services and making life easier for the patient.


Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute “forward-looking information” as such term is ‎‎‎defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “potential”, ‎‎‎‎”will”, “seek”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions as they relate ‎‎‎to the Company, including: MME increasing Protech’s annual revenues by ‎approximately $7 million and Adjusted EBITDA by $1.4-$1.8 million; Protech expecting to achieve additional revenue generated from organic growth, cross selling and corporate ‎synergies; Protech expecting a smooth integration process; Protech expecting to be busy progressing with potential acquisition targets in the coming months; Protech growing its scale in Florida; Protech completing strategic bolt-on acquisitions; and Protech beginning an aggressive acquisition pace during the remainder of 2021, including with larger targets; are intended to identify ‎forward-looking information. All statements other than ‎statements of ‎historical fact may be forward-looking ‎information. Such statements reflect the Company’s current ‎views and ‎intentions with respect to future events, and ‎current information available to the Company, and are ‎subject to ‎certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including: MME’s financial performance in the next 12 months being the same or better than their trailing twelve months; and the Company successfully identified, negotiating and completing additional acquisitions, including accretive acquisitions.Many factors ‎could ‎cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or ‎implied by such forward-‎looking ‎information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks ‎or uncertainties ‎materialize. ‎Examples of such risk factors include, without limitation: credit; market (including ‎equity, commodity, ‎foreign ‎exchange and interest rate); liquidity; operational (including technology and ‎infrastructure); ‎reputational; ‎insurance; strategic; regulatory; legal; environmental; capital adequacy; the ‎general business and ‎economic ‎conditions in the regions in which the Company operates; the ability of the ‎Company to execute on key ‎priorities, ‎including the successful completion of acquisitions, business retention, and ‎strategic plans and to ‎attract, develop ‎and retain key executives; difficulty integrating newly acquired businesses; ‎the ability to ‎implement business ‎strategies and pursue business opportunities; low profit market segments; ‎disruptions in or ‎attacks (including ‎cyber-attacks) on the Company’s information technology, internet, network ‎access or other ‎voice or data ‎communications systems or services; the evolution of various types of fraud or other ‎criminal ‎behavior to which ‎the Company is exposed; the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to ‎the ‎Company or its ‎affiliates; the impact of new and changes to, or application of, current laws and regulations; ‎‎decline of ‎reimbursement rates; dependence on few payors; possible new drug discoveries; a novel business model; ‎‎‎dependence on key suppliers; granting of permits and licenses in a highly regulated business; the overall difficult ‎‎‎litigation environment, including in the U.S.; increased competition; changes in foreign currency rates; increased ‎‎‎funding costs and market volatility due to market illiquidity and competition for funding; the availability of funds ‎‎‎and resources to pursue operations; critical accounting estimates and changes to accounting standards, policies, ‎‎‎and methods used by the Company; the occurrence of natural and unnatural catastrophic events ‎and claims ‎‎‎resulting from such events; and risks related to COVID-19 including various recommendations, orders ‎and ‎‎measures of governmental ‎authorities ‎to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, ‎‎‎non-essential business ‎closures, ‎quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions ‎‎to ‎markets, economic ‎activity, ‎financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general ‎‎economic ‎conditions ‎including a ‎possible national or global recession‎; as well as those risk factors discussed or ‎‎referred to in ‎the Company’s disclosure ‎documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain ‎‎provinces of Canada ‎and available at ‎www.sedar.com. Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected ‎‎manner, or should ‎assumptions ‎underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or ‎‎events may differ ‎materially ‎from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is ‎‎expressly qualified in its ‎entirety by ‎this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume ‎‎responsibility for the accuracy or ‎‎completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking ‎‎information included in this press release ‎is ‎made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes ‎‎no obligation to publicly update or revise ‎any ‎forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable ‎‎law.‎‎


Non-GAAP Measures

This press release refers to “Adjusted EBITDA” which is a non-GAAP and non-IFRS financial measure that does ‎not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP or IFRS. The Company’s presentation of this financial ‎measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. This financial measure is ‎intended to provide additional information to investors concerning the Company’s and MME’s performance. Adjusted EBITDA ‎is defined as EBITDA excluding stock-based compensation. Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-IFRS measure the Company ‎uses as an indicator of financial health and excludes several items which may be useful in the consideration of the ‎financial condition of the Company and MME, as applicable, including interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-‎based compensation, goodwill impairment and change in fair value of debentures and financial derivatives.

Unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in Canadian dollars.‎

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of ‎the ‎TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.‎

For further information please visit our website at www.protechhomemedical.com, or contact:

Cole Stevens
VP of Corporate Development
Protech Home Medical Corp.
859-300-6455
[email protected]

Gregory Crawford
Chief Executive Officer
Protech Home Medical Corp.
859-300-6455
[email protected]

 



Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Company Investigated by the Portnoy Law Firm

Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Portnoy Law Firm advises Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Sonoma” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SNOA) investors that the firm has initiated an investigation into possible securities fraud, and may file a class action on behalf of investors.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: [email protected], to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors’ options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

The investigation focuses on whether Sonoma issued misleading and/or false statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. An 8-K was filed by Sonoma with the SEC on November 17, 2020. The filing announced that Sonoma’s “unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 should no longer be relied upon.” Sonoma added that the financial statements “contained material errors” and that “the Company will need to restate them.” Berry’s shares fell by more than 14% on the next trading day, based on these facts.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims arising from corporate wrongdoing. The Firm’s founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.
Admitted CA and NY Bar
[email protected]
310-692-8883
www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising



District of Columbia Deploys First Beam Global EV ARC™ EV Charging System in Nation’s Capital

District deploys solar-powered EV charging infrastructure to support fleet electrification

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM, BEEMW), the leading provider of innovative sustainable technology for electric vehicle (EV) charging, outdoor media and energy security, announced that the District of Columbia Department of Public Works has ordered the EV ARC™ solar-powered EV charging system to serve its fleet vehicles. This order is the first to be placed through a Delivery Order Award received from the District of Columbia for up to $500,000 of EV ARCTM products per year. The Delivery Order starts with a one-year term, has one-year renewal options at the District’s discretion and was issued in cooperation with the State of California contract number 1-18-61-16. Beam Global solar-powered EV charging infrastructure products are off-grid, require no construction, no disruption to District operations, no added utility bill and provide a secure source of EV charging in the event of utility grid interruptions.

“Having recently been awarded the Federal GSA contract at a time when the new administration is committing to billions in spending on clean energy and EV infrastructure, I’m delighted that our EV ARC product will now be deployed in our nation’s capital,” said Beam Global CEO Desmond Wheatley. “We have learned that exposure to EV ARC™ systems is the surest way to get prospective customers excited by their capabilities. As we continue to educate federal procurement entities on the benefits of driving on sunshine, having product operating in DC is the best marketing tool we could hope for.”

“The District of Columbia is dedicated to being a leader in reducing fleet emissions and expanding its electric vehicle fleet,” said Ryan Frasier, Associate Fleet Administrator, D.C. Department of Public Works. “We are excited about adding the first EV ARC system in our city and generating emissions-free EV charging and emergency power in strategic locations without any facility construction or disruptions.”

This is the District’s first purchase order under a recently extended contract between Beam Global and the State of California DGS contract number 1-18-61-16, which allows for out-of-state orders. Through this arrangement, the D.C. government benefited from vetting and price negotiation undertaken by the State of California, enabling rapid processing and delivery. The purchase also builds upon recent EV ARC™ system deployments at federal facilities and aligns with the District’s plan to curb transportation emissions, as Beam Global responds to rising demand for its sustainable, ready-to-use EV charging solutions.

The Biden administration is prioritizing green jobs and EV infrastructure as part of its $4 trillion plan to tackle climate change and spur economic recovery. Federal agencies, state and local governments, educational institutions and others are also eligible to purchase from the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract that includes EV ARC™ solar EV Charging infrastructure products on the GSA Advantage!® site. Due to the recent rebrand from Envision Solar to Beam Global, products are listed on GSA under Envision Solar while the name change is processed.

Last week, President Biden announced a plan to replace over 600,000 gas-powered federal fleet vehicles with EVs when he signed the “Buy American” executive order which directs government agencies to strengthen requirements for purchasing products from American companies. Beam Global’s products are made in America. This announcement follows President Biden’s signature of an executive order on “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” instructing federal officials to make plans for converting federal, state, local and tribal fleets to zero-emission vehicles.

About Beam Global

Beam Global is a Cleantech leader that produces innovative, sustainable technology for electric vehicle (EV) charging, outdoor media, and energy security, without the construction, disruption, risks and costs of grid-tied solutions. Products include the patented EV ARC™ and Solar Tree® lines with BeamTrak™ patented solar tracking, and ARC Technology™ energy storage, along with EV charging, outdoor media and disaster preparedness packages.

The company develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced renewably energized products that save customers time and money, help the environment, empower communities and keep people moving. Based in San Diego, the company produces Made in America products. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbols BEEM and BEEMW (formerly Envision Solar, EVSI, EVSIW). For more information visit https://BeamForAll.com/, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Beam Global Press Release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this Press Release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results.

Media Contact:

The Bulleit Group
[email protected]
+1 415-742-1894