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• Expected to enhance Verano’s retail footprint in Pennsylvania, adding three coveted locations in key Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
• Expected to increase Verano’s access to Pennsylvania’s growing population of nearly 400,000 registered medical marijuana patients.
• Will further strengthen Verano’s experienced leadership with an engaged and aligned local management team.

CHICAGO, March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (“Verano” or the “Company”), a leading multi-state cannabis company, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of The Healing Center, LLC, adding three highly productive, award-winning dispensaries in the Pittsburgh-metro area. On closing, the acquisition will enhance Verano’s presence in Pennsylvania and will further the Company’s position as a U.S. market leader. Closing on the foregoing transaction is subject to customary conditions, contingencies, and approvals, including regulatory approval.

“After going public last month, Pennsylvania quickly became a priority for targeted expansion, as it will be integral to our future growth plan,” said George Archos, Co-Founder and CEO of Verano. “Upon completion of this deal, pending all required approvals, we will measurably increase our retail footprint, with the addition of three award-winning dispensaries, in a rapidly growing medical market that has signaled it could potentially transition to adult-use. We are fortunate to add a very talented and dedicated local management team as well. They will play a pivotal role in our success in Pennsylvania.”

Transaction Highlights

Verano has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of The Healing Center, LLC, a premier medical cannabis dispensary group in Western Pennsylvania, for a total of US$110,300,000, which is expected to be satisfied by the payment of US$55,150,000 in cash and US$55,150,000 in a combination of Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B proportionate voting shares of Verano. Of the cash amount, 50% is payable at closing and the remaining 50% is payable 60 days after closing. The Healing Center, LLC operates three medical marijuana dispensaries in Cranberry Township, Washington and Monroeville. The Healing Center’s management team will remain with the Company. 

“We are very excited about the future with Verano, a true operator in the cannabis industry who is not only focused on fiscal responsibility but culture as well,” said Jay Richards, Co-Founder and President of The Healing Center, LLC. “These were key factors in our decision for the sustained viability of what we have built and most importantly, for our employees’ long-term success and mobility.” 

About Verano

Verano Holdings Corp. is a leading, vertically-integrated, multi-state cannabis operator in the U.S., devoted to the ongoing improvement of communal wellness by providing responsible access to regulated cannabis products. With a mission to address vital health and wellness needs, Verano produces a comprehensive suite of premium, innovative cannabis products sold under its trusted portfolio of consumer brands: Verano, Avexia, Encore, and MÜV^™. The Company’s portfolio encompasses 14 U.S. states, with active operations in 11 states, which includes eight production facilities comprising approximately 750,000 square feet of cultivation. Verano designs, builds, and operates dispensaries under the retail brands Zen Leaf^™ and MÜV^™, delivering a superior cannabis shopping experience in both medical and adult-use markets. Learn more at www.verano.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “will continue”, “will occur” or “will be achieved”. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, information concerning the ability of the Company to successfully close the transaction herein (including satisfying all conditions to closing and obtaining all approvals required pursuant to the definitive agreement, including regulatory approval) and achieve its business objectives and growth plans going forward.

Although Verano has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals and satisfaction of conditions to closing; investing in target companies or projects which are engaged in activities currently considered illegal under U.S. federal laws; change in laws; limited operating history as a public company; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing in connection with Verano’s growth plans; the availability of employees; market acceptance of and demand for the Company’s products; the impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations; competition; and regulatory or political change.

Although Verano believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward- looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except as may be required in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice regarding forward-looking information and statements.

***

Contacts:

Investors

Verano Holdings Corp.
Aaron Miles
Head of Investor Relations
[email protected]

Media

Verano Holdings Corp.
David Spreckman
Sr. Director, Corporate Communications & Retail Marketing
[email protected]

Financial Profiles

Verano Holdings Corp.
Debbie Douglas
Senior Vice President
[email protected]
949-375-3436

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rockridge Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: ROCK) (OTCQB: RRRLF) (Frankfurt: RR0) (“Rockridge” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has expanded the current diamond drilling program at its Knife Lake Copper Project located in Saskatchewan, Canada (the “Knife Lake Project” or “Property”). The 1,600 metre program (6 to 8 drill holes) has been expanded to 2,100 metres (10-12 drill holes) given the initial visual indications of mineralization seen in the first few drill holes. The Company is fully funded and permitted for the expanded program. The Knife Lake Project, consisting of 49 claims totaling 32,663 hectares (80,712 acres), is an advanced-stage copper, silver, zinc and cobalt exploration property in Saskatchewan.

Knife Lake VMS Project Location Map:

https://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/images/Knife-Lake-regional-overview-2021.jpg

The first eight holes of the program have been completed at the Gilbert Lake North and South target areas which are approx. 5 to 6 km to the west of the Knife Lake deposit. These targets were previously undrilled and drilling has intersected visual indications of VMS-style mineralization, including semi-massive to massive sulphides hosted in intermediate-mafic volcanic rocks and pegmatites. Early interpretations indicate it is the same stratigraphic horizon as the Knife Lake deposit. Based on encouraging observations in the initial holes, the program has been expanded and the focus of drilling will remain at Gilbert Lake with minor infill drilling planned in the immediate area of the 2019 maiden resource. Assay results for all holes are pending.

Knife Lake Winter Drill Collar Locations:

https://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/images/DDH-Expand-NR_20210329.jpg

Highlights

• Expanded drill program from 1,600 metres (6 to 8 drill holes) to 2,100 metres (10 to 12 drill holes) in the fully funded program
• Drilling will focus on discovering VMS style copper deposits along newly defined conductors as well as at the Knife Lake VMS deposit
• Gilbert Lake North and South targets, where very little historical exploration has been carried out, have begun to be tested with encouraging mineralization intersected in the first few holes
• Infill drilling is also planned in the immediate area of the 2019 maiden resource at the deposit
• Rockridge completed first work program in the last ~20 years in 2019, with highlight results including 2.03% Cu, 9.88 g/t Ag, 0.19 g/t Au, 0.36% Zn, and 0.01% Co (2.42% CuEq) over 37.6m beginning at 11.2m in hole KF19003
• Deposit is thought to be a remobilized portion of a “primary” VMS deposit; most of the historical work has consisted of shallow drilling at the deposit area with little regional work carried out and limited deeper drilling below the deposit
• Over 300 holes provided data for first NI 43-101 resource estimate of the shallow Knife Lake deposit
• Knife Lake NI 43-101 resource estimate provides excellent anchor for Project: Ind. resources: 3.8 MT at 1.02% Cu Eq. Or 3.8 MT at 0.83% Cu, 3.7 g/t Ag, 0.097 g/t Au, 82 ppm Co,1740.7 ppm Zn. Inf. resources: 7.9 MT at 0.67% Cu Eq. Or 7.9 MT at 0.53% Cu, 2.4 g/t Ag, 0.084 g/t Au, 53.1 ppm Co, 1454.9 ppm Zn.
• There is strong discovery potential in and around the deposit as well as at regional targets on the Property; modern exploration techniques and methods are being utilized with a goal of making new discoveries

Knife Lake Project Airborne Geophysical Results:

http://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/images/Airborne-EM-results-03-10-2021.jpg

Jonathan Wiesblatt, CEO of Rockridge Resources, commented: “The extended drilling program at Knife Lake is a clear indication that our exploration program is not only proceeding as planned but is exceeding our expectations that mineralization beyond the known deposit area exists. Early results from the program at Gilbert Lake North and South Zones are proving that the airborne geophysical survey results have identified prospective targets in regional locations beyond the Knife Lake deposit. Our hypothesis that Knife Lake represents a ‘classic-style remobilized VMS deposit is playing out and the extension to our current drilling campaign will allow us to better understand and analyze these high-potential target areas. The Company’s recent financing has provided us with the financial flexibility to expand the exploration activities at Knife Lake. The copper market remains tight with demand continuing to increase resulting in prices approaching their all-time highs.”

Knife Lake Geology and History: 

The Knife Lake Project is interpreted to be a remobilized VMS deposit. The stratabound mineralized zone is approximately 15m thick and contains copper, silver, zinc, gold and cobalt mineralization which dips 30° to 50° eastward over a known strike-length within Rockridge’s claim area of 3,700 metres, and a known average down-dip extension of approximately 300 metres.

Knife Lake Deposit Map:

https://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/projects/KnifeLake-Fig2.jpg

The deposit is hosted by felsic to intermediate volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks which have been metamorphosed to upper amphibolite facies. The deposit contains VMS mineralogy which has been significantly modified and partially remobilized during the emplacement of granitic rocks. The mineralization straddles the boundary between two rock units and occurs on both limbs of an interpreted overturned fold.

The Company completed twelve holes consisting of 1,053 metres of diamond drilling in the 2019 winter drilling program. This represented the first drilling on the property since 2001 and had two primary objectives: confirm the tenor of mineralization reported by previous operators and expand known zones of mineralization. Highlights from the drill program included previously reported hole KF19003 which intersected net-textured to semi-massive sulphide mineralization from 11.2m to 48.8m downhole. This 37.6 metre interval returned 2.03% Cu, 0.19 g/t Au, 9.88 g/t Ag, 0.36% Zn, and 0.01% Co for an estimated 2.42% CuEq. Additionally, previously reported drill hole KF19001 intersected net-textured to fracture-controlled sulphide mineralization from 7.5 metres to 40.6 metres downhole. This 33.1 metre interval returned 1.28% Cu, 0.12 g/t Au, 4.80 g/t Ag, 0.13% Zn, and 0.01% Co for an estimated 1.49% CuEq.

Compilation and initial modelling indicate potential for expansion of the deposit at depth. The recent drilling focused on resource upgrade as well as infill drilling between historical holes. The program gave the Company’s technical team valuable insights into the property geology, alteration, and mineralization that will be applied to future regional exploration on the highly prospective and underexplored land package.  

Knife Lake Priority Target Areas:

https://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/images/Knife-Lake-Airborne-EM-Feb2021.jpg  

The Knife Lake deposit is a near surface VMS deposit starting a few metres below surface and the deposit remains open at depth and along strike for potential resource expansion. Recently Rockridge announced a maiden NI 43-101 resource estimate for the Knife Lake deposit (see the News Release dated August 14^th, 2019) which consisted of an indicated resource of 3.8 million tonnes at 1.02% CuEq at a 0.4% CuEq cut-off (3.8 MT at 0.83% Cu, 3.7 g/t Ag, 0.097 g/t Au, 82 ppm Co, 1740.7 ppm Zn). In addition, there is an inferred resource of 7.9 million tonnes at 0.67% CuEq at a 0.4% CuEq cut-off (7.9 MT at 0.53% Cu, 2.4 g/t Ag, 0.084 g/t Au, 53.1 ppm Co, 1454.9 ppm Zn). Refer to the NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate for the Knife Lake Property, Saskatchewan dated September 27, 2019 filed on Sedar.

Qualified Persons:

Kerry Bates, P. Geo., a “qualified person” for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and a Geologist employed by TerraLogic Exploration Inc., has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release relating the Knife Lake Project

About Rockridge Resources Ltd.

Rockridge Resources is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada and other mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Company’s Knife Lake Project is in Saskatchewan, which is ranked as one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world by the Fraser Institute. The project hosts the Knife Lake deposit, which is a VMS, near-surface copper-cobalt-gold-silver-zinc deposit open along strike and at depth. The Company’s Raney Gold Project is a high-grade gold exploration project located in the same greenstone belt that hosts the world-class Timmins and Kirkland Lake lode gold mining camps. Rockridge’s goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favorable jurisdictions.

Additional information about Rockridge Resources and its project portfolio can be found on the Company’s website at www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com.

Rockridge Resources Ltd.

“Jonathan Wiesblatt”
                                                           
                                        
Jonathan Wiesblatt
CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Jordan Trimble, President or
Spencer Coulter, Corporate Communications

Rockridge Resources Ltd.
Telephone: 604-687-3376
Toll Free: 800-567-8181
Facsimile: 604-687-3119
Email: [email protected]

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Forward Looking Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “expects” and similar expressions. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.

NEWMARKET, Ontario, March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AirBoss of America Corp. (TSX: BOS) (the “Company” or “AirBoss”) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary AirBoss Defense Group (“ADG”), the global leader in survivability for the assured mobility, healthcare and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (“CBRNE”) communities, has been awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at up to US$15.1 million by the U.S. Department of Defense (“DOD”) for the manufacture and sale of up to 56,700 pairs of Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots (“ECVBB”), commonly referred to as “bunny boots”. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support will administer this three-year contact and deliveries are expected to begin immediately.

In addition to the ECVBB contract, AirBoss also announced that it has recently received a US$7.9M order from the DOD for its Molded AirBoss Lightweight Overboots (“MALOs”) as part of an IDIQ contract for MALOs previously announced in September 2019. This follow-on order reaches the maximum value of the original base contract for up to 600,000 pairs of MALO boots at an aggregate amount of US$26.7M.

“We’re extremely pleased to remain the trusted supplier of protective footwear for U.S. servicemembers around the world, a recognition of our longstanding capability to provide specialized survivability solutions that outperform in the most challenging environments,” said Chris Bitsakakis, President and COO of AirBoss. “For decades, the U.S. government has selected our solutions, from respiratory protection to protective wearables, to protect warfighters, frontline healthcare workers, first responders and security personnel.”

The new ECVBB contract and MALO purchase order are included in the Company’s outlook for 2021 and build upon ADG’s successful history of providing protective and survivability solutions to the U.S. federal government. AirBoss and its predecessor companies have been providing critical protection to soldiers since the second world war.

The ECVBB is a legacy boot used by the United States Armed Forces. These robust, waterproof rubber boots are rated to perform in the coldest of weather conditions (-20 to -65 degrees Fahrenheit), with a liner-free interior retaining warmth by layering up to one inch of wool and felt insulation between two vacuum-tight layers of rubber. The ECVBB was originally designed at the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Center in Natick, MA during the Korean War for military expeditions in extreme cold weather environments. The proven warmth and durability of the ADG ECVBB has made these boots the extreme cold weather footwear of choice for the DOD.

The MALO was originally designed and developed to provide superior physical properties and protection compared to CBRNE overboots then in service. It is made with an injection-molded specialty polymer, an easy to decontaminate material that offers superior protection against CBRNE threats, and integrates with currently fielded CBRNE Suits. The MALO has been broadly adopted worldwide and is used by more than 40 countries.

About AirBoss

AirBoss of America is a leading and diversified developer, manufacturer and provider of innovative survivability solutions, advanced custom rubber compounds and finished rubber products that are designed to outperform in the most challenging environments. Founded in 1989, the company operates through three divisions. AirBoss Defense Group is a global leader in personal and respiratory protective equipment and technology for the defense, healthcare, medical and first responder communities. AirBoss Rubber Solutions is a top-tier North American custom rubber compounder with 500 million turn pounds of annual capacity. AirBoss Engineered Products is a supplier of innovative anti-vibration solutions to the North American automotive market and other sectors. The Company’s shares trade on the TSX under the symbol BOS. Visit www.airboss.com for more information.

Investor Contact: Chris Bitsakakis, President, Gren Schoch, Chairman and CEO at 905-751-1188

Media Contact: [email protected]

AIRBOSS FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION DISCLAIMER.

Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference herein, including those that express management’s expectations or estimates of future developments or AirBoss’ future performance, constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, and can generally be identified by words such as “will”, “may”, “could” “expects”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “forecasts”, “plans”, “intends” or similar expressions. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events and performance.

Statements containing forward-looking information are necessarily based upon a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time the statements are made, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. AirBoss cautions that such forward-looking information involves known and unknown contingencies, uncertainties and other risks that may cause AirBoss’ actual financial results, performance or achievements to be materially different from its estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information, including without limitation: impact of general economic conditions notably including its impact on demand for rubber solutions and products; dependence on key customers; global defense budgets, notably in the Company’s target markets, and success of the Company in obtaining new or extended defense contracts; cyclical trends in the tire and automotive, construction, mining and retail industries; sufficient availability of raw materials at economical costs; weather conditions affecting raw materials, production and sales; AirBoss’ ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers in light of increased competition; AirBoss’ ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; changes in accounting policies and methods, including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates; changes in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; changes in tax laws and potential litigation; ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms; environmental damage and non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations; impact of global health situations; potential product liability and warranty claims and equipment malfunction. COVID-19 could also negatively impact the Company’s operations and financial results in future periods. There is increased uncertainty associated with future operating assumptions and expectations as compared to prior periods. As such, it is not possible to estimate the impacts COVID-19 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in future periods. While the direct impacts of COVID-19 are not determinable at this time, the Company has a credit facility as at December 31, 2020 that can provide financing up to US$60,000,000. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of AirBoss’ forward-looking information. All of the forward-looking information in this press release is expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information.

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information attributable to AirBoss or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, AirBoss disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly this forward-looking information except as required by applicable laws. Risks and uncertainties about AirBoss’ business are more fully discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Information Form and are otherwise disclosed in our filings with securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28478bb4-2a20-4b05-8361-259863349e1d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e004db93-9bf9-4687-a147-4c3d02875b0d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/938586bc-7635-438a-af65-2203f7c9ba26

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSX: MBX, OTCQB: MBXBF)( “Microbix®” or the Company”), a life sciences innovator and exporter, announces the voting results from the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the “Meeting”) which was held on March 30, 2021.

At the Meeting, 43.29% of the issued and outstanding shares were represented. Shareholders voted in favour of all resolutions brought before the Meeting. Details of all resolutions that were voted upon are set out in the Management Information Circular (the “Circular”) dated February 12, 2021. The Circular is available on the Company’s website (www.microbix.com) and on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

All of the board of directors nominees listed in the Circular were re-elected as directors of Microbix. Results of the vote were as follows:

Shareholders also approved the following three additional resolutions at the Meeting, namely:

1. Re-appointing the Company’s auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, with 99.98% of the votes cast in favour.
2. Re-approval of the Company’s Stock Option Plan, with 91.77% of the votes cast in favour.
3. An amendment to warrants purchased by insiders of the Company in 2017 to provide the same term extension granted to non-insider holders of that series of warrants, with 85.74% of the disinterested votes cast in favour.

The slides of management’s presentation at the Meeting have been posted at www.microbix.com

About Microbix Biosystems

Microbix develops proprietary biological technology solutions for human health and well-being, with about 90 skilled employees and sales growing from a base of over $1 million per month. It makes a wide range of critical biological materials for the global diagnostics industry, notably antigens for immunoassays and its laboratory quality assessment products (QAPs™) that support clinical lab proficiency testing, enable assay development and validation, or help ensure the quality of clinical diagnostic workflows. Microbix antigens enable the antibody tests of over 100 international diagnostics companies, while its QAPs are sold to clinical laboratory accreditation organizations, diagnostics companies, and clinical laboratories. Microbix QAPs are now available in over 30 countries, distributed by 1WA (Oneworld Accuracy Inc.), Alpha-Tec Systems, Inc., Diagnostic International Distribution SpA., Labquality Oy, The Medical Supply Company of Ireland, R-Biopharm AG, and Seegene Canada Inc. Microbix is ISO 9001 and 13485 accredited, U.S. FDA registered, Australian TGA registered, Health Canada establishment licensed, and provides CE marked products.

Microbix also applies its biological expertise and infrastructure to develop other proprietary products and technologies, most notably viral transport medium (DxTM™) to stabilize patient samples for lab-based molecular diagnostic testing and Kinlytic® urokinase, a biologic thrombolytic drug used to treat blood clots. Microbix is traded on the TSX and OTCQB, and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release or the referenced management presentation may include “forward-looking information,” as such term is defined in applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, all discussion regarding Microbix products, Microbix’s business and business results, goals or outlook, risks associated with financial results and stability, development projects such as those referenced in its corporate presentations, regulatory compliance and approvals, sales to domestic or foreign jurisdictions, engineering and construction, production (including control over costs, quality, quantity and timeliness of delivery), foreign currency and exchange rates, maintaining adequate working capital and raising further capital on acceptable terms or at all, and other similar statements concerning anticipated future events, conditions or results that are not historical facts. These statements reflect management’s current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking information is inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, actual future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and represent the Company’s judgement as of the date of this new release, and the Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking information.

Copyright © 2021 Microbix Biosystems Inc.

Microbix®, DxTM™, Kinlytic®, PROCEEDx™, QAPs™, and REDx™ are trademarks of Microbix Biosystems Inc.

PROCEEDx™FLOQ® and REDx™FLOQ® are trademarks of Microbix Biosystems Inc. in collaboration with Copan Italia S.p.A.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareDx, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDNA), a leading precision medicine company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of clinically differentiated, high-value healthcare solutions for transplant patients and caregivers, today announced the appointment of new senior leaders to create meaningful impact across key growth areas, build for the future, and enhance the patient journey.

“As we grow, we will continue to bring incredibly talented senior leaders to build the CareDx Village,” said Reg Seeto, President and Chief Executive Officer, CareDx. ”These recent hires and promotions reinforce our commitment to leadership in multi-modality innovation, places priority on patients first, enhances our integrated digital offerings, helps build new business, and creates a dedicated focus on our Villagers.”

CareDx is pleased to share the following new appointments, all designed to bring deep leadership experience to help guide growth and patient connection across all areas of transplantation—from pre-transplant products to post-transplant testing services.

• Titte R. “Srini” Srinivas, M.D., FAST, Vice President, Digital Development and Clinical Integration, joins CareDx from University Hospitals in Cleveland, where he served as the Chief, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and Peter B. DeOreo Chair in Nephrology and Dialysis. Srinivas is a transplant nephrologist with extensive clinical experience and publication track record in outcomes research, pharmacology, big data, and predictive analytics spanning the past 20 years.
• Steven Stone, Ph.D., Vice President, KidneyCare, joins CareDx from Myriad Genetics, where he served as Vice President of Cancer Genomics and developed products for personalized medicine in oncology.
• Dustin Leach, Pharm.D., Vice President, Customer Experience, joins CareDx from Teva Pharmaceuticals, where he spent almost 15 years, serving most recently as Senior Director, Patient Services – Program Development.

In addition, Martyn Edney, has been appointed as Senior Vice President, Head of Human Resources. Martyn joins CareDx from IQVIA, where he was Vice President of Human Resources for the U.S. and Canada. Edney is a highly accomplished HR leader with a strong track record for leading transformational growth, focus, and accountability.

CareDx is also pleased to announce the promotion of the following two leaders who have made a significant impact on the organization.

• Mari
  ca Grskovic, Ph.D., has been promoted to Vice President, Cell Transplant Therapy. Grskovic joined CareDx nine years ago and has been integral to the growth and success of its research & development program. She played a key role overseeing the design and development of robust diagnostic tests that improve transplant patient care and long-term outcomes.
• Jere Ramsey-Lester has been promoted to Vice President, Human Resources. Jere has been with CareDx since 2019 and stepped in as Interim Head of Human Resources last year. Over the past 25 years, she has held leadership positions in human resources at TreeHouse Foods, ConAgra Foods, and Fiserv.

About CareDx

CareDx, Inc., headquartered in South San Francisco, California, is a leading precision medicine solutions company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of clinically differentiated, high-value healthcare solutions for transplant patients and caregivers. CareDx offers testing services, products, and digital healthcare solutions along the pre- and post-transplant patient journey and is the leading provider of genomics-based information for transplant patients. For more information, please visit: www.CareDx.com.

CONTACTS:

CareDx, Inc.
Sasha King
Chief Marketing Officer
415-287-2393
[email protected]

Investor Relations
Greg Chodaczek
347-610-7010
[email protected]

• PeriCoach will be distributed through extensive network of postpartum care centres, hospitals, pharmacy chains, and online platforms serviced by the joint venture partners.
• Joint venture will also leverage extensive network of over 30,000 clinicians in 100 cities to distribute PeriCoach in China.
• Agreement builds upon Analytica’s existing Middle East distribution partnership to facilitate growth and manufacturing of PeriCoach in international markets.
• Clinical trial confirms unsupervised PeriCoach treatment is on par with in-clinic pelvic floor physical therapy for treating stress urinary incontinence, at a much lower cost.
• PeriCoach provides cost-effective solution to improve quality of life, ease burden of care and reduce incontinence pad expenditure in postpartum and aging populations.

BRISBANE, Australia, March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Analytica Limited (ASX:ALT), the Australian manufacturer of the PeriCoach pelvic floor exercise system for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement to manufacture, distribute and market the system in China, Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Analytica partners with Hebei NACOL Bio-Technology Co., Ltd (Nacol) and Shijiazhuang Biosphere Pty Ltd (Biosphere), based in Hebei Province.

Nacol key shareholders include two highly experienced Chinese medical manufacturing and distribution companies, Heibei Aineng Biological Technology Co., Ltd and Shijiazhuang YST Medical Supplies Co. Ltd.

The JV will register PeriCoach with the Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) as a class II medical device. With CFDA clearance, PeriCoach can become a prescription treatment, initially covering the hospital network in the North China area.

Expansion into China will support the distribution of PeriCoach to both the rapidly growing postpartum rehabilitation market and the early-stage preventative senior market, as one in three women worldwide suffer from stress urinary incontinence. The agreement furthers Analytica’s strategy to bring PeriCoach into global markets, building upon growth in the Middle East with partner Motion Egypt LLC, and pursuit of other partners in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia outside of China.

PeriCoach is comprised of a medical device, smartphone app and the PeriVault, the largest pelvic floor muscle exercise database in the world. PeriCoach includes biofeedback technique guidance technology that helps women correctly perform pelvic floor exercises, also known as “Kegel” exercises, while the device and app are being used. Real-world data from PeriCoach patients¹ shows that nearly 60% of women do not know how to engage these hidden muscles when they first use the device. PeriCoach technique guidance means “Kegels” can be done correctly and confidently by any woman in the privacy of her own home.

A recent independent, peer-reviewed, randomized controlled clinical trial^2,3 performed at the University of New Mexico and published in the Journal of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery concluded that the PeriCoach biofeedback system, with no formal instruction, is non-inferior and on par with in-clinic pelvic floor physical therapy in a pelvic floor centre of excellence, making this system the most cost-effective⁴ form of treatment for stress and mixed urinary incontinence. Watch Video Here.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d7fc4b0-f47e-4dae-819d-b5db59eb359f

Currently manufactured in Australia, the new PeriCoach manufacturing line for the Chinese market only is located in the Shijiazhuang Free Trade Zone and will be listed as one of the major projects in the free trade zone and high technology zone.

PeriCoach will be distributed through the existing extensive network of hospitals and postpartum organisations serviced by the JV partners. The JV partners have collaborated with a leading postpartum care service platform in China with coverage of 100 cities and more than 30,000 clinical professionals.

In China, 15 million babies are born each year.⁵ With the rapid development of the modern economy, the postpartum rehabilitation industry has grown to 3.95bn yuan pa (US$608M) in 2018, with a compound annual growth rate of 43.9%.⁶

Furthermore, China, as with Western countries, has an aging population among which 31% of older women experience urinary incontinence, but only 25% of those currently seek medical assistance.⁷ The JV sees a large public health opportunity for conservative treatment of incontinence in women aged 50-70 years, reducing the quality-of-life impact along with the longer-term economic burden of aged-care.

The CEO of Aineng, Mr LanJu Xu, will lead the JV and comments: “We have strong confidence in Analytica’s R&D capabilities and do believe that Analytica and Nacol can take advantage of each parties’ strengths from this Joint Venture and achieve a win-win situation. Bringing together Analytica’s leading technology and Nacol’s extensive industry resources in China, we are looking forward to witnessing PeriCoach enter this huge market.”

Mr Xu has a strong background in medical devices and materials, including a track record of 17 class II medical device approvals and completed clinical trials of two class III medical devices. He is also the Team Lead for Key Research & Development (R&D) Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology in China, which is operated by four leading universities and one of the top three hospitals in China. Additionally, Mr Xu is the lead of the medical material R&D Center in Nankai University.

Analytica Ltd Chairman, Dr Michael Monsour, comments: “Entering the China market with such nimble, experienced operators is a major milestone for Analytica. China is leading the world in recognising the need for effective postpartum care and is facing the challenge of caring for its large aging population by using the PeriCoach system to assist women with managing incontinence. PeriCoach is a proven cost-effective solution that will dramatically improve quality of life and burden of care for women. We look forward to the continued exploration of our strategic options to expand the availability of PeriCoach globally.”

Analytica has recently moved its Australian manufacturing operations and is looking to re-establish online sales in the US, UK/Ireland, Australia and New Zealand in the near future. PeriCoach has USFDA 510(k) clearance, Australian ARTG registration, and CE-marking.

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

For more information about the PeriCoach System, visit: www.PeriCoach.com

For more information about Analytica, visit: www.AnalyticaMedical.com

References

1. Data on file.
2. Analytica Announcement: https://www.analyticamedical.com/downloads/2020/20201120-ASX-ALT-UoNM-FPMRS.pdf
3. Barnes, Kara Lauren MD*; Cichowski, Sara MD, FACOG, FPMRS†; Komesu, Yuko M. MD, FACOG, FPMRS*; Jeppson, Peter C. MD, FACOG, FASC, FPMRS*; McGuire, Brenna MD*; Ninivaggio, Cara S. MD, FPMRS*; Dunivan, Gena C. MD, FACOG, FPMRS* Home Biofeedback Versus Physical Therapy for Stress Urinary Incontinence, Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery: November 16, 2020 – Volume Publish Ahead of Print – Issue – doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000993: https://journals.lww.com/jpelvicsurgery/Abstract/9000/Home_Biofeedback_Versus_Physical_Therapy_for.99288.aspx
4. White Paper: Health Economics of PeriCoach for Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence: https://www.analyticamedical.com/downloads/2020/20201124-ASX-ALT-deWinterWhitepaper.pdf
5. National Bureau of Statistics of China: https://data.stats.gov.cn/easyquery.htm?cn=C01&zb=A03060D&sj=2020
6. Compound Growth: Overview of China’s postpartum rehabilitation equipment industry in 2019 (report code: 19RI0824) by leadleo Academy
7. Che, X. Y., Wu, S. L., Chen, Y. K., Huang, Y. B., & Yang, Y. (2019). Beijing da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Peking University. Health sciences, 51(4), 706–710. https://doi.org/10.19723/j.issn.1671-167X.2019.04.019: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7433489/

About Analytica Limited

Analytica’s lead product is the PeriCoach^® System – an e-health treatment system for women who suffer Stress Urinary Incontinence. This affects 1 in 3 women worldwide and is mostly caused by trauma to the pelvic floor muscles as a result of pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.

PeriCoach comprises a device, web portal and smartphone app. The device evaluates activity in pelvic floor muscles. This information is transmitted to a smartphone app and can be loaded to a cloud database where physicians can monitor patient progress via web portal. This novel system enables physicians to remotely determine if a woman is performing her pelvic floor exercises and if these are improving her condition. Strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles can also potentially improve sexual sensation or satisfaction and orgasm potential in some women.

PeriCoach has regulatory clearance for urinary incontinence in Australia and has CE mark and USFDA 510(k) clearance.

PeriCoach also has clearance in Australia, and CE Marking in Europe for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that affects up to 1 in 5 women during their lifetime.

Contact:

Geoff Daly, CEO
[email protected]

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. (“Oncotelic” or the “Company”) (OTCQB:OTLC) (f/k/a Mateon Therapeutics, Inc.) announced today that the Chopra Foundation and Jiva are collaborating to bring a webinar regarding new approaches for managing COVID-19 cases as cases spike and new variants arise. The webinar- AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVES ON COVID-19- is April 15 8:00P -9:30PM IST/ 7:30AM-9:00AM PST. The presenters are as follow:

1. Inflammation and the Pandemic. Dr. Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, The Chopra Foundation
2. Ayurveda & COVID Management in India. Dr. Partap Chauhan, BAMS, Founder and Director, JIVA Ayurveda
3. PulmoHeal and its use for COVID. Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, Director of Ayurvedic Healing Inc., Advisor to Chopra Center
4. COVID Management in Indian Hospitals. Dr. Vishal Rao, MD, Chief of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre
5. Pandemic vs Endemic. Prof. Paul J Mills, Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego.
6. AI for self-assessment of COVID symptoms. Mr. Saran Saund, Chief Business Officer, Oncotelic Therapeutics Inc.
7. Post Recovery Therapy for COVID. Dr. Vuong Trieu, Chief Executive Officer, Oncotelic Therapeutics Inc.
8. Ayurvedic Herbs and COVID. Prof. Shekhar Annambhotla BAMS, MD, Founder of Ayurveda Wellness Center – Ojas, LLC.

About PulmoHeal^™:

PulmoHeal^™ consists of three components:

1. A mobile app called ArtiHealth^™ powered by Mateon’s AI platform that allows patients to submit a questionnaire and a daily cough recording to receive real-time information on their respiratory function and progress over time. Mateon has signed a joint development agreement with IBM Watson Health Research division to collectively work on AI models for respiratory assessments from Mateon’s data collection initiatives.
2. A post-marketing survey (PMS) platform to crowd-source user experience for new indications.
3. The drug PulmoHealTM, a broad-spectrum, lung therapy food supplement that is supported by a multi-center rigorous clinical study that has demonstrated efficacy against the viral respiratory infection- COVID-19;

Additional information at www.pulmoheal.com

About Oncotelic Therapeutics

Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. (f/k/a Mateon Therapeutics, Inc.) (“Oncotelic”), was formed in the State of New York in 1988 as OXiGENE, Inc., was reincorporated in the State of Delaware in 1992, and changed its name to Mateon Therapeutics, Inc. in 2016, and Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. in November 2020.

Oncotelic was created by the 2019 merger with Oncotelic Inc., which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Mateon, thereby creating an immuno-oncology company dedicated to the development of first in class RNA therapeutics as well as small molecule drugs against cancer and infectious diseases. OT-101, the lead immuno-oncology drug candidate of Oncotelic, is a first-in-class anti-TGF-βRNA therapeutic that exhibited single agent activity in some relapsed/refractory cancer patients in clinical trial settings. OT-101 also has activity against SARS-CoV-2. Oncotelic is seeking to leverage its deep expertise in oncology drug development to improve treatment outcomes and survival of cancer patients with a special emphasis on rare pediatric cancers. Mateon has rare pediatric designation for DIPG (OT-101), melanoma (CA4P), and AML (OXi4503). The Company merged with PointR Data Inc. (“PointR”) in November 2019. The PointR Merger was intended to create a publicly-traded artificial intelligence driven immuno-oncology company with a robust pipeline of first in class TGF-β immunotherapies for late-stage cancers. In February 2020, the Company formed a subsidiary, Edgepoint. Edgepoint is a start-up company that plans to develop technologies and IP related to various unmet issues within the pharma and medical device industries. The Company is planning to spin off Edgepoint into a separate public company in the near future.

For more information, please visit www.oncotelic.com and www.mateon.com.

Oncotelic’s Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this communication regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Words such as “may”, “expect”, “anticipate” “hope”, “vision”, “optimism”, “design”, “exciting”, “promising”, “will”, “conviction”, “estimate,” “intend,” “believe”, “quest for a cure of cancer”, “innovation-driven”, “paradigm-shift”, “high scientific merit”, “impact potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about future plans, the progress, timing, clinical development, scope and success of future clinical trials, the reporting of clinical data for the company’s product candidates and the potential use of the company’s product candidates to treat various cancer indications. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected, changes in expected or existing competition, changes in the regulatory environment, failure of collaborators to support or advance collaborations or product candidates and unexpected litigation or other disputes. These risks are not exhaustive, the company faces known and unknown risks, including the risk factors described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 20, 2020 and in the company’s other periodic filings. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, whether as a result of new information future events, or otherwise.

Contact Information:

For Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc.:
Amit Shah
[email protected]