Market Newsdesk

Annual awards highlight financial service providers delivering a superior customer experience 

TORONTO
, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ – CIBC has won the 2025 Digital CX Award for Best Use of AI for Customer Experience from The Digital Banker, recognizing the bank’s innovative AI-powered voice assistant.

The Digital Banker Awards recognize excellence in customer experience across the financial services landscape and strive to provide unbiased and objective benchmarks for the global industry, highlighting financial service providers that deliver a superior and consistent customer experience. 

“This award recognizes CIBC’s continued commitment to leveraging innovation to do more for our clients and resolve their inquiries faster, as we continue to focus on delivering an excellent client experience,” said Jane Yuen, Head of Enterprise Channels, CIBC. “With our voice assistant that understands natural conversation, we can solve straightforward inquiries quickly, and for more complex queries, connect the client with the team member who is best equipped to help them address their need.” 

As a result, more clients are now able to digitally self-serve through voice assistant. And when they need to speak with a live agent, voice assistant gets them to the right person faster. This has streamlined interactions and created a more seamless, client-centric experience.

CIBC’s voice assistant is the latest innovation in the bank’s use of AI to deliver on its client-focused strategy. Last year the bank announced Knowledge Central, used by frontline team members to get answers to questions, help serve clients and ensure a positive experience.

About CIBC 

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 14 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets and Direct Financial Services businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre. 

SOURCE CIBC

Recent clinical and pre-clinical studies and analysis indicates the potential to increase lifespan and reduce age-associated degeneration in multiple organ systems has be realized with a focus on the human gene called Klotho.

NEW YORK
, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Klotho Neurosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: KLTO), a U.S.-based biogenetics company announced the findings of pre-clinical studies indicating the potential of elevating Klotho gene expression to simultaneously reduce the age-associated degeneration in multiple organs, increasing both life and health span.

Pioneering discoveries by Professor Makoto Kuro-O in 1997 showed that Klotho concentrations in the blood were directly associated with lifespan of mammals – the lower the Klotho blood levels the shorter the lifespan. Kuro-O’s laboratory then published the first evidence that genetic over expression of the full-length form of Klotho in mice, increased in lifespan of mice of up to 30%-40% longer compared to the normal mouse lifespan. Since then, the Klotho protein has gained much attention because of its ability to influence key biological pathways involved in metabolism, inflammation and tissue repair, which are closely linked to the aging process.

A series of experiments led by Joan Roig-Soriano and colleagues, published in the February 2025 edition of Molecular Therapy, highlights the promising role of the naturally occurring secreted form of the Klotho protein (“s-KL”) and its effects on healthy aging mice and mice with a rapidly aging phenotype. Key observations were that, while aging is a major risk factor for many pathologies, including cognitive decline, neuroinflammation, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis, the secreted protein s-KL has emerged as a potentially promising therapeutic anti-aging molecule due to its many biological effects involving multiple pathways related to cell injury, stress, and inflammation. The s-KL was administered using an adeno-associated virus serotype 9 delivery vector (AAV9) that expressed the secreted KL protein isoform and efficiently increased the concentration of s-KL in serum, resulting in a 20% increase in lifespan.

Dr. Joseph Sinkule, the CEO of Klotho Neurosciences (KLTO) commented that “KLTO has secured an exclusive worldwide license for s-Kl from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) in Spain. As a result, we have the exclusive use of patents issued in the USA, Europe, and China covering a secreted splice variant of mammalian Klotho referred to as s-KL, as a treatment for neurodegenerative and age -related disorders. Professor Makoto Kuro-O is also a scientific advisor to KLTO. This recently published paper provides further credence to our development of s-KL as a treatment to reduce age-associated degeneration where, as a company, KLTO has a particular focus on neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The results disclosed in the paper show the potential of elevating s-KL protein expression, resulting in the reduction of age-associated degeneration in multiple organs, increasing both life and health span”.

About Klotho Neurosciences, Inc. Klotho Neurosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: KLTO), is a biogenetics company focused on the development of innovative, disease-modifying cell and gene therapies using a protein derived from a patented form of the “anti-aging” human Klotho gene (s-KL), and it’s novel delivery systems to transform and improve the treatment of neurodegenerative and age-related disorders such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The company’s current portfolio consists of its proprietary cell and gene therapy programs using DNA and RNA as therapeutics and genomics-based diagnostic assays. The company is managed by a team of individuals and advisors who are highly experienced in biopharmaceutical product development and commercialization.

For more information, contact:

Investor Contact and Corporate Communications –
Jeffrey LeBlanc, CFO
[email protected]

Website:

www.klothoneuro.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the forward-looking statements in this press release include descriptions of the Company’s future commercial operations. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, such as the Company’s inability to implement its business plans, identify and realize additional opportunities, or meet or exceed its financial projections and changes in the regulatory or competitive environment in which the Company operates. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the documents filed or to be filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) from time to time, which could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Copies of these documents are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. All information provided herein is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

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SOURCE Klotho Neurosciences, Inc.

— Planning accelerated approval BLA submission in H2 2026, following topline
data from
FORTITUDE™ biomarker cohort in Q2 2026 —

— Initiated global, confirmatory Phase 3 FORWARD
™
study of del-brax 2mg/kg
every six weeks —

— Investor and analyst webcast event today, Monday, June 9, 2025 at 8 a.m. ET —

SAN DIEGO
, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNA), a biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics called Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™) to profoundly improve people’s lives, today announced the accelerated approval regulatory pathway in the United States is open for delpacibart braxlosiran (del-brax) in the treatment of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Additionally, the Company announced that it has initiated its global, confirmatory, Phase 3 FORWARD™ study intended to support a subsequent full approval package for del-brax for people living with FSHD in the U.S. and additional countries around the world.

Del-brax is the first investigational therapy designed to treat the underlying cause of FSHD by directly targeting the disease-causing gene, double homeobox 4 (DUX4). Currently, there are no approved therapies for the treatment of FSHD, a rare, hereditary disorder marked by life-long, relentless loss of muscle strength and function, significant pain, fatigue, and progressive disability. FSHD affects approximately 45,000 to 87,000 people in the United States and Europe.

“Our regulatory and clinical development progress announced today reflect our continued leadership in rare neuromuscular diseases and bring us a step closer to providing a treatment option to the FSHD community that could meaningfully impact their disease,” said Sarah Boyce, president and chief executive officer at Avidity. “We have confirmed with the FDA that the accelerated approval pathway is open for del-brax. In addition, we have initiated our global confirmatory Phase 3 study intended to support our global approval strategy for del-brax.”

In addition to the standard guidance for the accelerated approval pathway, the company has been given detailed direction by FDA on the necessary validation steps for the surrogate biomarker. FDA’s Accelerated Approval Program was instituted to allow for earlier approval of drugs that treat serious conditions, and fill an unmet medical need based on a surrogate endpoint.  A surrogate endpoint is a marker, such as a laboratory measurement, radiographic image, physical sign or other measure that is thought to predict clinical benefit but is not itself a measure of clinical benefit. The use of a surrogate endpoint can considerably shorten the time required prior to receiving FDA approval. Drug companies are still required to conduct studies to confirm the anticipated clinical benefit.

To support full approval Avidity has initiated FORWARD, a global, confirmatory, Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 18-month study designed to evaluate 2mg/kg of del-brax every six weeks in approximately 200 people (ages 16-70) living with FSHD in North America, Europe and Japan. FORWARD is designed to assess key FSHD-related endpoints that measure functional mobility (10MWRT and TUG), strength (QMT) and patient-reported outcomes. The flexible design of FORWARD allows the Company to gather additional data from the ongoing FORTITUDE™ biomarker cohort and elevate any of these measures to the primary endpoint. Currently, QMT is assigned as the primary endpoint.

“People living with FSHD experience severe and unpredictable muscle loss, along with the constant uncertainty of how the disease will progress,” said Mark Stone, CEO of FSHD Society. “We are grateful to Avidity for their innovative approach that takes into account feedback from our community, specifically in the development of a biomarker that provides insights into the real, whole-body burden of FSHD. This research enables the pursuit of a regulatory pathway that may make del-brax available to the FSHD community more quickly. This progress, along with the initiation of the FORWARD Phase 3 study and the stellar del-brax data from FORTITUDE, offers real hope for those urgently needing treatment options.”

Video Webcast Information
The Company is hosting an investor and analyst event today, June 9, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. ET. Avidity management will be joined by Jeffrey M. Statland, M.D., Professor of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, and FORTITUDE™ trial investigator, to discuss these updates relating to del-brax in FSHD. The virtual event will be available via a live video webcast and can be accessed here or from the “Events and Presentations” page in the “Investors” section of Avidity’s website. A replay of the webcast will be archived on Avidity’s website following the event.

About the Phase 3 FORWARD™ Trial
FORWARD™ is a global, confirmatory Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 18-month study designed to evaluate delpacibart braxlosiran (del-brax) in approximately 200 people (ages 16-70) living with FSHD. The trial will be conducted at approximately 45 global sites including in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan. Patients will be administered either 2 mg/kg of del-brax or placebo (1:1) every six weeks. Following regulatory alignment, FORWARD is designed to be a confirmatory study to support potential full approval of del-brax. FORWARD is assessing the impact of del-brax on key FSHD-related endpoints that measure functional mobility (10-Meter Walk-Run test, or 10 MWRT, and Timed Up and Go, or TUG), strength (quantitative muscle testing, or QMT, total score), patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and decrease in KHDC1L, a novel, circulating biomarker. All study participants, regardless of whether they receive active treatment or placebo, will have the option to enroll into an open-label extension trial. For more information about the FORWARD trial, visit the FORWARD study website.

About the Phase 1/2 FORTITUDE™ and Phase 2 FORTITUDE-OLE™ trials
The FORTITUDE™ trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase 1/2 clinical trial designed to evaluate single and multiple doses of delpacibart braxlosiran or del-brax in 90 participants with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). FORTITUDE is evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of del-brax administered intravenously. Activity of del-brax is being assessed using key biomarkers, including DUX4-regulated muscle and circulating biomarkers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of muscle volume and composition. Though the Phase 1/2 trial is not statistically powered to assess functional benefit, it explores the clinical activity of del-brax including measures of functional mobility and muscle strength as well as patient reported outcomes and quality of life measures.

The trial has a total of three dose cohorts. The first two dose escalation cohorts evaluated 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg of del-brax versus placebo and were designed to assess safety as well as inform the dose and dose regimen of del-brax for additional studies. Avidity has completed enrollment in the dose escalation cohorts and identified 2 mg/kg every six weeks of del-brax as the dose for future clinical trials.

The third, ongoing biomarker cohort in the FORTITUDE trial assesses the impact of del-brax 2 mg/kg every six weeks versus placebo for 12 months in people living with FSHD, ages 16-70. The primary endpoint of the biomarker cohort is reduction of KHDC1L, a novel DUX4-regulated circulating biomarker. Enrollment in the biomarker cohort is complete and blinded treatment is ongoing.

Participants who complete FORTITUDE have the option to enroll in the ongoing FORTITUDE open-label extension (FORTITUDE-OLE™) study evaluating the long-term safety and tolerability of del-brax in participants living with FSHD. For more information about the FORTITUDE trial, visit the FORTITUDE study website or visit http://www.clinicaltrials.gov and search for NCT05747924. For more information on the FORTITUDE-OLE study click here or visit http://www.clinicaltrials.gov and search for NCT06547216.

About Del-brax 
Del-brax is designed to treat the underlying cause of FSHD, which is caused by the abnormal expression of a gene called double homeobox 4 or DUX4. The abnormal expression of DUX4 protein leads to changes in gene expression in muscle cells that are associated with the life-long, progressive loss of muscle function in patients with FSHD. Del-brax aims to reduce the expression of DUX4 mRNA and DUX4 protein in muscles in people with FSHD. Del-brax consists of a proprietary monoclonal antibody that binds to the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) conjugated with a siRNA targeting DUX4 mRNA. Del-brax is currently in registrational-stage studies including FORTITUDE biomarker cohort and the global, confirmatory, Phase 3 FORWARD trial in individuals with FSHD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have granted Orphan designation for del-brax and the FDA has granted del-brax Fast Track designation.

About Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD)
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a rare, progressive, and variable hereditary muscle-weakening condition marked by life-long, relentless loss of muscle function, significant pain, fatigue, and progressive disability. It is characterized by progressive and often asymmetric skeletal muscle loss that initially causes weakness in muscles in the face, shoulders, arms and trunk and progresses to weakness in muscles in the lower body. FSHD is an autosomal dominant disease caused by the aberrant expression of the DUX4 (double homeobox 4) gene in the skeletal muscle, which activates genes that are toxic to muscle cells and leads to a series of downstream events that result in skeletal muscle wasting and compromised muscle function. Skeletal muscle weakness results in physical limitations throughout the whole body, including an inability to lift arms for more than a few seconds, loss of ability to show facial expressions and serious speech impediments. These symptoms cause many people affected by FSHD to become dependent on the use of a wheelchair for mobility. Currently, there are no approved treatments for people living with FSHD.

About Avidity
Avidity Biosciences, Inc.’s mission is to profoundly improve people’s lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics – Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™). Avidity is revolutionizing the field of RNA with its proprietary AOCs, which are designed to combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies to address targets and diseases previously unreachable with existing RNA therapies. Utilizing its proprietary AOC platform, Avidity demonstrated the first-ever successful targeted delivery of RNA into muscle and is leading the field with clinical development programs for three rare neuromuscular diseases: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Avidity is also advancing two wholly-owned precision cardiology development candidates addressing rare genetic cardiomyopathies. In addition, Avidity is broadening the reach of AOCs with its advancing and expanding pipeline including programs in cardiology and immunology through key partnerships. Avidity is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information about our AOC platform, clinical development pipeline and people, please visit www.aviditybiosciences.com and engage with us on LinkedIn and X.

Forward-Looking Statements
Avidity cautions readers that statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs and expectations. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: Avidity’s plans to file a BLA for accelerated approval of del-brax and the timing thereof; the potential for del-brax to achieve accelerated approval from the FDA; the status of accelerated approval as a regulatory pathway for del-brax; the use of KHDC1L as the primary endpoint in the FORTITUDE™ biomarker cohort; topline data from the biomarker cohort of the FORTITUDE trial and the timing thereof; characterization of data from the FORTITUDE trial; the potential for del-brax to improve the lives of people with FSHD; the status of the FORTITUDE trial and the cohorts therein and the FORWARD™ trial, including without limitation progress, initiation, enrollment, design, goals and dosage levels and frequencies.

The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Avidity that any of these plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Avidity’s business and beyond its control, including, without limitation: the data and results produced from the FORTITUDE trial as of the most recent cutoff dates may not be indicative of final results, may not support BLA submission or accelerated approval, may not be satisfactory to the FDA and other regulators, and new analyses of existing data and results may produce different conclusions than established as of the date hereof; data delivered to the FDA may not support accelerated approval pathways or BLA submissions and may not be satisfactory to the FDA, including as a result of our inability to establish that a novel biomarker may serve as a surrogate endpoint reasonably likely to predict a clinical benefit; even if approved, Avidity may not be able to execute any successful product launches; unexpected adverse side effects to, or inadequate efficacy of, del-brax that may delay or limit its development, regulatory approval and/or commercialization; later developments with the FDA and other global regulators that could be inconsistent with the feedback received to date; Avidity’s approach to the discovery and development of product candidates based on its AOC™ platform is unproven and may not produce any products of commercial value; potential delays in the commencement, enrollment, data readouts and completion of clinical trials; Avidity’s dependence on third parties in connection with clinical testing and product manufacturing; legislative, judicial and regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; Avidity could exhaust its available capital resources sooner than it currently expects; and other risks described in Avidity’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and subsequent filings with the SEC. Avidity cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Investor Contact:

Kat Lange
(619) 837-5014
[email protected]

Media Contact:

Kristina Coppola

(619) 837-5016
[email protected]

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SOURCE Avidity Biosciences, Inc.

Expanded integration on 7LFreight by WebCargo enables digital bookings for LTL and linehaul trucking across North America and Mexico

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. and BARCELONA, Spain, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Freightos (Nasdaq: CRGO), the leading digital freight booking and payment platform, and Forward Air Corporation (Nasdaq: FWRD), known as Forward, a premier provider of ground transportation services across the United States, Canada and Mexico today announced an expanded collaboration that will enable freight forwarders to instantly book less-than-truckload (LTL) and linehaul trucking through the 7LFreight by WebCargo platform.

“Freightos is building a one-stop digital infrastructure for global freight, where supply chain organizations can manage multiple legs and services of a shipment seamlessly,” said Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos. “This expanded collaboration with Forward reflects our broader growth strategy of supporting more transaction types—air, ocean, and trucking—and more stages of each transaction, from price discovery to final-mile delivery. We’re proud to integrate with Forward’s unmatched ground network to help power the future of efficient, multimodal logistics.”

By integrating Forward’s extensive network—which spans nearly 11,000 lane pairs, 100+ facilities, and reaches 96% of U.S. ZIP codes—into the Freightos platform, this collaboration builds upon an existing rate distribution integration to now enable forwarders to book door-to-door, airport-to-door, and door-to-airport trucking services directly through 7LFreight. This next phase adds digital booking capabilities and will soon include airport cartage services, creating a seamless connection between Freightos airline bookings and streamlined first- and last-mile transport options.

“Digitization isn’t optional—it’s essential, because our customers move fast,” said Melissa Feeser, Senior Vice President of Sales at Forward. “This collaboration streamlines workflows for hundreds of shared customers, enabling faster, more accurate bookings through a single platform. They now have instant access to the largest airport-to-airport network in the U.S. With operational precision—like photo-delivery confirmation—our customers gain control, speed, and full visibility into how their value is delivered.”

The service is initially available on 7LFreight, with plans to expand across the broader Freightos platform, including WebCargo, offering hundreds of mutual customers a more connected and efficient experience. With digital payments and cartage services on the roadmap, this  also lays the groundwork for a more integrated freight experience, particularly beneficial for international shipments arriving by air and continuing by road.

“Forward is an essential provider within the North American expedited ground landscape,” said Brennan O’Dowd, CEO and founder of 7LFreight by WebCargo.  “We’ve been proud to work with them over the years and we are excited for the access that this expanded partnership brings to our forwarder customers, helping them book door to door, middle mile and last mile more efficiently.”

U.S.-based freight forwarders can register for 7LFreight and begin booking Forward services, and other ground and air services here.

About Freightos
Freightos® (Nasdaq: CRGO) is the leading vendor-neutral global freight booking platform. Airlines, ocean carriers, thousands of freight forwarders, and well over ten thousand importers and exporters connect on Freightos, making world trade efficient,  agile, and resilient.

The Freightos platform digitizes the trillion dollar international freight industry, supported by a suite of software solutions that span pricing, quoting, booking, shipment management, and payments for businesses of all shapes and sizes around the globe. Products include Freightos Enterprise for multinational importers and exporters, Freightos Marketplace for small importers and exporters, WebCargo and 7LFreight by WebCargo for freight forwarders, WebCargo for Airlines, and Clearit, a digital customs broker.

Freightos is a leading provider of real-time industry data via Freightos Terminal, which includes the world’s leading spot pricing indexes, Freightos Air Index (FAX) for air cargo and Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) for container shipping. Futures of FBX are traded on CME and SGX.

More information is available at freightos.com/investors.

About Forward Air Corporation
Forward is a leading asset-light provider of transportation services across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Forward provides expedited less-than-truckload services, including local pick-up and delivery, shipment consolidation/deconsolidation, warehousing, and customs brokerage by utilizing a comprehensive national network of terminals. In addition, Forward offers truckload brokerage services, including dedicated fleet services, and intermodal, first and last-mile, high-value drayage services, both to and from seaports and railheads, dedicated contract and Container Freight Station warehouse and handling services. Forward also operates a full portfolio of multimodal solutions, both domestically and internationally, via Omni Logistics. Omni Logistics is a global provider of air, ocean and ground services for mission-critical freight. Forward is more than a transportation company. Forward is a single resource for your shipping needs. For more information, visit Forward’s website at www.forwardaircorp.com.

Freightos Media Contact
Tali Aronsky 
PR Lead, Freightos
[email protected]

Freightos Investor Contact 

Anat Earon-Heilborn

[email protected]

Forward Media Contact
Justin Moss 
Manager, Corporate Communications
[email protected] 

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SOURCE Freightos

CollPlant’s proprietary rhCollagen to be used in clinical and commercial applications

REHOVOT, Israel, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CollPlant Biotechnologies (NASDAQ: CLGN), a regenerative and aesthetics medicine company developing innovative technologies and products based on its plant-derived, Type I recombinant human collagen (rhCollagen)  for tissue regeneration and medical aesthetics, today announced the expansion of its agreement with STEMCELL Technologies, a biotechnology company that develops and supplies specialized cell culture media, tools, and services to support research in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, immunology, and related life sciences. The amended agreement broadens the use of CollPlant’s rhCollagen, extending beyond research applications to include clinical development and commercial-scale manufacturing.

Yehiel Tal, Chief Executive Officer of CollPlant, commented, “Expanding our partnership with STEMCELL Technologies into clinical and commercial domains reflects both the evolving needs of the life sciences market and the strength of our novel technology. This milestone highlights our shared commitment to advancing safer, more effective, and sustainable solutions for researchers and biomanufacturers alike.” Mr. Tal continued, “We are proud that our plant-derived rhCollagen is being chosen as a viable alternative to animal-sourced materials – an option that aligns with growing industry priorities around safety, consistency, and ethical sourcing.”

About STEMCELL Technologies

STEMCELL Technologies supports life sciences research with more than 2,500 specialized reagents, tools, and services. STEMCELL offers high-quality cell culture media, cell separation technologies, instruments, accessory products, educational resources, and contract assay services that are used by scientists performing stem cell, immunology, cancer, regenerative medicine, and cellular therapy research globally.

About CollPlant

CollPlant is a regenerative and aesthetic medicine company ushering in a new era of medical solutions with a focus on 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs, tissue repair and medical aesthetics. The Company’s products are based on its rhCollagen (recombinant human collagen) produced with CollPlant’s proprietary plant-based genetic engineering technology. These products address indications for the diverse fields of tissue repair, aesthetics, and organ manufacturing.

In 2021, CollPlant entered into a development and global commercialization agreement for dermal and soft tissue fillers with Allergan, an AbbVie company, the global leader in the dermal filler market.

For more information about CollPlant, visit http://www.collplant.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to CollPlant’s objectives plans and strategies, as well as statements, other than historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that CollPlant intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are often characterized by terminology such as “believes,” “hopes,” “may,” “anticipates,” “should,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “positioned,” “strategy” and similar expressions and are based on assumptions and assessments made in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Many factors could cause CollPlant’s actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s history of significant losses, its need to raise additional capital and its inability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, including uncertainties surrounding the methods of fundraising and the Company’s preferences regarding such methods, and including its ability to conclude a non-dilutive financing transaction; the Company’s expectations regarding the costs and timing of commencing and/or concluding pre-clinical and clinical trials with respect to breast implants, tissues and organs which are based on its rhCollagen based BioInk and other products for medical aesthetics, and specifically the Company’s ability to initiate its next large-animal study for its breast implants in a timely manner, or at all; the Company’s or Company’s strategic partners’ ability to obtain favorable pre-clinical and clinical trial results; regulatory action with respect to rhCollagen-based bioink and medical aesthetics products or product candidates including, but not limited to, acceptance of an application for marketing authorization review and approval of such application, and, if approved, the scope of the approved indication and labeling; commercial success and market acceptance of the Company’s rhCollagen based products, in 3D Bioprinting and medical aesthetics; the Company’s ability to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties and its reliance on third party distributors and resellers; the Company’s ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and other corporate collaborations, including its partnership with AbbVie and its ability to continue to receive milestone and royalties payments under the AbbVie agreement; the Company’s reliance on third parties to conduct some or all aspects of its product development and manufacturing; the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights and the Company’s ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; current or future unfavorable economic and market conditions and adverse developments with respect to financial institutions and associated liquidity risk; the impact of competition and new technologies; general market, political, and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates, including, with respect to the ongoing war in Israel, projected capital expenditures and liquidity, changes in the Company’s strategy and development plans and projects, and litigation and regulatory proceedings. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting CollPlant are contained under the heading “Risk Factors” included in CollPlant’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC, and in other filings that CollPlant has made and may make with the SEC in the future. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and reflect CollPlant’s current views with respect to future events, and CollPlant does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

CollPlant:

Eran Rotem

Deputy CEO & CFO
+ 972-73-2325600
[email protected]

Investors:

LifeSci Advisors
Dan Ferry
[email protected]

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Enhanced Strategic Focus and Flexibility Will Better Position Storied Brands Across Entertainment, Sports and News to Drive Shareholder Value

NEW YORK
, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) (the “Company,” “WBD,” “we,” “us,” “our”) today announced plans to separate the company, in a tax-free transaction, into two publicly traded companies, enabling each to maximize its potential. The Streaming & Studios company will consist of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, as well as their legendary film and television libraries. Global Networks will include premier entertainment, sports and news television brands around the world including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., and Discovery, top free-to-air channels across Europe, and digital products such as the profitable Discovery+ streaming service and Bleacher Report (B/R). 

David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will serve as President and CEO of Streaming & Studios. Gunnar Wiedenfels, CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will serve as President and CEO of Global Networks. Both will continue in their present roles at WBD until the separation.

“The cultural significance of this great company and the impactful stories it has brought to life for more than a century have touched countless people all over the world. It’s a treasured legacy we will proudly continue in this next chapter of our celebrated history,” said Zaslav. “By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today’s evolving media landscape.”

“This separation will invigorate each company by enabling them to leverage their strengths and specific financial profiles. This will also allow each company to pursue important investment opportunities and drive shareholder value,” said Wiedenfels. “At Global Networks, we will focus on further identifying innovative ways to work with distribution partners to create value for both linear and streaming viewers globally while maximizing our network assets and driving free cash flow.”

“We committed to shareholders to identify the best strategy to realize the full value of our exciting portfolio of assets, and the Board believes this transaction is a great outcome for WBD shareholders,” added Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors. “This announcement reflects the Board’s ongoing efforts to evaluate and pursue opportunities that enhance shareholder value.”

Building on the achievements realized over the past three years, the planned separation will unlock value for shareholders as well as create opportunities for both new businesses to thrive by:

• Equipping each to be faster and more aggressive in pursuing opportunities that strengthen their competitive positions.
• Forming world-class management teams focused on creating greater strategic flexibility and focus so that each business can invest in and pursue its operational and financial goals.
• Enabling each company to be more agile and attract a shareholder base aligned with its growth prospects and financial profiles.

Streaming & Studios

With best-in-class creative capabilities and an unmatched library of beloved IP, Streaming & Studios will be one of the world’s greatest storytelling companies. The company will be comprised of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO and HBO Max (including its international sports offering), Warner Bros. Games, Tours, Retail and Experiences, as well as studio production facilities in Burbank and Leavesden. Streaming & Studios will have dynamic and sustainable revenue, profit and free cash flow growth. The company will focus on continuing to scale HBO Max, which is now in 77 markets with important new market launches planned for 2026, and build on its global momentum, investing in HBO’s world-class programming which differentiates and drives the platform, and prioritizing the operating principles that have put the Studios on a path back to their target of at least $3 billion in annual adjusted EBITDA.

Global Networks

Global Networks will encompass a powerful and preeminent global portfolio of entertainment, sports and news television networks and brands as well as their digital products. Today, these assets reach 1.1 billion unique viewers in 68 languages across 200 countries and territories, while operating with industry-leading margins and robust free cash flow conversion. As a worldwide leader in live television, Global Networks will have the expertise, reach and ongoing financial profile to pursue opportunities such as investing in international growth opportunities, elevating its live content offerings in sports and news, and growing digital extensions of its strong network brands, such as Discovery+, B/R, and CNN’s new streaming offering.

Transaction Details, Capital Structure and Timing

Warner Bros. Discovery intends to separate the businesses in a tax-free manner for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  The companies plan to implement arm’s length transition services and commercial agreements post-separation to facilitate the transition and maintain continued operational efficiencies.

Each company will have well-capitalized structures to support their businesses. In a separate press release today, Warner Bros. Discovery announced the commencement of tender offers and related consent solicitations across its existing capital structure to enhance its debt portfolio, which will be funded by a committed bridge facility of $17.5 billion provided by J.P. Morgan. The bridge facility is expected to be refinanced prior to the separation. Both companies will have a clear path to de-leveraging with significant cash flow and strong liquidity through cash and revolver availability. In addition, Global Networks will hold up to a 20% retained stake in Streaming & Studios that it will plan to monetize in a tax-efficient manner to enhance the de-leveraging of its balance sheet.

The separation is expected to be completed by mid-2026, subject to closing and other conditions, including final approval by the Warner Bros. Discovery Board, receipt of tax opinions and/or a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the tax-free nature of the transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and market conditions.

J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel.

Webcast

The Company will conduct a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the contents of this release. A link to the live webcast of the conference call is available in the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at https://ir.wbd.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

Information set forth in this communication constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, and can be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and “would” or similar words. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties and on information available to Warner Bros. Discovery as of the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the benefits of the separation, including future financial and operating results, the future company plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of WBD’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements are the following: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the abandonment of the separation or pursuit of a different structure; risks that any of the conditions to the separation may not be satisfied in a timely manner; risks that the anticipated tax treatment of the proposed separation is not obtained; risks related to potential litigation brought in connection with the separation; uncertainties as to the timing of the separation; risks and costs related to the separation, including risks relating to changes to the configuration of WBD’s existing businesses; the risk that implementing the separation may be more difficult, time consuming or costly than expected; risks related to financial community and rating agency perceptions of WBD and its business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which it operates; risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the separation; failure to realize the benefits expected from the separation; the final terms and conditions of the separation, including the terms of any ongoing commercial agreements and arrangements between Streaming & Studios and Global Networks following such separation; the relationship between Streaming & Studios and Global Networks following the separation; the nature and amount of any indebtedness incurred by Streaming & Studios and Global Networks; effects of the announcement, pendency or completion of the separation on the ability of WBD to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with its suppliers, and on its operating results and businesses generally; risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on WBD as it implements separation; risks related to obtaining permanent financing to refinance the bridge facility on favorable terms in a timely manner or at all; and risks related to the tender offers and consent solicitations, including that the conditions to completion of the tender offers and consent solicitations, and funding under the bridge facility, are not satisfied.

WBD’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business, which include the risks related to the separation, tender offers and consent solicitation.  Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in WBD’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to WBD’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. WBD is not under any obligation, and each expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Persons reading this communication are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.

Additional Information about the Tender Offers and Consent Solicitations and Where to Find it

This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. The tender offers and related consent solicitations referred to in this communication are being made only by, and pursuant to the terms of, the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated June 9, 2025 (the “Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement”). The Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement will be sent to registered holders of such debt securities and be posted online at www.dfking.com/WBD. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through this website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference herein.  The tender offers and consent solicitations do not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.

 

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SOURCE Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

LONDON, ON, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – VersaBank (“VersaBank” or the “Bank”) (TSX: VBNK) (NASDAQ: VBNK), a North American leader in business-to-business digital banking, as well as technology solutions for cybersecurity, today announced David Taylor, President of VersaBank, will present on the Bank’s revolutionary Digital Deposit Receipts (DDRs) at the Florida Bankers Association’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. In a session titled Introducing the Ultimate Stablecoin – The Only USD Digital Deposit Receipt.  Mr. Taylor’s presentation will discuss the value of VersaBank’s tested, market-ready Digital Deposit Receipts to enable banks of any scale to issue a stablecoin that represents actual deposits with the bank. Mr. Taylor’s live address will be available only to those attending in person, however, his presentation slides will be posted to the VersaBank web site following the event.

“It is an honour to speak directly to the banking industry about our proprietary Digital Deposit Receipts, which take the concept of a stablecoin to an entirely new level,” said David Taylor, President, VersaBank. “With the US Administration’s favourable view toward digital assets, we are now seeing the largest banks in the country, as well as the thousands of community banks, exploring the use of stablecoins to modernize payments. Our Digital Deposit Receipt solution is built by a bank, for banks, designed to seamlessly integrate with existing bank software systems while addressing the major concerns of regulators, complete with SOC2 compliance and the highest military grade security. I look forward to showcasing our market ready solution, which seamlessly integrates with existing banking software, as we look to capitalize on this significant opportunity that exists alongside the growth we expect from our Digital Banking operations.”

ABOUT VERSABANK

VersaBank is a North American bank with a difference.  Federally chartered in both Canada and the US, VersaBank has a branchless, digital, business-to-business model based on its proprietary state-of-the-art technology that enables it to profitably address underserved segments of the banking industry in a significantly risk mitigated manner. Because VersaBank obtains substantially all of its deposits and undertakes the majority of its funding electronically through financial intermediary partners, it benefits from significant operating leverage that drives efficiency and return on common equity. In August 2024, VersaBank broadly launched its unique Receivable Purchase Program funding solution for point-of-sale finance companies, which has been highly successful in Canada for nearly 15 years, to the underserved multi-trillion-dollar US market. VersaBank also owns Washington, DC-based DRT Cyber Inc., a North America leader in the provision of cyber security services to address the rapidly growing volume of cyber threats challenging financial institutions, multi-national corporations and government entities. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Digital Meteor Inc. (“Digital Meteor”), VersaBank owns proprietary intellectual property and technology to enable the next generation of digital assets for the banking and financial community, including the Bank’s revolutionary Digital Deposit Receipts (“DDRs”).

VersaBank’s Common Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NASDAQ under the symbol VBNK.

Visit our website at:  www.versabank.com

Follow VersaBank on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X 

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SOURCE VersaBank

NORTHBROOK, Ill.
, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) announced today the appointment of Corning Painter as a Director of Stepan, effective immediately.

Mr. Painter currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Orion S.A., a global chemical manufacturer, a role he has held since September of 2018. Prior to joining Orion, Mr. Painter was an Executive Vice President for Industrial Gases at Air Products and Chemicals, an industrial gas company, which Mr. Painter joined in 1984. Mr. Painter is a Certified Professional Engineer and holds a chemical engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

“Corning brings extensive leadership and chemical industry experience to our Board of Directors,” said F. Quinn Stepan, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Stepan. “We are pleased to add Corning’s strategic and operational expertise, and we look forward to benefiting from his insights.”

Corporate Profile

Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals used in a broad range of industries. Stepan is a leading merchant producer of surfactants, which are the key ingredients in consumer and industrial cleaning and disinfection compounds and in agricultural and oilfield solutions. The Company is also a leading supplier of polyurethane polyols used in the expanding thermal insulation market, and CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) industries.

Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Stepan utilizes a network of modern production facilities located in North and South America, Europe and Asia.

The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol SCL. For more information about Stepan Company please visit the Company online at www.stepan.com.

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SOURCE Stepan Company

• 
  $2.16 billion acquisition of Sundyne expands Honeywell’s ESS product portfolio and aftermarket services, integrating critical equipment with automation and control systems powered by Honeywell Forge
• Sundyne brings approximately 1,000 skilled employees and significant aftermarket revenue generated from a large installed base
• Honeywell’s global reach and strong customer relationships help accelerate market access and adoption of Sundyne’s specialized products and services

CHARLOTTE, N.C.
, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced the completion of its acquisition of Sundyne from private equity firm Warburg Pincus for $2.16 billion in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition of Sundyne—a leader in the design, manufacturing, and aftermarket support of highly-engineered pumps and gas compressors for process industries—is expected to be immediately accretive to Honeywell’s sales growth and segment margins as well as to adjusted EPS in the first full year of ownership.

Sundyne’s deep customer relationships, best-in-class products and technology will unlock strategic growth potential for Honeywell UOP’s value chains in refining and petrochemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and clean and renewable fuels. Unified under the Honeywell Forge platform, the combined solution provides a scalable, full-spectrum approach that positions Honeywell as a leader in the energy transition.

“Merging Sundyne’s differentiated products with Honeywell’s leading technology and R&D capabilities positions our business for significant growth,” said Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell’s Energy and Sustainability Solutions (ESS) segment. “By enhancing our end-to-end process technology and critical equipment offerings, this acquisition allows us to provide improved solutions for our customers.”

The completion of this acquisition follows Honeywell’s announcement of the planned spin-offs of its Aerospace Technologies and Solstice Advanced Materials businesses, which will result in three publicly listed industry leaders with distinct strategies and growth drivers. Since December 2023, Honeywell has announced a number of strategic actions to drive organic growth and simplify its portfolio, including $13.5 billion of accretive acquisitions. In addition to Sundyne, these acquisitions include: the Access Solutions business from Carrier Global, Civitanavi Systems, CAES Systems, the LNG business from Air Products and Johnson Matthey’s Catalyst Technologies Business. Honeywell also completed the sale of its Personal Protective Equipment business to Protective Industrial Products last month.

About Honeywell
Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world’s toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter and safer as well as more secure and sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

We describe many of the trends and other factors that drive our business and future results in this release. Such discussions contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Forward-looking statements are those that address activities, events, or developments that management intends, expects, projects, believes, or anticipates will or may occur in the future and include statements related to the proposed spin-off of the Company’s Advanced Materials business into a stand-alone, publicly traded company and the proposed separation of Automation and Aerospace. They are based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments, and other relevant factors, many of which are difficult to predict and outside of our control. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update or revise any of our forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to material risks and uncertainties, including ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical risks, such as lower GDP growth or recession, supply chain disruptions, capital markets volatility, inflation, and certain regional conflicts, that can affect our performance in both the near- and long-term. In addition, no assurance can be given that any plan, initiative, projection, goal, commitment, expectation, or prospect set forth in this release can or will be achieved. These forward-looking statements should be considered in light of the information included in this release, our Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking plans described herein are not final and may be modified or abandoned at any time.

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SOURCE Honeywell