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SHANGHAI, April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Molecular Data Inc. (“Molecular Data” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: MKD), a leading technology-driven platform in China’s chemical industry, announced that it has signed a cooperation agreement with Dalian Lianhua Chemical Co., Ltd. (“Dalian Lianhua”), a leading manufacturer in the subdivision field of boric acid compounds in China. In the future, the two companies will combine the strengths of both parties to help the rapid development of R&D in domestic pharmaceutical companies and the drug synthesis industries.

Molecular Data is already using digital tools including big data and neuron network to achieve the intelligent optimization of the industry supply chain. The selective use of Blockchain including Blockchain Oracle, decentralized oracle network will empower the scientific research progress of domestic pharmaceutical companies.

With the signing of the cooperation agreement, this will put hundreds of products such as boric acids, reagents and chiral compounds produced by Dalian Lianhua, on the Molecular Data e-commerce platform.

Lianhua and Molecular Data intends to jointly serve a wide range of pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology, agro-chemical and special chemical companies globally.

As the two parties work together, they can yield better intelligent digital systems and create one-stop e-commerce platforms to provide industry customers with higher quality Compounds and intermediates, This will not only help better new drug R&D, it will also improve industry R&D efficiency, and help companies improve their scientific research capabilities.

Dalian Lianhua Chemical Co., Ltd. was established in 2004. With hundreds of pharmaceutical chemicals developed and industrialized, their main products dominate the international market.

It is a professional manufacturer of organic boric acid products and chiral products, and an industry-recognized supplier of key raw materials for pharmaceuticals and new materials. The company focuses on technological innovation and the industrialization of core products and has independent intellectual property rights, and has applied for numerous national patents.

About Molecular Data Inc.

Molecular Data Inc. is a leading technology-driven platform in China’s chemical industry, connecting participants along the chemical value chain through integrated solutions. The Company delivers e-commerce solutions, financial solutions, warehousing and logistics solutions, and SaaS suite that are intended to solve pain points for participants in the traditional chemical industry. Built upon a comprehensive knowledge engine and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the Company’s e-commerce solutions are mainly offered through its online platform, consisting of molbase.com, molbase.cn, Moku Data WeChat account, Chemical Community APP and other ancillary platforms.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement 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 can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the chemical market; the Company’s ability to monetize the user base; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China; the potential impact of the COVID-19 to the Company’s business operations and the economy in China and elsewhere generally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

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SOURCE Molecular Data Inc.

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (NYSE American: SYN), a diversified clinical-stage company leveraging the microbiome to develop therapeutics designed to prevent and treat gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in areas of high unmet need, today announced that enrollment has commenced and six study participants were dosed in a Phase 1a single-ascending dose clinical trial of SYN-020 intestinal alkaline phosphatase (“IAP”).

SYN-020 is a recombinant bovine IAP formulated for oral delivery to the small intestine. The published literature indicates that IAP functions to diminish intestinal inflammation, tighten the gut barrier to diminish “leaky gut,” and promote a healthy microbiome. Despite its broad therapeutic potential, a key hurdle to commercialization has been the high cost of IAP manufacture. Synthetic Biologics has overcome this hurdle and has the ability to produce SYN-020 at a scale and cost viable for clinical and commercial development.

“We are excited about the initiation of this clinical study which is an important milestone in furthering the clinical development of SYN-020,” said Steven A. Shallcross, Chief Executive and Financial Officer. “We believe SYN-020 has enormous potential to help address a considerable unmet need for innovative new therapies targeting GI disorders stemming from immune and inflammatory responses, including celiac disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as age-related metabolic and inflammatory diseases. In the U.S. alone, prevalent cases of celiac disease are expected to increase to 4.3 million by 2023, representing a significant market opportunity for a highly differentiated product such as SYN-020. We look forward to announcing topline results from this study as well as commencing a multiple-ascending dose study of SYN-020 anticipated during the third quarter of 2021.”

The Phase 1a study, which is now underway at Spaulding Clinical Research, LLC of West Bend, WI, is designed to evaluate safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of four single-ascending doses of oral SYN-020 in healthy volunteers. In all, up to 24 healthy adult volunteers will be enrolled into four cohorts that will run sequentially, all of which will receive oral SYN-020. During the third quarter of 2021, a topline data readout is expected to be reported and a multiple-ascending dose study of SYN-020 is planned to begin.

About Synthetic Biologics, Inc.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (NYSE American: SYN) is a diversified clinical-stage company leveraging the microbiome to develop therapeutics designed to prevent and treat gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in areas of high unmet need. The Company’s lead candidates are: (1) SYN-004 (ribaxamase) which is designed to degrade certain commonly used intravenous (IV) beta-lactam antibiotics within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to prevent (a) microbiome damage, (b) Clostridioidesdifficile infection (CDI), (c) overgrowth of pathogenic organisms, (d) the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and (e) acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients, and (2) SYN-020, a recombinant oral formulation of the enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) produced under cGMP conditions and intended to treat both local GI and systemic diseases. For more information, please visit Synthetic Biologics’ website at www.syntheticbiologics.com.     

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions, and includes statements regarding the
SYN-020 Phase 1 trial supporting development of SYN-020 in multiple indications, SYN-202 having
the
potential to help address a considerable unmet need for innovative new therapies targeting GI disorders stemming from immune and inflammatory responses, including celiac disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as
 
age-related metabolic and inflammatory diseases, the expected increase in the number of cases of celiac disease in the U.S., announcing topline results from the SYN-020 study as well as commencing a multiple-ascending dose study of SYN-020 during the third quarter of 2021
 
and the intended benefits to be derived from SYN-004 and SYN-020
. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, Synthetic Biologics’ ability to develop SYN-010 in multiple indications, the ability to announce topline results
 from the SYN-020 study as well as commencing a multiple-ascending dose study of SYN-020 during the third quarter of 2021, the ability to
 continue to comply with continued listing requirements of the NYSE American, the ability of its product candidates to demonstrate safety and effectiveness, as well as results that are consistent with prior results, Synthetic Biologics’ clinical trials continuing and/or beginning enrollment as expected, a failure to receive the necessary regulatory approvals for commencement of clinical trials and commercialization of Synthetic Biologics’ therapeutics, including approval of proposed trial designs, a failure of Synthetic Biologics’ clinical trials, and those conducted by investigators, for SYN-004 and SYN-020 to be commenced or completed on time or to achieve desired results and benefits, a failure of Synthetic Biologics’ clinical trials to continue enrollment as expected or receive anticipated funding, a failure of Synthetic Biologics to successfully develop, market or sell its products, Synthetic Biologics’ inability to maintain its material licensing agreements, or a failure by Synthetic Biologics or its strategic partners to successfully commercialize products, Synthetic Biologics’ ability to achieve acceptance of its product candidates in the marketplace and the successful development, marketing or sale of Synthetic Biologics’ products by competitors that render Synthetic Biologics’ products obsolete or non-competitive, the continued maintenance and growth of Synthetic Biologics’ patent estate, Synthetic Biologics becoming and remaining profitable, Synthetic Biologics’ ability to obtain or maintain the capital or grants necessary to fund its research and development activities, a loss of any of Synthetic Biologics’ key scientists or management personnel and other factors described in Synthetic Biologics’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and its other filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and Synthetic Biologics undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

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SOURCE Synthetic Biologics, Inc.

• Final four holes from 2020 drilling for a total of 1,862 metres returned values up to 36.63 g/t Au over 1.0 metre
• Trillium drilled a total of 6,081 metres in 16 drill holes at Newman Todd in 2020, the first drilling on the property since 2013
• Holes tested the NE extension of the NT Zone corridor and the central area of the NT property
• Drilling continues with two drills operating on the Newman Todd / Rivard property
  

VANCOUVER, BC, April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Trillium Gold Mines Inc. (TSXV: TGM) (OTCQX: TGLDF) (FRA: 0702) (“Trillium” or the “Company”) reports the final results from the Company’s 2020 drill program at its flagship Newman Todd Property in Red Lake, Ontario. The Newman Todd Zone (NT Zone) is a 2.2 km long structural target situated 26 km from Evolution Mining’s Red Lake Operations.

Results from the final 4 drill holes of the 2020 drill campaign (NT20-176, NT20-178 to 180 totalling 1,862m) are now complete and compiled. The large backlog of samples at the lab has been rectified and overdue results from our 2021 drilling are now being received. This brings total drilling at Newman Todd in 2020 to 6,081m in 16 drill holes, the first drilling since 2013 on the property.

“Drilling at Newman Todd continues to deliver gold even as we step towards the northern boundary. These results have aided us significantly in our reinterpretation of the structures controlling mineralization within the NT Zone and have helped with the new modeling, which is directing our current drilling,” states Bill Paterson, Trillium Gold’s Vice President of Exploration.

Russell Starr, CEO of Trillium Gold comments, “The 2020 drilling can be considered a success in that it has returned significant high-grade gold results as well as validating our understanding of the NT Zone, and has laid the foundation for future drilling to target the structural and veining controls.  With the geological team possessing over 150 years of Red Lake exploration and development experience, combined with drilling targeting structural and veining controls of the high-grade mineralization, we are well on the way to delivering a much more robust exploration model that will positively impact the importance of the NT Zone as an open pit amenable deposit.”

Hole NT20-176 was designed to target the central area of the NT Zone, about 100m below the previous high-grade intersection in hole NT20-169 which returned 7.05m of 15.41 g/t gold including 4.30m of 23.88 g/t and 1.12m of 69.85 g/t gold. Hole NT20-176 intersected significant mineralization of 8.85 g/t Au over 1.0m from 287.5m. The hole also intersected five sections of sulphides, and magnetite ranging from 4m to 18m in core length, as well as narrow quartz veining with galena and pyrite in a section from 308.6-310.9m averaging 0.99 g/t Au over 1.8m.

Hole NT20-178 targeted the NT Zone corridor in the northeast area of the property, looking to expand on previously modeled mineralized sections in the 150-250m downhole interval, and extend mineralization in the 350-400m interval, while testing an iron formation unit in the toe portion of the hole. In the interval from 451-523.5m, the hole intersected sulfide mineralized iron formation breccia and NT Zone silica-carbonate breccia sections on the hanging wall margin of the NT Zone corridor.

This hole is expected to expand historical resources in the upper section of the hole, as the assay results received within the interval from 247–277.5m include 3 intervals with significant composite assay intervals, with a long composite assay of 1.18 g/t Au over 30.5m. In the lower portion of this hole, mineralization was intersected 50-70m below previous results, expanding this zone, with 12 intervals of significant assay composites received, including a long composite from 451-472m that intersected 1.56 g/t Au over 21.07m.

Hole NT20-179 targeted the NT Zone corridor in the northeast area of the property with the hole planned to intersect previously modeled mineralization from 150-250m and extend mineralization in the interval from 350-400m. The interval from 436.5-574.23m intersected sulfide-magnetite mineralization, on the hanging wall margin of the NT Zone corridor. Ten significant composite assay intervals were received in this hole.

Drill hole NT20-180 was designed to target the NT Zone corridor, again, along the northeast boundary of the property, and was planned to intersect previously modeled mineralization from 50-100m and extend mineralization in the lower portion of the hole and to infill a 100m wide gap in the drilling.

The hole flattened substantially early on, passing above the planned intersection areas. Drilling was continued to the hanging wall contact of the NT Zone, intersecting multiple 5-10m scale sections of weakly mineralized silica-carbonate breccia NT Zone units alternating with 2-15m sections of felsic tuffs.

New significant assay composite results are compiled in Table 1. For a complete listing of the previously released significant results from the 2020 drilling program, please refer to the press releases dated October 6, 2020, October 28, 2020 and January 12, 2021.

Table
1
:  Newman Todd significant assay composite results

Table
2
:  Table of all 2020 drillhole location details.

Prior drilling on the NT Zone from 2013 and earlier had mostly focused on testing the Zone by targeting the footwall with drilling toward the southeast, now known to be sub-parallel to gold mineralized veining and structures, potentially missing high-grade intersections or undercutting much of the targeted zone. Newman Todd is a highly prospective target with 41% of the 165 historic drill holes having intervals of greater than 20 g/t gold over various lengths. In addition, nearly all drilling has been conducted to depths of less than 400 metres.

The Red Lake Camp is famously known for high grade gold mineralization at depth, with Evolution Mining’s Red Lake Gold Mine currently reaching depths of several thousand feet. Trillium will continue to test various drill orientations in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the mineralization and structural controls and test the depth potential of the Newman Todd Zone. Figure 6 below shows the location of the Newman Todd Project as well as its relative location to the nearby past producing mines within the Red Lake Camp.

All drilling was supervised by Paul Barc, PGeo. The drilling was conducted by Rodren Drilling Ltd., of West St. Paul, Manitoba. Drill core was logged and sampled in a secure core facility on site. Core samples from the program were cut in half, using a diamond cutting saw, and half cores were sent for analysis to the SGS Laboratory in Red Lake, ON, an accredited mineral analysis laboratory. All samples were analysed for gold using standard Fire Assay-AA techniques. Samples returning over 10.0 g/t gold were analysed utilizing standard Fire Assay-Gravimetric methods. Duplicate assays of approximately 5% of the samples were also obtained from the coarse reject of the original sample. Selected samples with results greater than one ounce per ton gold were also analyzed with a standard 1 kg metallic screen fire assay.

Certified gold reference standards and blanks are routinely inserted into the sample stream, as part of Trillium Gold’s quality control/quality assurance program (QAQC) to monitor accuracy and precision. No QAQC issues were noted with the results reported herein. All drill intercepts reported are down-hole core lengths, which does not necessarily represent true widths.

The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by William Paterson QP, PGeo, VP of Exploration of Trillium Gold Mines., as defined by NI 43-101.

Visit our website at www.trilliumgold.com.  

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Trillium Gold Mines Inc.

“Russell Starr”

Russell Starr

President, CEO and Director

About Trillium Gold Mines Inc.
Trillium Gold Mines Inc. is a growth focused British Columbia based company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. The Company recently extended its holdings in the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts, as well as in highly prospective properties in Larder Lake, Ontario and the Matagami and Chibougamou areas of Quebec.

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

This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Trillium Gold Mines Inc.

Commitments include joining the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) and pursuing a net-zero target in financed emissions

TORONTO, April 1, 2021 /CNW/ – Scotiabank today released its 2020 Environment, Social and Governance Report, a comprehensive review of the Bank’s progress in delivering for every future. The report outlines Scotiabank’s ongoing commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable world by advancing the issues that matter most to customers, shareholders, employees, and communities.

Scotiabank’s approach to ESG focuses on four pillars – Environmental Action, Economic Resilience, Inclusive Society, and Leadership & Governance.

“Scotiabankers remain deeply committed to advancing environmental, social, and governmental issues, while continually delivering for our customers, shareholders, and fellow employees,” says Brian Porter, President and CEO of Scotiabank. “As a Leading Bank in the Americas, we play a vital, positive role in society by investing in communities across our footprint, addressing racial inequality, and mitigating the effects of climate change. We are very proud of the Bank’s many contributions to these critically important areas.”

Key ESG highlights from the report include:

Environment

• Mobilized over $28 billion of the $100 billion committed to reduce the impacts of climate change by 2025
• Served as bookrunner on more than $10 billion of green, social, sustainability and sustainability-linked bonds since 2014
• Achieved a 20% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions from 2016 levels
• Committed to secure 100% of electricity on a global basis from non-emitting sources by 2030; with an interim target of 100% for Canadian operations by 2025

Social

• Contributed nearly $85 million to communities through donations, community sponsorships, employee volunteering and other types of community investment
• Launched ScotiaRISE – a 10-year, $500 million initiative to promote economic resilience among disadvantaged groups
• Donated $16.6 million to support people and communities most at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, including $7.2 million in support of hospitals and healthcare professionals
• Launched renewed five-year Diversity and Inclusion Goals, with a focus on people who identify as Black, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, People with Disabilities and Women
• Signed the BlackNorth Initiative CEO pledge, which outlines seven goals for organizations aimed at helping to end anti-Black systemic racism and creating opportunities for all of those in the underrepresented Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC)

Governance

• For the third consecutive year, achieved top 1% in Corporate Governance among financial institutions globally according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and awarded a perfect score on Anti-Crime Policies
• Strengthened our commitment to responsible procurement and supplier diversity by joining the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council, and became an Aboriginal Procurement Champion for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
• Surpassed a 30% target of women on our Board of Directors with 42% of our nominated directors as women

Scotiabank continues to demonstrate our commitment to environmental action through our more recent climate-related initiatives and programs:

• 
  Launched Climate Change Centre of Excellence –
  Scotiabank recently established a Climate Change Centre of Excellence to mobilize internal and external collaboration and contribute to the global conversation on climate change. The online hub brings together thought leadership, partnerships and collaborations and helps move the dial on climate change discourse.
• 
  Joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) –
  Scotiabank has pledged to track and report financed emissions by joining the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) to support the collaborative development of leading methodologies.
• 
  Committed to pursuing Net Zero targets and Pathways –
  Scotiabank has committed to establishing bank-wide, quantitative, time-bound targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with our underwriting and lending activities. Such plans include a quantitative analysis of the greenhouse gas intensity of the bank’s loan book and underwriting activities to establish a baseline, research on pathways to net zero, development of options for quantitative targets for reducing emissions, and creation of a report outlining greenhouse gas emission reduction plans, targets and timelines. Once such targets and plans are established, the Bank will announce by when and how it will achieve net zero and will report regularly on its progress.

For more information about Scotiabank’s approach to addressing ESG please visit www.scotiabank.com/sustainability.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a Leading Bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: “for every future”, we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of approximately 90,000 employees and assets of approximately $1.2 trillion (as of January 31, 2021), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

SOURCE Scotiabank

TORONTO, April 1, 2021 /CNW/ – Argonaut Gold Inc. (TSX: AR) (the “Company”, “Argonaut Gold” or “Argonaut”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lowe J. Billingsley in the role of Senior Vice President, Operations effective April 12, 2021. 

Mr. Billingsley has 32 years of industry experience spanning executive leadership, multi-cultural engagement, operations, project management and technical expertise.  He was previously the Mine Manager of the Stillwater East Mining Complex for Sibanye-Stillwater. Prior to, Mr. Billingsley spent 27 years with AngloGold Ashanti in various roles increasing in responsibility, seniority and leadership with the most recent being Senior Vice President, Americas.  In this role with AngloGold Ashanti, Mr. Billingsley was responsible for managing the Americas Region, comprising four operations in Brazil and Argentina with annual production of 850,000 gold ounces and a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees and 4,000 contractors.  Mr. Billingsley holds a B.A. in Geology from The Colorado College, in Colorado Springs.  

Pete Dougherty, President and CEO stated: “We are excited to welcome Lowe to the Argonaut senior management team and look forward to leveraging his experience in managing a multi-asset operations portfolio.  Lowe is an accomplished international mining professional with a demonstrated track record of vision, leadership, engagement, sound judgement and execution.  His wealth of experience will be a tremendous asset to the Company.”

Ana Paula Sale Update

The previously announced definitive agreement to sell its Ana Paula project (see press releases dated September 11, 2020 and January 4, 2021) expired on March 31, 2021.  The acquiring company did not fulfill its obligations in relation to financing and receipt of certain regulatory and other approvals.

Pete Dougherty, commented: “Our current growth strategy is focused around the Magino project and secondarily around the Cerro del Gallo project.  We felt we had entered into a win-win agreement on the sale of Ana Paula whereby we could bring some value forward and also maintain upside to the project through an equity ownership and royalty.  Unfortunately, the acquiring company was not able to fulfill its obligations and after extending the agreement once already, we feel we are better off pursuing other options for Ana Paula at this time.  We believe Ana Paula has the ability to be a foundational asset in time and are excited about having exposure to the project.  We expect to be in a position to publish an update pre-feasibility study for the Ana Paula project during the second quarter of 2021, which we feel will demonstrate a relatively low capital cost, low operating cost, high-grade open pit project with future underground potential.”

About Argonaut Gold

Argonaut Gold is a Canadian gold company engaged in exploration, mine development and production.  Its primary assets are the El Castillo mine and San Agustin mine, which together form the El Castillo Complex in Durango, Mexico, the La Colorada mine in Sonora, Mexico and the Florida Canyon mine in Nevada, USA.  The Company also holds the construction stage Magino project, the advanced exploration stage Cerro del Gallo project and several other exploration stage projects, all of which are located in North America. 

For more information, contact:

Argonaut Gold Inc.

Dan Symons

Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
Phone:  416-915-3107
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Argonaut Gold Inc.

Ace Valley’s strong consumer loyalty and focus on “Ready to Enjoy” products further strengthens Canopy Growth’s leading house of brands

SMITHS FALLS, ON, April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX: WEED) (NASDAQ: CGC) is proud to announce that it has completed the acquisition of AV Cannabis Inc. (“Ace Valley”) – one of Ontario’s leading cannabis brands. With a strong focus on ready-to-enjoy (“RTE”) products and a loyal following of millennial and Gen-Z consumers, the acquisition will strengthen Canopy’s industry leading house of brands.

Through this acquisition, Canopy Growth will acquire 100 percent of Ace Valley with the intention of leveraging the Company’s best-in-class national sales, marketing and distribution capabilities to expand the product portfolio and scale the brand across Canada.

“The team at Ace Valley has built a premium cannabis brand, with an impressive consumer following and we’re excited to deploy the full distribution power of Canopy Growth to expand the brand to consumers across Canada,” said Rade Kovacevic, President & Chief Product Officer of Canopy Growth. “Ace Valley’s complementary consumer positioning fits perfectly into Canopy Growth’s strategy of building authentic brands that truly resonate with consumers.”

“This is a Canadian success story and proof of the enduring value of authentic, thoughtfully crafted brands and we’re proud to have built a strong and loyal consumer following behind Ace Valley,” said Mike Wagman and Jesse Dallal, Founders of Ace Valley. “Having collaborated with Canopy Growth through the early success of the brand, we’re confident that the integrity of Ace Valley will endure as the talented team at Canopy Growth takes it to the next level.”

Ace Valley holds top 5 and top 10 market positions in Ontario across its range of SKUs¹ and complements Canopy Growth’s existing portfolio of premium vapes, pre-roll joints, and gummies. Ace Valley has carved out a leading position and a particularly strong following among millennial and Gen-Z consumers. This success to date is a perfect example of the continued value of consumer-focused brands, confirming that many cannabis consumers are looking for premium, RTE products from brands they connect with.

Canopy Growth expects to unlock revenue growth opportunities and cost synergies as the Ace Valley brand is extended, leveraging Canopy Growth’s distribution network, and by optimizing the mix of insourced and outsourced production to maximize margin.

About Canopy Growth Corporation

Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED,NASDAQ:CGC) is a world-leadinWebsite – canopygrowth.comg diversified cannabis and cannabinoid-based consumer product company, driven by a passion to improve lives, end prohibition, and strengthen communities by unleashing the full potential of cannabis. Leveraging consumer insights and innovation, we offer product varieties in high quality dried flower, oil, softgel capsule, infused beverage, edible, and topical formats, as well as vaporizer devices by Canopy Growth and industry-leader Storz & Bickel. Our global medical brand, Spectrum Therapeutics, sells a range of full-spectrum products using its colour-coded classification system and is a market leader in both Canada and Germany. Through our award-winning Tweed and Tokyo Smoke banners, we reach our adult-use consumers and have built a loyal following by focusing on top quality products and meaningful customer relationships. Canopy Growth has entered into the health and wellness consumer space in key markets including Canada, the United States, and Europe through BioSteel sports nutrition, and This Works skin and sleep solutions; and has introduced additional federally-permissible CBD products to the United States through our First & Free and Martha Stewart CBD brands. Canopy Growth has an established partnership with Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com.

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements predict or describe our future operations, business plans, business and investment strategies and the performance of our investments. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by their use

of such terms and phrases as “intend,” “goal,” “strategy,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “projections,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “proposed,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “likely,” “designed to,” “foreseeable future,” “believe,” “scheduled” and other similar expressions. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Forward–looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, financial results, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward–looking statements and the forward–looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. A discussion of some of the material factors applicable to Canopy Growth can be found under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Canopy Growth’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with applicable Canadian securities regulators, as such factors may be further updated from time to time in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with applicable Canadian securities regulators, which can be accessed at www.sec.gov/edgar and www.sedar.com, respectively. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in the filings. Any forward–looking statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, Canopy Growth disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward– looking statement. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward–looking statement. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Leap Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:LPTX), a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted and immuno-oncology therapeutics, today announced the completion of enrollment for the first-line patient cohort in the DisTinGuish study, a clinical trial evaluating Leap’s anti-Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) antibody, DKN-01, in combination with tislelizumab, BeiGene Ltd.’s anti-PD-1 antibody, with or without chemotherapy, in patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (G/GEJ).

“The completion of enrollment for the first-line patients in the DisTinGuish study is an important milestone for the DKN-01 and tislelizumab combination development program,” said Cynthia Sirard, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Leap Therapeutics. “In collaboration with our partner, BeiGene, we are committed to realizing the potential of DKN-01 as part of a new combination therapy with tislelizumab aimed at treating gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer patients, where a high global unmet medical need remains.”

The DisTinGuish trial (NCT04363801) is a Phase 2a, nonrandomized, open-label, multicenter study of DKN-01 in combination with tislelizumab with or without chemotherapy as first-line or second-line therapy in adult patients with inoperable, locally advanced G/GEJ adenocarcinoma. The study, which will be conducted in two parts in the United States and the Republic of Korea, includes up to 24 patients with first-line G/GEJ cancer and up to 48 patients with second-line G/GEJ cancer whose tumors express high levels of DKK1. Initial data is expected in the second half of 2021. Leap is conducting this combination study as part of an exclusive option and license agreement with BeiGene for the development of DKN-01 in Asia (excluding Japan), Australia, and New Zealand. Leap retains exclusive rights for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of DKN-01 for the rest of the world.

About gastric / gastroesophageal junction cancer
Gastric adenocarcinoma (gastric cancer) remains one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, especially among older malesⁱ. Based on GLOBOCAN 2018 data, stomach cancer is the 5th most common neoplasm and the 3rd most deadly cancer, with an estimated 783,000 deaths globally in 2018ⁱ. Ninety-five percent of cancers of the stomach are adenocarcinomasⁱ. Gastric cancer incidence and mortality are highly variable by region and highly dependent on diet and Helicobacter pylori infectionⁱ. The gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is the area where the esophagus and stomach join together. Given its anatomic location, GEJ adenocarcinomas have often been grouped together with either esophageal or gastric cancers in clinical trials.

About DKN-01
DKN-01 is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks the activity of the Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) protein. DKK1 modulates the Wnt/Beta-catenin and PI3kinase/AKT signaling pathways, which have an important role in tumor cell signaling and in mediating an immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment through enhancing the activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and downregulating NK cell ligands on tumor cells. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted DKN-01 Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer and Fast Track Designation in combination with tislelizumab for the treatment of patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma whose tumors express high DKK1 protein, following disease progression on or after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy and if appropriate, human epidermal receptor growth factor (HER2)/neu-targeted therapy.

About Leap Therapeutics
Leap Therapeutics (Nasdaq:LPTX) is focused on developing targeted and immuno-oncology therapeutics. Leap’s most advanced clinical candidate, DKN-01, is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) protein. DKN-01 is in clinical trials in patients with esophagogastric, hepatobiliary, gynecologic, and prostate cancers. Leap has entered into a strategic partnership with BeiGene, Ltd. for the rights to develop DKN-01 in Asia (excluding Japan), Australia, and New Zealand. For more information about Leap Therapeutics, visit http://www.leaptx.com or view our public filings with the SEC that are available via EDGAR at http://www.sec.gov or via https://investors.leaptx.com/.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS FOR LEAP THERAPEUTICS
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include Leap’s expectations with respect to the development and advancement of DKN-01, including the initiation, timing and design of future studies, enrollment in future studies, potential for the receipt of future option exercise, milestone, or royalty payments from BeiGene, and other future expectations, plans and prospects. Although Leap believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: that the initiation, conduct, and completion of clinical trials, laboratory operations, manufacturing campaigns, and other studies may be delayed, adversely affected, or impacted by COVID-19 related issues; the accuracy of our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and needs for financing; the outcome, cost, and timing of our product development activities and clinical trials; the uncertain clinical development process, including the risk that clinical trials may not have an effective design or generate positive results; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our drug product candidates; the size and growth potential of the markets for our drug product candidates; our ability to continue obtaining and maintaining intellectual property protection for our drug product candidates; and other risks. Detailed information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially will be included in Leap Therapeutics’ periodic filings with the SEC, including Leap’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2021 and as may be updated by Leap’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the other reports Leap files from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement contained in this release speaks only as of its date. Leap undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after its date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

CONTACT:

Douglas E. Onsi

President & Chief Executive Officer
Leap Therapeutics, Inc.
617-714-0360
[email protected]

Heather Savelle

Investor Relations
Argot Partners
212-600-1902
[email protected]

ⁱ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6444111/

 

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SOURCE Leap Therapeutics, Inc.

KELOWNA, BC, April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – The Valens Company Inc. (TSX: VLNS) (OTCQX: VLNCF) (the “Company,” “The Valens Company” or “Valens”), a leading manufacturer of cannabis products, is pleased to announce it will issue its first quarter 2021 financial results for the period ended February 28, 2021, on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, after markets close.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

The Company will host a conference call the following day, Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 11:00 am Eastern Time / 8:00 am Pacific Time to discuss the financial results and business outlook.

Participant Dial-In Numbers:

Toll-Free: 1-877-407-0792
Toll / International: 1-201-689-8263
*Participants should request The Valens Company Earnings Call or provide confirmation code 13717926.

The call will be available via webcast on the Valens investor page of the Company website at https://thevalenscompany.com/investors/ or at this link. Please visit the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the call will be available on the Valens investor page approximately two hours after the conference call has ended.

Tyler Robson, Chief Executive Officer, Chris Buysen, Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Fallows, President, and Everett Knight, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Capital Markets, will be conducting a question-and-answer session following the prepared remarks.

A
b
out The Valens Company

The Valens Company is a leading manufacturer of cannabis products with a mission to bring the benefits of cannabis to the world. The Company provides proprietary cannabis processing services across five core technologies, in addition to best-in-class product development, formulation and manufacturing of cannabis consumer packaged goods. The Valens Company’s high-quality products are exclusively formulated for the medical, therapeutic, health and wellness, and recreational consumer segments, and are offered across numerous product formats, including oils, vapes, concentrates, edibles and topicals, as well as pre-rolls, with a focus on next-generation product development and innovation. Its breakthrough patented emulsification technology, SōRSE™ by Valens, converts cannabis oil into water-soluble emulsions for seamless integration into a variety of product formats, allowing for near-perfect dosing, stability, and taste. In partnership with brand houses, consumer packaged goods companies and licensed cannabis producers around the globe, the Company continues to grow its diverse product portfolio in alignment with evolving cannabis consumer preferences in key markets. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Valens Labs Ltd., the Company is setting the standard in cannabis testing and research and development with Canada’s only ISO17025 accredited analytical services lab, named The Centre of Excellence in Plant-Based Science by partner and scientific world leader Thermo Fisher Scientific. Discover more on The Valens Company and its subsidiaries at http://www.thevalenscompany.com.

Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements

All information included in this press release, including any information as to the future financial or operating performance and other statements of The Valens Company that express management’s expectations or estimates of future performance, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are included for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Wherever possible, words such as “plans”, “expects”, “scheduled”, “trends”, “indications”, “potential”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “anticipate”, “to establish”, “believe”, “intend”, “ability to”, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will”, or are “likely” to be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of these words or other variations thereof, have been used to identify such forward-looking information. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all disclosure regarding future results of operations, economic conditions and anticipated courses of action.

The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others, regulatory risk, United States border crossing and travel bans, reliance on licenses, expansion of facilities, competition, dependence on supply of cannabis and reliance on other key inputs, dependence on senior management and key personnel, general business risk and liability, regulation of the cannabis industry, change in laws, regulations and guidelines, compliance with laws, reliance on a single facility, limited operating history, vulnerability to rising energy costs, unfavourable publicity or consumer perception, product liability, risks related to intellectual property, product recalls, difficulties with forecasts, management of growth and litigation, many of which are beyond the control of The Valens Company. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risks faced by The Valens Company, and which may cause the actual financial results, performance or achievements of The Valens Company to be materially different from estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, please refer to The Valens Company’s latest Annual Information Form filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com or on The Valens Company’s website at www.thevalenscompany.com. The risks described in such Annual Information Form are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Although the forward-looking statements contained herein reflect management’s current beliefs and reasonable assumptions based upon information available to management as of the date hereof, The Valens Company cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. The Valens Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Valens Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Nothing herein should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell securities of The Valens Company.

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SOURCE The Valens Company Inc.