BioCryst Receives UK Approval of ORLADEYO™ (berotralstat), First Oral, Once-daily Therapy to Prevent Attacks in Hereditary Angioedema Patients

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: BCRX) today announced that the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted marketing authorization for oral, once-daily ORLADEYO™ (berotralstat) for the routine prevention of recurrent hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in HAE patients 12 years and older.

“HAE UK welcomes the decision from the MHRA to grant marketing authorization for berotralstat in the UK. Hereditary angioedema is an unpredictable and life-threatening condition which causes significant emotional and economic burdens on people with HAE and their families and careers. These burdens negatively impact their mental health and well-being, on top of the physical demands of living with a chronic condition. An oral therapy that shows effective control of HAE attacks will provide a different treatment choice for clinicians and patients and will assist in improving the quality of life of those living with the condition,” said Laura Szutowicz, chief executive officer of HAE UK.

“This is a significant milestone in furthering our ability to meet the needs of more patients living with HAE. As the first oral, once-daily therapy proven to reduce the number of HAE attacks, today’s news has the potential to offer a convenient new treatment option to improve the lives and outcomes of patients with HAE,” said Dr. Sorena Kiani, consultant immunologist at Barts Health NHS Trust.

A decision from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for use of ORLADEYO under the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2021.

“With the approval of the first oral, once-daily treatment in the UK, BioCryst continues to bring ORLADEYO to HAE patients and their families around the world,” said Jon Stonehouse, president and chief executive officer of BioCryst.

In the pivotal Phase 3 APeX-2 trial, ORLADEYO significantly reduced attacks at 24 weeks, and this reduction was sustained through 48 weeks. HAE patients who completed 48 weeks of treatment (150 mg) saw reductions in their HAE attack rates, from a mean of 2.9 attacks per month at baseline to a mean of 1.0 attacks per month after 48 weeks of therapy. In the long-term open label APeX-S trial, patients completing 48 weeks of therapy (150 mg) had a mean attack rate of 0.8 attacks per month.

ORLADEYO was safe and well tolerated in both trials. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in patients receiving ORLADEYO compared with placebo were gastrointestinal reactions. These reactions generally occurred early after initiation of treatment with ORLADEYO, became less frequent with time and typically self-resolved.

HAE patients note a significant treatment burden associated with existing prophylactic therapy. In addition to reducing HAE attack rate, data from APeX-2 show that patients reported meaningful improvements in both quality of life, overall patient-reported satisfaction, and significant reductions in their monthly use of standard of care on-demand medicine, while taking oral, once-daily ORLADEYO (150 mg).

About ORLADEYO

(berotralstat)

ORLADEYO™ (berotralstat) is the first and only oral therapy designed specifically to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older. One capsule of ORLADEYO per day works to prevent HAE attacks by decreasing the activity of plasma kallikrein.

The UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for ORLADEYO will be available from the MHRA website at https://products.mhra.gov.uk/.

About BioCryst Pharmaceuticals

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals discovers novel, oral, small-molecule medicines that treat rare diseases in which significant unmet medical needs exist and an enzyme plays a key role in the biological pathway of the disease. Oral, once-daily ORLADEYO™ (berotralstat) is approved in the United States, European Union, Japan and the United Kingdom for the prevention of HAE attacks in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older. BioCryst has several ongoing development programs including BCX9930, an oral Factor D inhibitor for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases, BCX9250, an ALK-2 inhibitor for the treatment of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, and galidesivir, a potential treatment for Marburg virus disease and Yellow Fever. RAPIVAB® (peramivir injection), a viral neuraminidase inhibitor for the treatment of influenza, has received regulatory approval in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and Korea. Post-marketing commitments for RAPIVAB are ongoing. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.biocryst.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding BioCryst’s plans and expectations for ORLADEYO. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could affect the forward-looking statements contained herein include: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which could create challenges in all aspects of BioCryst’s business, including without limitation delays, stoppages, difficulties and increased expenses with respect to BioCryst’s and its partners’ development, regulatory processes and supply chains, negatively impact BioCryst’s ability to access the capital or credit markets to finance its operations, or have the effect of heightening many of the risks described below or in the documents BioCryst periodically files with the Securities and Exchange Commission; BioCryst’s ability to successfully implement its commercialization plans for, and to commercialize, ORLADEYO, which could take longer or be more expensive than planned; risks relating to government actions, including that decisions and other actions relating to pricing and reimbursements may not be taken when expected or at all, or that the outcomes of such decisions and other actions may not be in line with BioCryst’s current expectations; the commercial viability of ORLADEYO, including its ability to achieve market acceptance; the FDA, EMA, MHRA, PMDA or other applicable regulatory agency may require additional studies beyond the studies planned for products and product candidates, may not provide regulatory clearances which may result in delay of planned clinical trials, may impose certain restrictions, warnings, or other requirements on products and product candidates, may impose a clinical hold with respect to product candidates, or may withhold, delay, or withdraw market approval for products and product candidates; BioCryst’s ability to successfully manage its growth and compete effectively; risks related to the international expansion of BioCryst’s business; and actual financial results may not be consistent with expectations, including that operating expenses and cash usage may not be within management’s expected ranges. Please refer to the documents BioCryst files periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically BioCryst’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, all of which identify important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in BioCryst’s forward-looking statements.

BCRXW


Contact:


Investors

John Bluth
+1 919 859 7910
[email protected]

Media

Catherine Collier Kyroulis
+1 917 886 5586
[email protected]



CBMJ Becomes Equity Partner With RLTR Resulting From ReelTime’s Acquisition of LoudMouth Media From CBMJ

Powder Springs, GA, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire — CBMJ Inc. (OTC:CBMJ), Conservative Broadcast Media & Journalism, today announced that it has sold 100% of LoudMouth Media Inc. to ReelTime Media (OTC:RLTR).

RLTR www.reeltime.com will issue 1.0M shares of Restricted Common Stock to CBMJ in exchange for receiving 5.0M shares (100%) of LoudMouth Media Inc. owned by Conservative Broadcast Media & Journalism (CBMJ). 

In 2015 “LoudMouth News”, which has been produced by ReelTime, became the first, longest running and only syndicated terrestrial (over the air) radio program that focused on the news relating to the marijuana industry in the USA and Canada. LoudMouth presents the news and commentary in an entertaining neutral manner, highlighting the most impactful current news in politics, products, sociological issues, businesses, and the ever-changing perceptions of marijuana usage.

LoudMouth News began as a two-minute syndicated news program and quickly grew to a five-minute segment running as news on a variety of stations across the nation. The news format can be listened to at www.loudmouthnews.com or on an increasing number of stations throughout the country.

LoudMouth News is currently cleared to air on over 700 radio stations in the USA, 128 in Canada. In addition to being broadcast over the air, LoudMouth News is broadcast by YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUtl_HEsKdZ1uTlnjmgB1Q and has been available as a podcast on all Android and Apple devices.

LoudMouth was purchased previously from its creators by CBMJ in its former business model after becoming the title sponsor over six years ago and has continued to have ReelTime produce the property. 

ReelTime CEO Barry Henthorn stated: “LoudMouth has built a successful distribution network and has developed itself as a pioneer in cutting edge radio and multimedia content and commentary on all things related to the marijuana industry. Having produced the segments from inception we are very much aware of the impact and following it has developed and envision expanding its scope of subject matter and its distribution now that we own it 100%.” 

“We are happy to be long term shareholders of ReelTime and over the next 2-3 years look forward to seeing ReelTime valuations increase as they grow their portfolio of media assets. We felt if was a better strategic fit at ReelTime as we focus our efforts on the integration of the Patriot Depot acquisition announced yesterday,” stated CBMJ CEO Mark Schaftlein. 

About ReelTime Rentals, Inc. d/b/a ReelTime Media: www.reeltime.com is a publicly-traded company based in Seattle, WA (OTCPK:RLTR). ReelTime Media provides end-to-end production capabilities and discount media purchasing that is redefining how companies are evaluating and purchasing their TV, radio, print, and other new media. ReelTime is also is in the business of developing, producing and distributing Virtual Reality Content and technologies. We have an end to end production, editing, and distribution capabilities for internal and external projects. ReelTime Currently produces three ongoing series for the Samsung Gear VR platform and distributes them over numerous VR delivery portals, including Gear VR, Oculus, Veer VR, HTC Vive, YouTube 360, Facebook, and others. ReelTime Media also publishes the book “It Was Always Me! Edward Edwards, the Most Prolific Serial Killer of All Time,” which has been the subject of a cover story on People Magazine, Rolling Stone, In Touch, and a six-part series on Paramount network, www.itwasalwaysme.com.

About CBMJ: (CBMJ) Conservative Broadcast Media and Journalism is a Digital Marketing Company based in Metro-Atlanta that specializes in reaching a conservative/libertarian/religious audience. Among other assets, CBMJ operates numerous social media accounts across several platforms with over 2 million followers, owns an active database of over 12 million opt-in email subscribers, and publishes a network of 47 monetized political/news websites generating 10 million page views per month. Some of the marquis sites include www.flagandcross.com , and www.militarygradecoffee.com. The Company also maintains one of the largest collections of historical documents on the web at www.constitution.com In addition, CBMJ operates a brick-and-mortar coffee shop in Hiram, GA, and e-commerce websites including www.thrashercoffee.com/ www.valloranicigars.com , and an e-commerce portal at their primary site www.store.flagandcross.com/ . CBMJ now also owns the increasingly popular TV, radio, and social media segment “The Schaftlein Report” hosted by economic analyst and political commentator Mark Schaftlein. https://schaftleinreport.com/

Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters disclosed at www.otcmarkets.com . These risks and uncertainties could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially.

Mark Schaftlein
877-704-6773



Jodi Dickinson Joins Frontline Education as Chief Human Resources Officer

Frontline leadership team gains over 25 years of expertise in HR leadership and engagement

Malvern, PA, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Frontline Education, a leading provider of school administration software for K-12, today announced that Jodi Dickinson has joined the company’s executive team as Chief Human Resources Officer. Jodi brings over 25 years of progressive HR leadership and expertise in growth, culture and engagement to Frontline.

 

“As we work to continuously enhance our culture and our company, having a dedicated focus on human resources and employee engagement at the leadership level is key to our success and the success of our team members,” said Mark Gruzin, CEO of Frontline Education. “We are excited to have Jodi as a steward of our core values and a voice for our employees as we support their needs and provide them with the environment and resources necessary to grow and continually enhance the value we bring to our K-12 partners.”

 

Jodi comes to Frontline from Certara, where she has served as Chief Human Resources Officer since 2019. Prior to Certara, Jodi gained deep HR leadership experience in the education sector.  She was SVP of Human Resources at Nobel Learning Communities (now Spring Education), leading all aspects of human resources and people strategies, and held senior HR leadership roles with Aramark Education and Laureate Education. 

 

In addition to her dedicated human resources career, Jodi previously served on the Board of Directors for Penn State Brandywine, CityLit, and Philly SHRM and taught HR Technology Solutions as an Adjunct Professor at Villanova University’s Graduate Human Resource Development program. Jodi holds a B.S. in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Human Resource Development from Villanova University. 

 

“I am thrilled to join such as a collaborative and mission driven organization,” said Jodi Dickinson, new Chief Human Resources Officer for Frontline Education. “Frontline is truly a company that believes in and is dedicated to achieving its vision, mission, and core values. I am honored and excited to join the Frontline Family.”

Jodi’s role as Chief Human Resources Officer for Frontline Education is effective immediately.

Attachment



Andrea Fitzpatrick
Frontline Education
[email protected]

Oxford Lane Capital Corp. Provides April Net Asset Value Update

GREENWICH, Conn., May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXLC) (NasdaqGS: OXLCM) (NasdaqGS: OXLCP) (NasdaqGS: OXLCL) today announced the following net asset value (“NAV”) estimate as of April 30, 2021.

  • Management’s unaudited estimate of the range of the NAV per share of our common stock as of April 30, 2021 is between $6.23 and $6.33. This estimate is not a comprehensive statement of our financial condition or results for the month ended April 30, 2021. This estimate did not undergo the Company’s typical quarter-end financial closing procedures and was not approved by the Company’s board of directors. We advise you that our NAV per share for the quarter ending June 30, 2021 may differ materially from this estimate, which is given only as of April 30, 2021.
  • As of April 30, 2021, the Company had approximately 101.4 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

We believe that the COVID-19 pandemic represents an extraordinary circumstance that materially impacts the fair value of and prospective cash flows from the Company’s investments. As a result, the fair value of the Company’s portfolio investments may be materially impacted after April 30, 2021 by circumstances and events that are not yet known. To the extent the Company’s portfolio investments are further impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company may experience a material impact on its future net investment income, the fair value of its portfolio investments, its financial condition and the financial condition of its portfolio investments. Investing in our securities involves a number of significant risks. For a discussion of the additional risks applicable to an investment in our securities, please refer to the section titled “Risk Factors” in our prospectus and the note titled “Risks and Uncertainties” in our most recent annual report or semi-annual report, as applicable.

The preliminary financial data included in this press release has been prepared by, and is the responsibility of, Oxford Lane Capital Corp.’s management.  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has not audited, reviewed, compiled, or applied agreed-upon procedures with respect to the preliminary financial data.  Accordingly, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto.

About Oxford Lane Capital Corp. 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded registered closed-end management investment company principally investing in debt and equity tranches of CLO vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the impact of COVID-19 and related changes in base interest rates and significant market volatility on our business, our CLO investments, our industry and the global economy. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. These factors are identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events, except as may be required by law. 

Contact:
Bruce Rubin
203-983-5280



Bridgeline Digital Announces Offerings Priced At-the-Market for Gross Proceeds of $5.1 Million

WOBURN, Mass., May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bridgeline Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLIN) (“Bridgeline” or the “Company”), a provider of cloud-based Marketing Technology software, announced today a registered direct offering priced at-the-market of 1,060,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $2.28 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $2.4 million prior to deduction of commissions and offering expenses.  Additionally, the Company has entered into securities purchase agreements with certain institutional investors in connection with a private placement of 2,700 shares of its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series D Preferred Stock”) at a price of $1,000 per share and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 592,105 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.51 per share (the “Warrants”).  The Company expects to receive gross proceeds from the private placement of approximately $2.7 million, prior to deduction of commissions and offering expenses.

The Series D Preferred Stock is convertible into an aggregate of approximately 1,184,211 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $2.28 per share, subject to certain ownership limitations, upon the Company obtaining shareholder approval to provide for the full conversion of the Series D Preferred Stock and the full exercise of the Warrants (“Shareholder Approval”).  Beginning on the six month anniversary of the original issuance date, the Series D Preferred Stock holders are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the annual rate per share of Preferred Stock as a percentage of the stated value per share of 9% on the last day of each calendar quarter, which right will terminate upon receipt of Shareholder Approval.  Until Shareholder Approval is obtained, the Series D Preferred Stockholders have preferential liquidation rights over the Company’s common stockholders and holders of the Company’s outstanding preferred stock.  The Warrants are exercisable six months from the date of issuance, and will expire five and a half years following the date of issuance.

Joseph Gunnar & Co. is acting as the lead placement agent and Taglich Brothers, Inc. is acting as co-placement agent.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offerings for working capital and general corporate purposes.   The closings of the offerings are expected to take place on or about May 14, 2021, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.

The shares of common stock described above are being offered pursuant to a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-239104) that was filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and was declared effective on June 25, 2020.  The Company will file a prospectus supplement with the SEC relating to such shares of common stock.  Copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the offering may be obtained, when available, from Joseph Gunnar & Co., LLC. 30 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10004, or by email at [email protected].

The Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants described above are being offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), and Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the shares of common stock underlying the warrants, have not been registered under the Act, or applicable state securities laws.  Accordingly, the warrants and underlying shares of common stock may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Act and such applicable state securities laws.

Under an agreement with the investors in the private placement, the Company is required to file an initial registration statement with the SEC covering the resale of the shares of the Company’s common stock underlying the Series D Preferred Stock and the Warrants no later than 15 days after today and to use best efforts to have the registration statement declared effective as promptly as practical thereafter, and in any event no later than 90 days following the date hereof.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Bridgeline
Bridgeline helps companies grow online revenues by increasing their traffic, conversion rate, and average order value with its Unbound platform and suite of apps.  To learn more, please visit www.bridgeline.com or call (800) 603-9936.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made in this press release are forward-looking, such as those, among others, relating to our expectations regarding the completion of the proposed offerings.  Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements.  Factors that may cause such a difference include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to whether or not we will be able to raise capital through the sale of securities, the final terms of the proposed offerings, market and other conditions, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the proposed offerings and the impact of general economic, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to complete the proposed offerings on the anticipated terms, or at all.  We will need to raise additional capital to fund our operations and may be unable to raise capital when needed, which would force us to delay, reduce or eliminate our current business initiatives.  

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this press release.  Certain other risks are more fully discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the prospectus supplement and the prospectus relating to the registered direct offering, our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in our other filings with the SEC.  Our SEC filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.   In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our views only as of the issuance of this release and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. We explicitly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Contact:
Mark G. Downey
Chief Financial Officer
Bridgeline Digital, Inc.
[email protected]



P&G and GLAAD Announce “The Visibility Project” and Release New Research to Advance LGBTQ Visibility in Advertising

P&G and GLAAD Announce “The Visibility Project” and Release New Research to Advance LGBTQ Visibility in Advertising

P&G commits more than $1 million over three years and partners with GLAAD to bring together brands and agencies working to advance LGBTQ inclusion in advertising

New GLAAD and P&G study of 200 senior marketing and advertising professionals finds executives recognize LGBTQ inclusion as a force for positive social change, yet concerns exist around response from LGBTQ community if representation is not authentic

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Today, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, announced The Visibility Project, a new campaign to drive and to sustain LGBTQ inclusion in ads and marketing and to leverage the power of these mediums to accelerate LGBTQ acceptance.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512005606/en/

For more on the Visibility Project: http://glaad.org/visibility-project

For results of GLAAD and P&G’s ‘Advertiser & Agency Perspectives on LGBTQ Inclusion’ Study: http://www.glaad.org/2021inclusionstudy

The Visibility Project

With The Visibility Project, P&G and GLAAD will bring together the world’s top brands and ad agencies working to advance LGBTQ inclusion in ads, creating and providing tools, techniques and resources for industry executives, and harnessing the power of advertising to accelerate LGBTQ acceptance.

While LGBTQ inclusion in advertising is expanding, a 2020 study by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media found only 1.8% of characters in ads from the annual Cannes Lions festival were LGBTQ – a decrease of .1% from the previous year. P&G and GLAAD research released today, based on interviews with advertising executives, found that advertisers are concerned with backlash from the community when inclusion misses the mark. The research shows a strong need for tools, resources, and best practices when inclusion occurs.

Phase one of The Visibility Project will focus on recruiting Fortune 100 advertisers to sign on as partners and collaborate on a blueprint for LGBTQ inclusion in advertising that ensures brands and companies prioritize impact, as well as accurate and authentic representation. The GLAAD Media Institute, comprised of a team of consultants who enhance LGBTQ representation across media, will then work with partner companies to consult on inclusion in ads, as well as overcoming internal barriers for increasing LGBTQ inclusion.

Based on learnings from the first stage, The Visibility Project will develop and launch industry best practices and thought leadership that inspire and compel other brands to grow inclusion in their own ads and in the industry as a whole. In addition to partnering with GLAAD on the recruitment and education stages, P&G will initially commit more than $1 million over three years to launch, grow and sustain The Visibility Project.

For more about joining The Visibility Project, visit http://glaad.org/Visibility-Project.

“Equality is not only a top priority at P&G – it’s a responsibility,” said P&G Chief Brand Officer Marc Pritchard. “As one of the world’s largest advertisers, we’re committed to using our voice and reach to increase visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in advertising and media. We strive for accurate portrayal and will continue to take a stand to eliminate bias and advance equality. Through The Visibility Project, we hope to learn more about the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community in order to elevate their visibility in our content and communication.”

The Visibility Project is P&G’s most significant program aimed at inspiring the next generation of LGBTQ advertising leaders and corporate advocates. The project is a natural next step in P&G’s commitment to producing content and research that will encourage advertisers and media to drive a more inclusive, accepting culture by accurately and authentically representing LGBTQ people.

“LGBTQ Inclusion in Advertising and Media, Advertiser and Agency Perspectives” Study

As part of The Visibility Project’s launch, P&G and GLAAD also announced findings from the “LGBTQ Inclusion in Advertising and Media, Advertiser and Agency Perspectives” study. Conducted in February 2021, the study is based on responses from 200 marketing and advertising executives: 100 business to consumer (B2C) advertisers with budgets of $50 million to over $1 billion, and 100 agencies representing clients with B2C media budgets of $15 million to $1 billion.

The P&G and GLAAD study showed that marketing and ad executives are more concerned about the risks of inauthentic representation and response from the LGBTQ community than with a public backlash for including LGBTQ people.

  • 81% of Advertisers and 41% of Agencies agree that “an inauthentic execution of LGBTQ people and scenarios would lead to a larger backlash than not featuring them in ads at all.”
  • 78% of Advertisers and “31% of Agencies agree “it is difficult to adequately represent the LGBTQ community because the community is complicated and has many nuances.”
  • 61% of Advertisers and 28% of Agencies agree they are “fearful of public backlash for including LGBTQ people in advertising.”

Both marketing and advertising executives are aligned in their recognition of the important social impact of responsible and authentic LGBTQ representation.

  • 61% of Advertisers and 60% of Agencies strongly agree that companies that feature LGBTQ people and scenarios in advertising are “helping consumers understand and respect LGBTQ people.”
  • 56% of Advertisers and 60% of Agencies strongly agree that companies that feature LGBTQ people and scenarios in their advertising are “companies that value all kinds of diversity.”
  • 56% of Advertisers and 55% of Agencies strongly agree that companies that feature LGBTQ people and scenarios in their advertising are “companies that are supportive of LGBTQ rights.”

The findings reveal agencies are more supportive and accepting of LGBTQ inclusion, poising them for a stronger advocacy role.

  • While 55% of Agencies agree completely that featuring LGBTQ people and scenarios is supported by their top management, just 39% of Advertisers said the same.
  • Only 33% of Advertisers and 46% of Agencies are very likely to recommend using LGBTQ people and scenarios is the company’s or client’s advertising.
  • In assessing their own organization’s existing culture, 52% of Agencies and 36% of Advertisers rate their culture as “very accepting and inclusive of all communities.”

The research summary and additional findings, available here, point to a need for better resources to create ads, which The Visibility Project will develop with its partners.

“While there is broad understanding of the fact that inclusion of authentic LGBTQ representation in advertising promotes positive social change, we first must transform corporate cultures and secure commitments from top management to create meaningful inclusion,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “The Visibility Project marks a new milestone in GLAAD’s important work with P&G to grow LGBTQ inclusion in the world of advertising and leverage the power of ads to create change and acceptance. During this pivotal moment when brands are stepping up and stepping out on social issues, the inclusion of LGBTQ people and issues is a major opportunity and responsibility.”

The launch of the Visibility Project and this new research builds on the impact of P&G and GLAAD’s 2020 “LGBTQ Inclusion in Advertising and Media”, the first-ever study that measured how non-LGBTQ Americans respond to LGBTQ representation in television, films and advertising.

About P&G

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at www.pg.com/news.

About GLAAD

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.

Enrique Garay, H+K Strategies

[email protected]

Brent Miller, P&G

[email protected]

Rich Ferraro, GLAAD

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: New York Ohio United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Home Goods Supermarket Specialty Consumer LGBTQ+ Cosmetics Discount/Variety Retail

MEDIA:

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Benefitfocus Adds The Standard’s Suite of Voluntary Benefits to Benefit Catalog

Expansion of catalog offerings aligns with growing need for employee well-being

PR Newswire

CHARLESTON, S.C., May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT), an industry-leading benefits technology platform that simplifies benefits administration for employers, health plans and brokers, has added a full suite of benefits offerings from Standard Insurance Company (The Standard), a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individuals, to the growing range of products and services on its Benefit Catalog.

The Standard’s portfolio of voluntary group benefits such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, disability and life insurance help employees thrive by offering additional financial protection in the event of the unexpected. Their portfolio also includes dental and vision benefit plans that provide employees with increased choice, flexibility and value.

“Benefitfocus believes interest in additional insurance plans will continue to grow from employers and employees alike, as employees seek a range of benefits to achieve their desired sense of health and financial wellbeing,” said Matt Levin, Benefitfocus president & CEO. “With the addition of The Standard to our Benefit Catalog, we continue to enhance its position as a truly robust portfolio of health, wealth and lifestyle benefits to be integrated into the employee enrollment and engagement experience.”

Recent analysis of the 2021 Open Enrollment period concluded on Dec. 31, 2020 showed a rise in enrollment in supplemental insurance plans, a likely result of the effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the coronavirus affecting millions of Americans and often leading to hospitalization, employers sought additional benefits to help employees confront its financial impact. Benefitfocus also saw an increase in the purchase of hospital indemnity benefits and voluntary life insurance offerings through its Benefit Catalog. These observations reflect a growing demand for the sort of solutions offered by The Standard.

“This integration continues The Standard’s commitment to strategic partnerships with select BenAdmin providers, and we’re delighted to expand our relationship with Benefitfocus,” said  Dayna Kirk, vice president of Customer Service and Voluntary Benefits for The Standard. “We’re pleased that our voluntary group benefits will be included on Benefits Catalog to offer additional choices that enhance the consumer enrollment experience.”

Benefit Catalog
Benefitfocus’ Benefit Catalog provides employers, brokers and health plans the ability to offer customers more than 85 market-leading specialty benefits products from more than 45 leading brands. This product catalog provides a simplified enrollment experience that brings all categories of voluntary benefits together in one place. Find out more about Benefit Catalog here.

About Benefitfocus 
Benefitfocus (NASDAQ: BNFT) unifies the entire benefits industry through innovative technology solutions that bring efficiency, cost savings and simplicity to employee benefits administration. Our powerful cloud-based software, data-driven insights and thoughtfully designed services help employers, insurance brokers, health plans and suppliers address the complexity of benefits enrollment and engagement, while bringing easier access to health, wealth and lifestyle products through a world-class benefits experience. Our mission is simple: to improve lives with benefits. Learn more at www.benefitfocus.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About The Standard
The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping customers achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. In business since 1906, we are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individuals. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life, dental and vision insurance, voluntary (employee-paid) benefits, absence management services, and retirement plans and annuities for employers and individuals. For more information about The Standard, visit standard.com or follow us on FacebookTwitter or LinkedIn.

The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries: Standard Insurance Company, The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York, Standard Retirement Services, Inc., StanCorp Mortgage Investors, Inc., StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., StanCorp Real Estate, LLC, and StanCorp Equities, Inc.

DISCLAIMER REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from those explicit or implicit in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: volatility and uncertainty in the global economy and financial markets in light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties arising from the recent U.S. elections; our continuing losses and need to achieve GAAP profitability; fluctuations in our financial results; our ability to maintain our culture, retain and motivate qualified personnel; the immature and volatile market for our products and services; risks related to changing healthcare and other applicable regulations; risks associated with acquisitions; cyber-security risks; the need to innovate and provide useful products and services; our ability to compete effectively; privacy, security and other risks associated with our business; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in our SEC filings, copies of which are available free of charge within the Investor Relations section of the Benefitfocus website at http://investor.benefitfocus.com/sec-filings or upon request from our Investor Relations Department. Benefitfocus assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

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SOURCE Benefitfocus, Inc.

IIROC Trade Resumption – CRDL.WT.A

Canada NewsWire

TORONTO, May 12, 2021 /CNW/ – Trading resumes in:

Company: Cardiol Therapeutics Inc.

TSX Symbol: CRDL.WT.A

All Issues: No

Resumption (ET): 9:30 AM

IIROC can make a decision to impose a temporary suspension (halt) of trading in a security of a publicly-listed company. Trading halts are implemented to ensure a fair and orderly market. IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.

SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) – Halts/Resumptions

UK Manufacturing Facility & Phase III Trial Updates From Northwest Biotherapeutics (OTCQB: NWBO)

Application Submitted to MHRA for Certification of Sawston Facility

PR Newswire

BETHESDA, Md., May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Northwest Biotherapeutics (OTCQB: NWBO) (“NW Bio”), a biotechnology company developing DCVax® personalized immune therapies for solid tumor cancers, today announced that an application for certification of the manufacturing facility in Sawston, UK has been submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).  The Company also provided a process update on the DCVax®-L Phase III Trial.

On May 7, the application package was submitted to the MHRA requesting the certification of the Sawston facility to produce Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) clinical grade medical products for patients.  This application represents the culmination of more than 2 years of preparations, including more than a year conducting these efforts under challenging COVID-19 restrictions and conditions.

As previously reported on March 16, 2021, the preparations have included the physical buildout of Phase I of the facility, development of over 500 regulatory documents (including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of operations, batch manufacturing records, and other formal documents), development of a Sawston team of nearly 40 persons with all of the required types of expertise for production of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and training in regard to the DCVax® technology and processes.  

The next step will be an on-site inspection of the facility by MHRA.  Following the inspection, a report of the inspection results and any findings needing any corrective action will be issued by MHRA.  Following completion of any actions, the Company is hopeful that an initial license will be issued and production of GMP DCVax-L products in the Sawston facility may begin by around the end of Q3.

In addition to the MHRA submission activities, a prototype of the Flaskworks system has been delivered to the Sawston facility, and the Company currently anticipates that initial practice runs with the system may begin at the Sawston facility during the summer.

Meanwhile, manufacturing of vaccine products for compassionate use patients (“Specials”) has been and is continuing at the GMP facility in London.

The process outlined in the Company’s October 5, 2020 announcement relating to the Phase III trial of DCVax-L is continuing to move forward.  The process includes review and analysis of the raw data by independent statisticians and experts, and preparation of summaries of the Trial results for review by the Company, the Principal Investigator, the Steering Committee of the Trial, the Scientific Advisory Board, and a panel of independent brain cancer experts in preparation for public announcement and scientific publication. 

The Company continues to be in a quiet period while this process is under way.  The Company appreciates shareholders’ patience, and their understanding that the Company cannot make partial disclosures during this process and cannot comment on the Phase III trial schedule or its data until the announcement of the results.  We remain committed to completing the full plan outlined on October 5, 2020.

About Northwest Biotherapeutics

Northwest Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized

immunotherapy products designed to treat cancers more effectively than current treatments, without toxicities of the kind associated with chemotherapies, and on a cost-effective basis, in both North America and Europe.  The Company has a broad platform technology for DCVax® dendritic cell-based vaccines.  The Company’s lead program is a 331-patient Phase III trial of DCVax®-L for newly diagnosed Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).  GBM is the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer, and is an “orphan disease.”  This Phase III trial is now completed, with the trial data now being analyzed.  The Company is also pursuing development of DCVax®-Direct for inoperable solid tumor cancers.  It has completed a 40-patient Phase I trial and, as resources permit, is preparing for Phase II trials.  The Company previously conducted a Phase I/II trial with DCVax-L for advanced ovarian cancer together with the University of Pennsylvania. 


Disclaimer

                 

Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts, including statements concerning future treatment of patients using DCVax and future clinical trials, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Words such as “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “design,” “plan,” “continue,” “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.  We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.  Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement.  Specifically, there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, such as risks related to the Company’s ability to enroll patients in its clinical trials and complete the trials on a timely basis, uncertainties about the clinical trials process, uncertainties about the timely performance of third parties, risks related to whether the Company’s products will demonstrate safety and efficacy, risks related to the Company’s ongoing ability to raise additional capital, and other risks included in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings.  Additional information on the foregoing risk factors and other factors, including Risk Factors, which could affect the Company’s results, is included in its SEC filings.  Finally, there may be other factors not mentioned above or included in the Company’s SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement.  The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by securities laws.


CONTACTS         

Dave Innes                                                      

Les Goldman

804-513-4758   [email protected]                    

240-234-0059   [email protected]

 

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SOURCE Northwest Biotherapeutics

NEOGEN Announces 2-for-1 Stock Split

PR Newswire

LANSING, Mich., May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — NEOGEN Corporation (NASDAQ: NEOG) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a two-for-one stock split. Each stockholder of record at the close of business on May 26, 2021, will receive one additional share of common stock for each share held, with new shares expected to be distributed on June 4, 2021.

As of today, NEOGEN has approximately 53,700,000 shares of common stock outstanding. After the split, the company will have approximately 107,400,000 shares of common stock outstanding. The split is the sixth in the company’s 39-year history, the most recent being a four-for-three stock split in December 2017.

“We are pleased that the Board of Directors has approved this split, demonstrating their continued confidence in NEOGEN’s long-term growth,” says John Adent, NEOGEN’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With this split, we will be able to increase the availability of NEOGEN stock and enhance liquidity within the marketplace, allowing both current and new investors to share in NEOGEN’s success.”

Shareholders contemplating a transaction of NEOGEN stock between the record date and payment date should consult a broker regarding their entitlement to the split shares.

NEOGEN Corporation develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. The company’s Food Safety Division markets dehydrated culture media and diagnostic test kits to detect foodborne bacteria, natural toxins, food allergens, drug residues, plant diseases, and sanitation concerns. NEOGEN’s Animal Safety Division is a leader in the development of animal genomics along with the manufacturing and distribution of a variety of animal healthcare products, including diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, veterinary instruments, wound care, and disinfectants.

CONTACT: Steven J. Quinlan, Vice President and CFO, (517) 372-9200

 

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SOURCE NEOGEN Corporation