Market Newsdesk

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Wireless Corp. (OTCQB: FKWL), a market leader in broadband data communications, today announced the successful customer trial of Pintrac Drive, an aftermarket On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) device that enables non-connected cars to connect to global 4G LTE networks for enhanced services and broadband wireless connectivity.

With easy plug and play the ODB device is compatible with virtually any car manufactured after 1998 and connects easily to US and International 4G LTE networks without the need of an installation technician. Once installed, the device provides on-demand live vehicle tracking, high-speed alerts, vehicle health diagnostic data, collision detection, air quality monitoring for Carbon Monoxide and other contaminates, and a host of other features and functions.

“Pintrac Drive is a turn-key solution for carriers. The device with its customizable cloud-based data services, and mobile applications are all part of the package,” stated, David Lee, Franklin’s COO.

Specific features include:

• Live Vehicle Tracking using GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking technology to pinpoint the vehicles location.
• Vehicle Health & Diagnostic
  Data can provide timely maintenance information before a costly repair is needed. The device provides an easy-to-understand description of the problem along with the DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code).
• Broadband Wi-Fi allows vehicle occupants to connect to the web at broadband speed allowing up to 10 simultaneous users to stream a movie or catch up on emails while on the road.
• Create Custom Geofence Zones to accurately know when and where the vehicle enters or exits up to five pre-defined Geofence zones.
• Collison Detection to notify loved ones in case the driver or other occupants are involved in a crash and may be unable to call for help.
• Air Quality monitoring able to detect exhaust leaks and prevent poisoning to vehicle occupants.

The Pintrac Drive app is designed to work with both Apple and Android devices.

About Franklin

Franklin Wireless Corp. (FKWL) is a leader in innovative hardware and software products that support smart tracking and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as intelligent wireless broadband solutions including mobile hotspots, routers and modems. For more information, please visit www.franklinwireless.com.

Safe Harbor Statement:

Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Franklin Wireless Corp.

+1 858 623 0000
[email protected]

HERZLIYA, Israel, Jan. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Safe-T®
Group Ltd.
(NASDAQ, TASE: SFET), a provider of secure access solutions for on-premise and hybrid cloud environments, continues to strengthen collaboration with its distribution partners and will participate in two virtual events during January 2021.

The virtual events will be held with four of the Company’s partners, including HTC Global Services and Softprom Distribution GmbH.  HTC Global Services is a global provider of information technology services and solutions in India.  Softprom Distribution GmbH is a leading Value-Added IT distributor in the Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS countries”), European countries, and more.

Eitan Bremler, Co-Founder & VP Corporate Development at Safe-T Group, will present its advanced solutions for the next generation VPN.  Safe-T Group’s ZoneZero™ VPN revolutionizes secure access by introducing Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to existing VPN infrastructures.  As part of the ZoneZero™ Perimeter Access Orchestration suite, ZoneZero™ VPN provides application-layer policy monitoring and enforcement, integration of MFA to any application or service, and true separation of the data plane and control plane – all on top of the existing infrastructure.

The HTC virtual event will take place on January 20, 2021 and can be accessed here: https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/17734/458806  

The Softprom virtual event will take place on January 27, 2021 and can be accessed here:  https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/17734/461281?utm_source=Safe-T&utm_medium=brighttalk&utm_campaign=461281

About Safe-T®

Safe-T Group Ltd. (Nasdaq, TASE: SFET) is a provider of Zero Trust Access solutions which mitigate attacks on enterprises’ business-critical services and sensitive data, while ensuring uninterrupted business continuity.

Safe-T’s cloud and on-premises solutions ensure that an organization’s access use cases, whether into the organization or from the organization out to the internet, are secured according to the “validate first, access later” philosophy of Zero Trust. This means that no one is trusted by default from inside or outside the network, and verification is required from everyone trying to gain access to resources on the network or in the cloud.

Safe-T’s wide range of access solutions reduce organizations’ attack surface and improve their ability to defend against modern cyberthreats. As an additional layer of security, our integrated business-grade global proxy solution cloud service enables smooth and efficient traffic flow, interruption-free service, unlimited concurrent connections, instant scaling, and simple integration with our services.

With Safe-T’s patented reverse-access technology and proprietary routing technology, organizations of all size and type can secure their data, services, and networks against internal and external threats.

At Safe-T, we empower enterprises to safely migrate to the cloud and enable digital transformation.

Safe-T’s solutions on AWS Marketplace is available here

For more information about Safe-T, visit www.safe-t.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, Safe-T is using forward-looking statements in this press release when it discusses strengthening collaboration with its distribution partners. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Safe-T’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of Safe-T could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Safe-T’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 31, 2020, and in any subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Safe-T undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Safe-T is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS:

Gary Guyton
MZ Group – MZ North America
469-778-7844
[email protected]
www.mzgroup.us

Michal Efraty
+972-(0)52-3044404
[email protected]

TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Newscope Capital Corporation (CSE: PHRM) (OTCQB: PHRRF) (the “Company”), who through its wholly-owned subsidiary, PharmaTher Inc., is a specialty life sciences company focused on the research and development of psychedelic pharmaceuticals, is pleased to announce that its common shares have been approved for trading on the OTCQB® Venture Market (“OTCQB”) effective today.

The Company’s U.S. listing will trade under the symbol “PHRRF” while the Company’s primary Canadian listing will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under “PHRM”.

Fabio Chianelli, CEO of the Company commented, “We are focused on developing our clinical-stage product pipeline of novel uses and delivery of ketamine for U.S. FDA approval to treat mental health, neurological and pain disorders, and with our common shares listed on the OTCQB it will help us to broaden our awareness and shareholder base with institutional and retail investors in the U.S.”

The Company has also applied to the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) for DTC eligibility, which would greatly simplify the process of trading the Company’s common shares. The Company expects to receive DTC eligibility approval shortly.

Investors can find real-time quotes and market information on the Company at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/PHRRF/overview.

About PharmaTher Inc.

PharmaTher Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newscope Capital Corporation (CSE: PHRM) (OTCQB: PHRRF), is a specialty life sciences company focused on the research and development of psychedelic pharmaceuticals, such as ketamine and psilocybin, for FDA approval to treat mental health, neurological and pain disorders.

Learn more at:  PharmaTher.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

For more information, please contact:        

Fabio Chianelli
Chief Executive Officer
PharmaTher Inc.
Tel: 1-888-846-3171
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pharmather.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.        

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated”, “potential” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Newscope Capital Corporation’s (the “Company) current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Forward-looking information in this press release includes information with respect to the approval of OTCQB Venture Market listing, application of DTC eligibility, broadening awareness and shareholder base of U.S. institutional and retail investors, and meeting milestones of FDA-approved ketamine for mental health, neurological and pain disorders, FDA approval, intellectual property portfolio,
psychedelic pharmaceuticals,
psilocybin and ketamine programs and product developments. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company at the date of the information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the period of August 30, 2020 (“MD&A”), dated October 1, 2020, which is available on the Company’s profile at 



www.sedar.com



.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction.

— Alliance will assess the use of Sarepta’s proprietary gene editing technology and Genevant’s proprietary LNP delivery platform for multiple neuromuscular targets —

—
Sarepta to have options for an exclusive license to Genevant’s
LNP
technology
for
four
neuromuscular
indications
—

— Genevant may receive approximately $50 million in near-term payments and is also eligible for significant future milestones and royalties —

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., VANCOUVER, British Columbia, and BASEL, Switzerland, Jan. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRPT), the leader in precision genetic medicine for rare diseases, and Genevant Sciences, a leading nucleic acid delivery company with world-class platforms and the industry’s most robust and expansive lipid nanoparticle (LNP) patent estate, today announced a research collaboration and option agreement for the delivery of LNP-gene editing therapeutics in Sarepta’s pipeline for neuromuscular diseases. LNPs offer the potential for a non-viral approach to gene editing and can provide both optimal uptake into desired cells and efficient release, resulting in functional delivery of gene editing cargo, such as CRISPR-Cas, to target tissues.

Gene editing has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of diseases caused by genetic mutations – including rare neuromuscular diseases – by permanently altering genes that lead to disease. Sarepta is pursuing a variety of approaches to genetic medicine including exon skipping, gene therapies and gene editing in pursuit of cures for rare diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Genevant will design and collaborate with Sarepta in the development of muscle targeted LNPs to be applied to gene editing targets in early stage development.  Sarepta will have rights to an exclusive license to Genevant’s LNP technology for up to four neuromuscular indications, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Genevant may receive approximately $50 million in near-term payments and is also eligible for significant future development, regulatory and commercial milestones and tiered royalties ranging from the mid-single to low-double digits on future product sales.

“As Sarepta works to advance precision genetic medicine across multiple modalities, we’ve invested in partnering and research efforts focused on improving the utility and benefit of gene-based medicines and providing the greatest possible outcome to patients. This includes advancing our pre-clinical gene editing program, looking at both viral and non-viral methods to produce a functional gene in order to treat a broad range of neuromuscular diseases,” said Doug Ingram, president and chief executive officer, Sarepta Therapeutics. “Genevant’s established leadership and proven LNP technology offers the potential to deliver gene editing machinery to targeted tissue through a non-viral delivery approach. Applying this science to neuromuscular diseases fits squarely within our mission to translate scientific breakthroughs into meaningful advances for patients whose lives have been impacted by rare disease.”

“Genevant scientists have been at the forefront of LNP delivery of nucleic acids for over 20 years. Our platform is the most clinically validated in the space and is the delivery technology behind the first nucleic acid-LNP product to have achieved FDA approval,” said Pete Lutwyche, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, Genevant Sciences Corporation. “Efficient, optimized delivery is often the difference between successful and unsuccessful nucleic acid drug development, and we are excited to bring our experience to Sarepta’s gene editing programs in neuromuscular disease where new options – and new approaches – are desperately needed.”

About Genevant Sciences

Genevant Sciences is a leading nucleic acid delivery company with world-class platforms, the industry’s most robust and expansive lipid nanoparticle (LNP) patent estate, and decades of experience and expertise in nucleic acid drug delivery and development.  The Company’s scientists have pioneered LNP delivery of nucleic acids for over 20 years, and the Company’s LNP platform, which has been studied across more than a dozen discrete product candidates and is the delivery technology behind the first and only approved RNAi-LNP (patisiran), enables a wide array of RNA-based applications, including vaccines, therapeutic protein production, and gene editing.  Genevant Sciences is committed to transforming the future of human health. For more information, please visit www.genevant.com.

About Sarepta Therapeutics

At Sarepta, we are leading a revolution in precision genetic medicine and every day is an opportunity to change the lives of people living with rare disease. The Company has built an impressive position in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and in gene therapies for limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs), mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), and other CNS-related disorders, with more than 40 programs in various stages of development. The Company’s programs and research focus span several therapeutic modalities, including RNA, gene therapy and gene editing. For more information, please visit www.sarepta.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “intends,” “potential,” “possible” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the parties’ obligations and responsibilities under the agreement, potential payments and fees and Sarepta’s right to an exclusive license to Genevant’s LNP technology for up to four neuromuscular indications; the potential benefits of LNPs, including offering a non-viral approach to gene editing that can provide both optimal uptake into desired cells and efficient release, resulting in functional delivery of gene editing cargo, such as CRISPR-Cas, to target tissues; the potential for gene editing to revolutionize the treatment of diseases caused by genetic mutations – including rare neuromuscular diseases – by permanently altering genes that lead to disease; the goal of Genevant to design and collaborate with Sarepta in the development of muscle-targeted LNPs that can be applied to gene editing targets in early stage development;  and Sarepta’s goal to advance its pre-clinical gene editing program, looking at both viral and non-viral methods to produce a functional gene in order to treat  a broad range of neuromuscular diseases.

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Sarepta’s control. Known risk factors include, among others: the expected benefits and opportunities related to the collaboration between Sarepta and Genevant may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected due to challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development. In particular, the collaboration may not result in the discovery of any new therapeutic compounds or any viable treatments suitable for commercialization due to a variety of reasons, including any inability of the parties to perform their commitments and obligations under the agreement; Sarepta may not be able to execute on its business plans and goals, including meeting its expected or planned regulatory milestones and timelines, clinical development plans, and bringing its product candidates to market, due to a variety of reasons, many of which may be outside of Sarepta’s control, including possible limitations of company financial and other resources, manufacturing limitations that may not be anticipated or resolved for in a timely manner, regulatory, court or agency decisions, such as decisions by the United States Patent and Trademark Office with respect to patents that cover Sarepta’s product candidates and the COVID-19 pandemic; and those risks identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in Sarepta’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as other SEC filings made by Sarepta which you are encouraged to review.

Any of the foregoing risks could materially and adversely affect Sarepta’s business, results of operations and the trading price of Sarepta’s common stock. For a detailed description of risks and uncertainties Sarepta faces, you are encouraged to review the SEC filings made by Sarepta. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Sarepta does not undertake any obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements based on events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Internet Posting of Information by Sarepta

We routinely post information that may be important to investors in the ‘For Investors’ section of our website at 


www.sarepta.com


. We encourage investors and potential investors to consult our website regularly for important information about us. 

Source: Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.

Contacts:

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.
Investors: Ian Estepan, 617-274-4052, [email protected]
Media: Tracy Sorrentino, 617-301-8566, [email protected]

Genevant Sciences
Pete Zorn, [email protected]

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via InvestorWire — InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”), a multifaceted financial news and publishing company for private and public entities, today announces that John Climaco, Chairman and CEO of CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP), was recently interviewed on the C3 Chat Show Podcast, a series that addresses topics related to entrepreneurship, life experiences and best practices from experts.

The podcast, co-hosted by Sid Vaidya and Eric Gershey, is available for on-demand listening at https://anchor.fm/c3chat.

During the interview, Climaco provided an overview of CNS Pharmaceuticals and recent FDA approval to begin clinical trials on the company’s lead drug candidate, Berubicin, a proposed treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer currently considered incurable.

“This is the biggest news we’ve announced since our IPO back in November 2019. The FDA approved an Investigational New Drug application, which allows us to proceed with our clinical trial. Based on that IND approval, we expect, in the next 90 to 120 days, we will go from zero active clinical trials today to three active clinical trials for our lead compound, Berubicin, which is a novel treatment for glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer,” Climaco said.

“We have five employees at this company, so we are a tiny little shop,” he continued. “But we have an absolute powerhouse compound. We pushed that through and got the FDA to greenlight a clinical trial, which is really monumental. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States said it’s safe to proceed and investigate this drug in humans.”

“It’s a big day for GBM patients. This is a population that has not seen hardly any innovation for 15 years,” he said. “If you get GBM, the sad reality is you’re probably going to die from it. We think we can change that game.”

“We expect to be enrolling patients as soon as January or February. We know how this drug behaves. It was the subject of a very successful Phase I trial where 44 percent of patients had their disease stabilized or they started to get better. Those are remarkable statistics, because GBM is the deadliest form of brain cancer. Basically no one gets better. But we have a patient who is still alive 14 years after treatment, and that’s just incredible because the median survival for GBM patients following diagnosis is 14-16 months.”

Throughout the podcast, Climaco discussed the difficulties in treating brain cancers because of the brain’s protective covering of specialized cells that shield it from outside infection. He also explained how Berubicin is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and attack tumor cells inside the brain.

Learn more by listening to the full interview at https://anchor.fm/c3chat.

About CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc.

CNS Pharmaceuticals is developing novel treatments for primary and metastatic cancers of the brain and central nervous system. Its lead drug candidate, Berubicin, is proposed for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. CNS holds a worldwide exclusive license to the Berubicin chemical compound and has acquired all data and know-how from Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc. related to a completed Phase 1 clinical trial with Berubicin in malignant brain tumors, which Reata conducted in 2006. In this trial the overall response rate of stable disease or better was 44%. This 44% disease control rate was based on 11 patients (out of 25 evaluable patients) with stable disease, plus responders. One patient experienced a durable complete response and remains cancer-free as of February 20, 2020. These Phase 1 results represent a limited patient sample size and, while promising, are not a guarantee that similar results will be achieved in subsequent trials. Its second drug candidate, WP1244, is a novel DNA binding agent that has shown in preclinical studies that it is 500 times more potent than the chemotherapeutic agent daunorubicin in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation.

For more information, visit: www.cnspharma.com

About InvestorBrandNetwork

The InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”) consists of financial brands introduced to the investment public over the course of 15+ years. With IBN, we have amassed a collective audience of millions of social media followers. These distinctive investor brands aim to fulfill the unique needs of a growing base of client-partners. IBN will continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients.

Through NetworkNewsWire (“NNW”) and its affiliate brands, IBN provides: (1) access to a network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets; (3) enhanced press release solutions to ensure maximum impact; (4) full-scale distribution to a growing social media audience; (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions; and (6) a total news coverage solution.

For more information on IBN, visit https://www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com.

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorBrandNetwork website, applicable to all content provided by IBN wherever published or re-published: https://IBN.fm/Disclaimer

Forward-Looking Statements

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

Corporate Communications

InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN)
Los Angeles, California
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
310.299.1717 Office
[email protected]

CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading BioSciences, Inc. (“LBS”), a privately held company that recently entered into a definitive agreement for a reverse merger with Seneca Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNCA) to form Palisade Bio, Inc., announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation to LB1148 for the treatment of postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction associated with pediatric heart surgery.  

“Even with high success rates of neonatal heart surgery, longer-term outcomes in pediatric patients are, to a great extent, dependent upon the speed of postoperative recovery of GI function,” said Dr. Michael Dawson, Chief Medical Officer of Leading BioSciences. “By awarding Fast Track Designation to LB1148 for the treatment of pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery, the FDA has recognized LB1148’s potential to accelerate return of bowel function and reduce the risk of serious and life-threatening complications associated with corrective surgeries for these patients, a condition for which no therapy currently exists. This is an important acknowledgement and will improve the frequency of our dialogue with the agency as we initiate our pivotal study.”

The FDA Fast Track program is intended to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. With Fast Track designation LBS is eligible for greater access to the FDA for the purpose of expediting clinical development and creates eligibility for accelerated approval and priority review of LB1148.
Previously, LBS announced positive topline data from a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, study that enrolled 120 adult open-heart surgery patients. This trial evaluated return of bowel function in adult patients undergoing open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The LB1148-treated group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement of approximately 30% in the median time to return of normal bowel function as compared to the placebo treatment group (p<0.001). Generally, treatment with LB1148 was well tolerated. Adverse events were similar between the treatment groups and not unexpected for the subject population.

In addition to adult open-heart surgery patients, there is a tremendous unmet need for improving GI recovery in neonates undergoing heart surgery. By accelerating a return of GI function and full feeding following surgery, LB1148 may minimize the risk of developmental delays and other serious complications. LBS is planning to initiate a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase 3 clinical trial of LB1148 in neonatal patients undergoing elective on-pump open-heart surgery to correct congenital heart defects in 2021.

Tom Hallam, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Leading BioSciences added, “There are currently no therapies available to treat GI dysfunction in pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery. We are thrilled that the FDA granted Fast Track designation to LB1148 for this indication. We believe this recognizes LB1148’s potential to demonstrate meaningful improvements in bowel recovery that are commensurate with the improvements demonstrated in our Phase 2 study in adult heart surgery patients.” 

About LB1148

LB1148 is an oral formulation of a broad-spectrum serine protease inhibitor designed to neutralize the activity of potent digestive proteases released from the gut during surgery. Evidence suggests that the release of digestive proteases contributes to the temporary loss of normal gastrointestinal function and formation of postoperative adhesions. By inhibiting the activity of these digestive proteases, LB1148 has the potential to prevent damage to GI tissues, accelerate the time to return of normal GI function, and shorten the duration of costly post-surgery hospital stays.

About Leading BioSciences, Inc.

Leading BioSciences is developing novel therapeutics designed to improve human health through therapeutic protection of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier. LBS’ initial focus is combatting the interruption of GI function (ileus) following major surgery in order to reduce recovery times and shorten the duration of patient hospital stays. Additionally, LBS believes that its investigational therapies have the potential to prevent the formation of postoperative adhesions (reducing hospital re-admissions and additional surgeries), as well as to address the myriad health conditions and complications associated with chronic disruption of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier. As of December 2020, Leading BioSciences has entered into a definitive agreement with Seneca Biopharma, Inc. under which a wholly owned subsidiary of Seneca will merge with Leading BioSciences in an all-stock transaction. The combined company is expected to operate under the name Palisade Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALI), upon completion of the merger.

No Offer or Solicitation:


This communication will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities in connection with the proposed merger shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Important Additional Information Will be Filed with the SEC


In connection with the proposed transactions between LBS and Seneca, Seneca filed a registration statement on Form S-4 that contained a proxy statement and prospectus with the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 23, 2020, but the registration statement has not yet become effective. This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement or the proxy statement or any other documents that Seneca may file with the SEC or send to its stockholders in connection with the proposed transactions. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, SENECA URGES INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THESE MATERIALS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SENECA, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.

You may obtain free copies of the registration statement, proxy statement and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The registration statement is available free of charge on Seneca’s website at www.senecabio.com, by contacting Seneca’s Investor Relations by phone at (301) 366-4960, or by electronic mail at [email protected]. Investors and stockholders are urged to read the registration statement, proxy statement, prospectus and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed transaction.

Participants in the Solicitation


Seneca and LBS, and each of their respective directors and executive officers and certain of their other members of management and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about Seneca’s directors and executive officers is included in Seneca’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 27, 2020, and the proxy statement for Seneca’s 2020 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on June 24, 2020. Additional information regarding these persons and their interests in the transaction is included in the proxy statement relating to the transaction. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements


This communication contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements related to the timing and results of clinical trials, and other statements that are not historical facts.  Any statements contained in this communication that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words referencing future events or circumstances such as “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “will,” and similar expressions and their variants.  These forward-looking statements are based upon LBS’s current expectations. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Except as required by law, LBS expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in LBS’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

Leading BioSciences Media Relations Contact:

Darren Opland, Ph.D.
LifeSci Communications
[email protected]

Leading BioSciences Investor Relations Contact:

Corey Davis, Ph.D.
LifeSci Advisors
[email protected]

Corporate Contact:

Justin Stege, Ph.D.
[email protected]

WARSAW, Ind., Jan. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN), parent company of Lake City Bank, announced that the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend for the fourth quarter of 2020 of $0.34 per share, payable on February 5, 2021 to shareholders of record as of January 25, 2021. The quarterly dividend represents a 13% increase over the quarterly dividend rate paid in the first three quarters of 2020.

“Our continued strong capital position provides the foundation for increasing our dividend. As we enter 2021, this strong capital position supports this healthy 13% dividend increase.” said David M. Findlay, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Lakeland Financial Corporation is a $5.8 billion bank holding company headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana. Lake City Bank, its single bank subsidiary, is the sixth largest bank headquartered in the state and the largest bank 100% invested in Indiana. Lake City Bank operates 50 offices in Northern and Central Indiana, delivering technology-driven and client-centric financial services solutions to individuals and businesses.

Information regarding Lakeland Financial Corporation may be accessed on the home page of its subsidiary, Lake City Bank, at lakecitybank.com. The company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under “LKFN.”

This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. The company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain and, accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by the company. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. Numerous factors could cause the company’s actual results to differ from those reflected in forward-looking statements, including trade policies and those identified in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Contact

Lisa M. O’Neill
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(574) 267-9125 office
[email protected] 

January 13, 2021 – Golar LNG Limited (Nasdaq: GLNG) (“GLNG”) today announced that it and Stonepeak Infrastructure Fund II Cayman (G) Ltd., a fund managed by Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners (“Stonepeak”) have entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger to sell 100% of Hygo Energy Transition Ltd. (“Hygo”) to New Fortress Energy Inc. (Nasdaq: NFE) (“NFE”).

Hygo, a gas to power and downstream LNG distribution company, is owned 50% by each of GLNG and by funds and other entities managed by Stonepeak.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, NFE will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Hygo for 31.4 million shares of NFE Class A common stock and $580 million in cash. The transaction values Hygo at an enterprise value of $3.1 billion and an equity value of $2.18 billion. Pursuant to the transaction, GLNG will receive 18.6 million shares of NFE Class A common stock and $50 million in cash, and Stonepeak will receive 12.7 million shares of NFE Class A common stock and $530 million in cash, which includes a cash settlement of its preferred equity tranche of $180 million. As part of the transaction, GLNG and Stonepeak have entered into customary lock-up provisions in relation to the stock consideration they will receive. Completion of the transaction is subject to the receipt of certain approvals and third-party consents and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, and is expected to occur in the first half of 2021.

In addition, NFE has today also announced that it will acquire 100% of the common units and general partner units of Golar LNG Partners LP (Nasdaq: GMLP) (“GMLP”) at a price of $3.55 per unit. GLNG holds 30.8% of the issued and outstanding common units in GMLP.  In connection with the acquisition, GMLP’s incentive distribution rights will be cancelled. GMLP’s 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units will remain outstanding.  The transaction is valued at a $1.9 billion enterprise value and $251 million equity value. GMLP’s Board of Directors, acting upon the recommendation of the independent committee of GMLP, unanimously approved the proposed transaction with NFE. The closing of the transaction is subject to the approval by the holders of a majority of GMLP’s outstanding common units, the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and third party consents and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to occur in the first half of 2021. GLNG has entered into a support agreement with NFE committing to vote its approximately 30.8% interest in GMLP’s common units in favor of the transaction.  

Commenting on today’s transaction, Tor Olav Trøim, Chairman of Hygo and GLNG said: “We at GLNG are very proud of Hygo’s achievements in building a leading Brazilian LNG to Power business, and we believe its combination with NFE will allow the business to further strengthen its footprint and accelerate its vision to deliver low carbon energy solutions globally. We are also pleased with the monetization of our interests in GMLP, which has been announced separately today.”

“The transactions announced today represent an important step in the strategy of Golar LNG – namely to realize value from its portfolio and simplifying the corporate structure of Golar.”

Goldman Sachs International and Citi are acting as financial advisors to Hygo, and Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. is acting as Hygo’s legal advisor. Baker Botts L.L.P. is acting as legal advisor to Golar LNG.

About Golar LNG

Golar LNG is one of the world’s most innovative and experienced independent owners and operators of marine LNG infrastructure. The company developed the world’s first Floating LNG liquefaction terminal (FLNG) and Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) projects based on the conversion of existing LNG carriers. Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) studies have now been completed for a larger newbuild FLNG solution. Golar is also collaborating with another industry leader to investigate solutions for the floating production of blue and green ammonia as well as carbon reduction in LNG production.

About New Fortress Energy

New Fortress Energy is a global energy infrastructure company founded to help accelerate the world’s transition to clean energy. The company funds, builds and operates natural gas infrastructure and logistics to rapidly deliver fully integrated, turnkey energy solutions that enable economic growth, enhance environmental stewardship and transform local industries and communities.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities and events that will, should, could or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “propose,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements relating to the proposed Hygo and GMLP transactions, the expected benefits of the transactions, the timing of the closings thereof the application of proceeds therefrom and other statements that are not historical facts.  These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.

Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in federal, state, local and foreign laws or regulations to which NFE, Hygo or GMLP is subject; (ii) the risk that the proposed Hygo and GMLP transactions may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; (iii) GMLP’s ability to receive, on a timely basis or otherwise, the required approval of the proposed GMLP transaction by GMLP’s common unitholders; (iv) the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals for GMLP will be made; (v) the possibility that any or all of the various conditions to the consummation of the Hygo and GMLP transactions may not be satisfied or waived, including the failure to receive any required regulatory approvals from any applicable governmental entities (or any conditions, limitations or restrictions placed on such approvals); and (vi) other risk factors identified herein or from time to time in Golar LNG’s periodic filings with the SEC. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of Golar LNG’s forward-looking statements. Other known or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on future results.

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Golar LNG Limited undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

Hamilton, Bermuda
January 13, 2021
Enquiries:
Golar Management Limited: + 44 207 063 7900
Iain Ross – CEO
Karl Fredrik Staubo – CFO
Stuart Buchanan – Head of Investor Relations