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New Data Published in Gastroenterology Demonstrate the Power of Fluidigm’s Imaging Mass Cytometry on the Hyperion Imaging System to Identify Novel Targets for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy


Study Highlighting IMC Application in Both Protein and RNA Detection Conducted by Researchers at Fluidigm C


enter of Excellence for 


Imaging Mass Cytometry


at


Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fluidigm Corporation (NASDAQ:FLDM), an innovative biotechnology tools provider with a vision to improve life through comprehensive health insight, today announced the publication of a new study led by Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center that further validates the potential for Imaging Mass Cytometry™ (IMC™) on the Hyperion™ Imaging System to provide new insights into the interactions between pancreatic tumor cells and the immune system and to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

The study also highlights the application of IMC in both protein and RNA detection, a capability that is extremely valuable for investigators studying the biological processes in single cells and precious tissue samples. The study data have been published in the journal Gastroenterology.

A Fluidigm® Center of Excellence for Imaging Mass Cytometry (CoE) was established at Georgetown Lombardi in early 2020. The Fluidigm CoE program accelerates adoption of mass cytometry through the development of new highly multiplexed panels for the study of cancer, immuno-oncology and immune-mediated diseases.  

Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The team led by Georgetown Lombardi partnered with Fluidigm Therapeutic Insights Services (TIS) to conduct the study, which combined IMC with RNAscope Technology.

Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi, Georgetown University, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Merced, University of California, Davis, STCube Pharmaceuticals and Fluidigm used 12 distinct IMC probes to conduct RNAscope analysis on normal and diseased pancreatic cells and to evaluate interactions between these cells and cells of the immune system. RNAscope is a novel in situ hybridization assay for detection of target RNA within intact cells, and this publication is the first to report its use in a multiplexed fashion with 12 different probes, enabling simultaneous evaluation of multiple targets of interest and generating richer datasets.  

“Pancreatic tumor cells have a fibrotic, immunosuppressive microenvironment, and this study was designed to evaluate if strategies that alter this microenvironment might help activate an antitumor immune response,” said Stephen Byers, PhD, Associate Director and Professor of Oncology at Georgetown Lombardi and senior author of the publication. “Results demonstrate that CDH11, which is overexpressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts, allows cancer cells to escape detection by the immune system. Inhibiting CDH11 expression in mice significantly extended survival and restored sensitivity to gemcitabine, a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

“These findings suggest that CDH11 could have significant potential as a novel target for pancreatic cancer therapy.”

Key findings of the study include:

  • Levels of CDH11 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in cancer-associated fibroblasts than in pancreatic cancer epithelial cells, human or mouse pancreatic cancer cell lines or immune cells.
  • Mice in which one or both copies of the CDH11 gene had been knocked out survived significantly longer than mice with both copies of the gene.
  • Compared with pancreatic tumors in mice with two copies of CDH11, tumors in mice with only one copy had increased markers of immune system activity, decreased extracellular matrix component and reductions in markers and cytokines associated with immunosuppression.
  • Gemcitabine extended survival only in mice that lacked one or both copies of CDH11 or when administered in combination with an anti-CDH11 antibody.
  • A small molecule inhibitor of CDH11 reduced the growth of pre-established pancreatic tumors only if T and B cells were present in mice.

Fluidigm Research and Development and the company’s TIS program provided support in conducting the IMC analysis for the study. TIS, created to test and develop new solutions based on IMC, provided access to IMC technology, services and data analysis, while R&D scientists developed the method of conjugating metals to RNAscope reagents.

“Fluidigm is committed to harnessing the power of our technologies to inform new approaches to therapies, and this published study demonstrates our ability to generate insights that have the potential to advance cancer care and outcomes,” said Andrew Quong, Chief Science Officer of Fluidigm and an author of the publication. “Significantly, the study also highlights the potential for IMC in both protein and RNA detection. This capability is extremely valuable for investigators studying the biological processes in single cells and with precious tissue samples.

“We established our Therapeutic Insights Services to expand access to our IMC and mass cytometry technologies. Going forward, we intend to leverage TIS to power additional groundbreaking research in our growing and evolving Center of Excellence program. The scientific and technological advances made in partnership with the CoE researchers will be made available to other scientists through TIS and the launch of new products. Access to these advances will accelerate the impact of mass cytometry in understanding critical biologic processes and the translation of those insights into novel therapies and clinical practice.”

About Imaging Mass Cytometry

Imaging Mass Cytometry is setting a new standard in tissue imaging, significantly simplifying high-multiplex panel design and eliminating the impact of tissue autofluorescence by using highly pure metal tags for which signals are separated by mass instead of by wavelength. Incorporating an easy-to-use immunohistochemistry workflow that simultaneously detects many proteins in a single scan, IMC is ideal for uncovering new insights in health and disease and empowering the development of better diagnostics and more effective therapies.

About Fluidigm

Fluidigm (Nasdaq:FLDM) focuses on the most pressing needs in translational and clinical research, including cancer, immunology, and immunotherapy. Using proprietary CyTOF® and microfluidics technologies, we develop, manufacture, and market multi-omic solutions to drive meaningful insights in health and disease, identify biomarkers to inform decisions, and accelerate the development of more effective therapies. Our customers are leading academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, plant and animal research, and clinical laboratories worldwide. Together with them, we strive to increase the quality of life for all. For more information, visit fluidigm.com.

Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, CyTOF, Hyperion, Imaging Mass Cytometry, and IMC are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners. Fluidigm products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Forward-Looking Statements for Fluidigm 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements regarding potential applications for Fluidigm technology in disease research and development of therapies and expectations for Fluidigm’s Therapeutic Insights Services (TIS). Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including but not limited to risks relating to the possible loss of key employees, customers, or suppliers; uncertainties in contractual relationships; challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; risks relating to company research and development and distribution plans and capabilities; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, Fluidigm products; potential product performance and quality issues; intellectual property risks; competition; and reductions in research and development spending or changes in budget priorities by customers. Information on these and additional risks and uncertainties and other information affecting Fluidigm business and operating results is contained in Fluidigm’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Fluidigm disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

Available Information

We use our website (fluidigm.com), investor site (investors.fluidigm.com), corporate Twitter account (@fluidigm), Facebook page (facebook.com/Fluidigm), and LinkedIn page (linkedin.com/company/fluidigm-corporation) as channels of distribution of information about our products, our planned financial and other announcements, our attendance at upcoming investor and industry conferences, and other matters. Such information may be deemed material information, and we may use these channels to comply with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Therefore, investors should monitor our website and our social media accounts in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, and webcasts.

Fluidigm 

Media:

Mark Spearman
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
650 243 6621
[email protected]

Investors:

Agnes Lee
Vice President, Investor Relations
650 416 7423
[email protected]



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Demand for Convalescent Plasma Triples as COVID-19 Cases Rise

The Blood Connection in Urgent Need of Plasma as Vaccine Affects Donations

Greenville, SC | Charleston, SC | Raleigh, NC | Asheville, NC | Savannah, GA, Jan. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amid the arrival of the long awaited COVID-19 vaccine, the demand for a well-known treatment for those battling the virus, convalescent plasma, has skyrocketed. The Blood Connection (TBC), a non-profit community blood center, has seen the demand for this life-saving product triple in the past few months because of its effectiveness. TBC has played a crucial role in local convalescent plasma collection in its commitment to meet every community hospital’s need during the pandemic. However, the need for convalescent plasma continues to far outrun the supply.

 

The release of the COVID-19 vaccine has created a challenge for TBC, as it reduces the number of people who are eligible to give convalescent plasma. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that donors who have received the vaccine should not donate convalescent plasma but can donate whole blood (a regular blood donation). To give convalescent plasma, donors must be symptom free for at least 14 days and must have proof of a positive COVID-19 test or positive COVID-19 antibody test.

 


Convalescent plasma
 has proven to drastically help many COVID-19 patients battling the virus. TBC Medical Director, Robert Rainer, explains the significance of a plasma transfusion: “COVID is like a sprinter. It runs a 100-yard dash really, really fast. Blood plasma gives the patient a 50-yard head start, so it lets their immune system catch up and get ahead of the infection. When you donate with The Blood Connection, you’re helping a neighbor win that race.”

 

Not only are plasma units needed for current cases, a healthy stockpile of this product must be available. TBC has depleted its stockpile because of the increased number of orders from local hospitals. TBC and the community hospitals it serves are in desperate need of eligible donors to give immediately to stabilize the supply so that hospitals don’t have to be selective with who receives this treatment. Convalescent plasma cannot be manufactured or replicated; it must be donated. For those who think they may have had the virus at some point but don’t have documentation of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, TBC is urging those donors to give blood, which includes COVID-19 antibody testing. Antibody test results will be posted within seven business days. If positive, donors could be eligible to begin the process of donating convalescent plasma.

 

At a roundtable discussion last year, President Donald Trump, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, and Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci, among others, urged the public to donate convalescent plasma to be “heroes” for their fellow Americans.

 

“There is a role for everyone in this fight, whether you are helping us spread the word about donating this life-saving blood product or if you’re donating it yourself. The fact that the one of the tried-and-true treatments for the virus requires the help of someone else truly shows how this pandemic has been for many of us – an example of how to support one another,” says TBC President and CEO, Delisa English. “Right now, we need all hands on deck.”

 

As this community’s blood center, it is imperative that donors give convalescent plasma with TBC. Donors must be symptom free for at least 14 days and bring proof of a positive COVID-19 test or positive COVID-19 antibody test in order to donate. As a ‘thank you’, convalescent plasma donors will receive TBC Reward Points which can be redeemed for e-gift cards in the TBC Online Store. Please call 864-751-1168 to make an appointment to donate plasma at any TBC blood drive or at any TBC center in North Carolina, South Carolina and Savannah, GA.

 

 

###

About The Blood Connection

Founded in Greenville, SC, The Blood Connection has been committed to saving lives since 1962. TBC is an independently managed, not-for-profit, community blood center that provides blood products to more than 70 hospitals within Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.  Recognized by the U.S. Congress for its dedication to disaster preparedness and the community, TBC works diligently to collect blood from volunteer donors to meet the ever-increasing demand. By keeping collections local, TBC serves hundreds of thousands of patients a year in its communities. TBC is licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit thebloodconnection.org.

Attachments 



Allie Van Dyke
The Blood Connection
864-751-3020
[email protected]

Ellen Kirtner
The Blood Connection
984-222-1104
[email protected]

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The Peck Company Holdings to Acquire iSun Energy LLC, Award-Winning Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Provider and Clean Energy Product Innovator

The Peck Company Holdings to Acquire iSun Energy LLC, Award-Winning Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Provider and Clean Energy Product Innovator

Accretive acquisition with $2M near-term revenue commitments, 30-40% project gross margin and a software platform for recurring energy service revenues.

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The Peck Company Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PECK) (“Peck”), a leading commercial solar engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) company and iSun Energy LLC. (“iSun”), a provider of innovative solar power, electric mobility and smart city solutions for government, commercial, retail, academic and data-center projects, today announced that they have entered into a binding term sheet under which Peck will acquire iSun in an all-stock transaction. Mr. Peress will become Chief Innovation and Experience Officer.

Acquisition Rationale

Peck established a dominant position over the past 50 years as a leading electrical and data contractor, as well as the largest solar EPC in Vermont, focused on high-quality commercial, industrial and small-utility scale solar projects. Despite COVID related challenges last year, there were no project cancellations, and the last reported pipeline was $56M, with no anticipated overhead additions required to execute the existing pipeline. Peck has been executing a disciplined growth plan since becoming a public company in June 2019, and accretive M&A has been a top priority. Acquiring the iSun® Brand and its innovations is consistent with Peck’s evolution toward serving our customers as a full-service energy solutions provider. Furthermore, adding the higher margin products and energy services will have a positive impact on typical solar EPC margins. Combining Peck’s profitable EPC business for solar, data and electrical contracting with award-winning products and platforms that are modular, scalable and connected is a powerful combination that differentiates the company from other solar EV charging companies.

Highlights

  • PECK will change its name to iSun Energy and trade on Nasdaq under the ticker “ISUN” upon closing.
  • Peck Solar will continue to serve the commercial, industrial and utility-scale solar markets with high quality rooftop and ground mount solar installations, and, along with Peck Data and Peck Electric business units, will expand into new markets.
  • The iSun® Brand offerings include the iSun Energy & Mobility Hub, a solar canopy for EV charging, and the iSun Oasis Smart Solar Bench will immediately begin to be offered by the entire group to its current and new prospect base.
  • iSun Energy near term pipeline is in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and other locations, to be announced shortly.
  • Timely market expansion capitalizes on the Biden administration’s plan to make major public investments in renewables and electric mobility infrastructure, including in 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations.
  • Industry experts anticipate 100 GWs of solar infrastructure will be constructed over the next 5 years, representing 50% growth.

iSun® Brand Products

The flagship iSun Energy & Mobility Hub is the result of 30 years of passion, dedication, and innovation through sustainability. The iSun solar EV carport charging systems incorporate solar panels to charge electric vehicles while providing unparalleled software insights into data surrounding the energy produced, consumed, air quality effects and other key metrics. The iSun Oasis Smart Solar Bench is expected to be an integral part in developing smart cities and campuses and has the ability to charge any mobile device through integrated solar panels that collect and store energy throughout the day. iSun’s accompanying data platform allows for monitoring and analysis of key metrics through built in IoT (Internet of Things) sensors. The platform also affords both physical and digital advertising and branding, for additional recurring revenue opportunities. iSun’s Augmented Reality 3D software platform helps clients visualize their projects before they are built, making it easy for our clients to adopt sustainable solutions and to understand their impact on sustainability.

Management Commentary

Jeffrey Peck, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Peck, commented, “The acquisition of iSun Energy with its strong brand and innovative products is transformational for Peck. Consistent with our full-service approach to customers, we are having more conversations about Energy as a Service as we reach new customers in the fast-growing clean energy, smart-city and mobility industry. More customers want to experience the benefits of the clean energy, and we want to provide them that service by owning and managing the assets. We expect the new relationships we build will be a catalyst for the company’s rapid growth. As we re-brand to iSun Energy and expand into new markets with higher-margin products, we are dedicated to profitable growth for our shareholders and to high-quality service that our customers expect. Our incredible team and the services we currently provide through Peck Solar, Peck Data, and Peck Electric remain a strong platform to support our growth and will be leveraged in the new markets we will serve. We are also pleased to welcome Sass Peress as Chief Innovation and Experience Officer. He has been an innovator in our industry since 1988 when he founded a solar energy company that sold some of the first solar charging products in the world, and then moved into electric vehicle charging technology in 2010. He will help us communicate our new offerings through the iSun® Brand and will lead new business development, marketing and technology initiatives across mobility, smart city, and other markets.”

Sass Peress, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of iSun Energy LLC, added, “We create innovative products to serve important unmet needs in the industry, and joining with Peck assures that we will be able to deliver on the promises to a much wider audience, in manners more efficient and effective than ever before. Designing and integrating with today’s complex energy systems requires an ecosystem approach to assure grid resilience. Technologies such as Vehicle to Grid, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, stationary storage, and more are becoming central to satisfying smart grid and off-grid opportunities of the future. Our ‘Triple ROI’ approach (investment, intention, impact) is important to satisfy various stakeholders, and our ability to custom-tailor assets for sites means that we can now truly create unique experiences for clients, while delivering higher margins to our combined bottom line. We are proud to be joining Peck given the strength of their precision execution combined with our innovations are perfectly synergistic.”

As the new administration, Armed Forces, municipalities, and corporate entities increase support for renewable energy infrastructure and electrify their vehicle fleets, iSun’s customized approach will allow for tailoring of technologies that are easily deployable, scalable, robust and intelligent. The AI (artificial intelligence) code that iSun has in development will allow for “right-sizing” of energy generation, storage assets, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with the goal of improving resiliency for on/off-grid applications.

iSun’s innovations were recognized this year by the Solar Impulse Foundation of Bertrand Piccard as one of the globe’s Top 1000 Sustainability Solutions. As a winner, this award will result in the iSun solution being presented to hundreds of government entities around the world, including various municipal, state and federal agencies in the United States.

The transaction is expected to close in January 2021, subject to approval by Peck’s Board of Directors.

About The Peck Company Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in South Burlington, VT, The Peck Company Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PECK) is a 2nd-generation family business founded in 1972 and rooted in values that align people, purpose, and profitability. Ranked by Solar Power World as one of the leading commercial solar contractors in the Northeastern United States, Peck provides EPC services to solar energy customers for projects ranging in size from several kilowatts to multi-megawatt systems for commercial and utility scale projects. Peck has installed over 200 megawatts of solar systems since it started installing solar PV in 2012 and continues its focus on profitable growth opportunities. For more information, visit www.peckcompany.com.

About iSun Energy LLC

iSun Energy develops and deploys solar energy and smart city e-mobility hubs. The Burlington, Vermont based company is on a mission to provide clean energy and mobility, through the delivery of smart, solar energy generating structures, combined with EV charging, air quality tracking, and energy-resiliency services. iSun continues to add other proprietary products to serve the needs of smart-cities powered by clean energy. For more information, visit www.isunenergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about (i) the benefits of the proposed merger, including future financial and operating results, cost savings and synergies, effects on cash flow, market accessibility, financing opportunities, enhancements to revenue and accretion to reported earnings that may be realized from the proposed merger; (ii) Peck’s and iSun’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts; and (iii) other statements identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “targets,” “projects,” or words of similar meaning generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the respective management of Peck and iSun and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Peck and iSun. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results discussed in these forward-looking statements because of possible uncertainties.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval with respect to the proposed merger or otherwise. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy shall be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The Peck Company Holdings Investor Contact:

Michael d’Amato

[email protected]

Phone: 802-264-2040

iSun Energy LLC Contact:

Sass Peress

[email protected]

Phone: 514-909-5047

KEYWORDS: Vermont United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Other Automotive Other Energy Environment Utilities Alternative Energy Energy Urban Planning Interior Design Automotive Architecture Building Systems Other Natural Resources Alternative Vehicles/Fuels Natural Resources Other Technology General Automotive Software Other Construction & Property Residential Building & Real Estate Internet Commercial Building & Real Estate Hardware Construction & Property

MEDIA:

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Win-River Resort & Casino Selects Agilysys Solutions To Streamline Guest Self-Service and Improve the Guest Journey

Win-River Resort & Casino Selects Agilysys Solutions To Streamline Guest Self-Service and Improve the Guest Journey

Customer Expands Agilysys Partnership With rGuest Express And IG OnDemand Cloud-Native SaaS Contactless Mobile Products

ALPHARETTA, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Win-River Resort & Casino has expanded its existing Agilysys relationship with the addition of Agilysys’ modern cloud-native SaaS mobile solutions, rGuest Express for mobile check-in/out and IG OnDemand for contactless food and beverage ordering and payment, as well as IG KDS for kitchen order management.

A longtime user of Agilysys’ industry-leading Visual One PMS, InfoGenesis POS, Agilysys Pay payment gateway, DataMagine document management and Eatec inventory & procurement solutions, Win-River looked to Agilysys to help reduce lines at their front desk while ensuring a safe, contactless mobile check-in/out experience to streamline the guest journey. rGuest Express helps maintain social distancing and reduces direct contact while speeding guests on their way to enjoying everything the property has to offer.

In addition, with an intuitive guest-facing order and pay experience, IG OnDemand will allow guests to place pick-up or room service food & beverage orders using their own device – phone, tablet, laptop – and enjoy a contactless dining experience including payment. As a result, Win-River can increase revenue opportunities and enhance guest service.

“We were looking for a way to enable a contactless guest experience to promote the safety and health of our guests and staff,” said Win-River Casinos’ Director of Marketing, Kim Maricle. “With Agilysys rGuest Express we can deliver a more personalized guest journey, while the hotel enjoys reduced lines at the front desk, greater staff productivity, and reduced operating costs.”

Conveniently located just off Interstate 5 in Redding, California, Win-River Resort & Casino offers friendly service, a wide variety specials & promotions, all of your favorite slots, and exciting drawings. With its warm and welcoming accommodations situated in the heart of Northern California Win-River Resort & Casino is a favorite place to Stay & Play.

“We are excited to grow our relationship with Win-River,” said Jeba Kingsley, Vice President Professional Services at Agilysys. “Agilysys continues to invest in rapid product innovation to meet the needs of the hospitality industry with products based on modern cloud-native technologies for both SaaS and on-premise deployments. Agilysys rGuest Express will help Win-River implement social distancing guidelines and reduce direct guest contact with a modern guest self-service solution, while IG OnDemand will help provide a contactless F&B ordering and Payment guest experience.”

rGuest Express is a cloud-native SaaS solution that enables guests to check-in and check-out via a mobile device or lobby kiosk with support for digital keys, ID verification and key encoding. With rGuest Express, guests benefit from a streamlined experience, and the hotel enjoys reduced lines at the front desk, greater staff productivity, and reduced operating costs.

IG OnDemand is a modern cloud-native SaaS contactless self-service F&B ordering solution that offers an intuitive guest-facing order and pay experience. IG OnDemand allows guests to place and pay for orders using their own device – phone, tablet, laptop – for pick-up or delivery orders. The result is dramatically increased revenue opportunities and more chances to enhance guest service.

IG KDS is a modern flexible kitchen display system that provides an integrated efficient order management solution to improve kitchen operations and enhance guest satisfaction.

About Agilysys

Agilysys has been a leader in hospitality software for more than 40 years, delivering innovative cloud-native SaaS and on-premise guest-centric technology solutions for gaming, hotels, resorts and cruise, corporate foodservice management, restaurants, universities, healthcare, and sports and entertainment. Agilysys offers the most comprehensive software solutions in the industry, including point-of-sale (POS), property management (PMS), inventory and procurement, payments, and related applications, to manage the entire guest journey. Agilysys is known for its leadership in hospitality, its broad product offerings and its customer-centric service. Some of the largest hospitality companies around the world use Agilysys solutions to help improve guest loyalty, drive revenue growth and increase operational efficiencies. Agilysys operates across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and India with headquarters located in Alpharetta, GA.

For more information, visit www.agilysys.com.

Media:

Robert Shecterle, Agilysys, Inc., 770-810-6046, [email protected]

Investors:

Jessica Hennessy, Agilysys, Inc., 770-810-6116, [email protected]

KEYWORDS: California Georgia United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Mobile/Wireless Technology Casino/Gaming Entertainment Software Networks Lodging Data Management Destinations Travel

MEDIA:

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Exact Sciences Completes Acquisition of Thrive Earlier Detection, Creating a Leader in Blood-Based, Multi-Cancer Screening

PR Newswire

MADISON, Wis., Jan. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Exact Sciences Corp. (Nasdaq: EXAS) today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Thrive Earlier Detection Corp. (“Thrive”).

“Bringing Thrive into the Exact Sciences family marks a giant leap toward blood-based, multi-cancer screening becoming a reality and eventually the standard of care,” said Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences. “Today is an important one in Exact’s history as we continue to lead cancer diagnostics and transform the future for millions of patients through earlier detection and treatment guidance. On behalf of everyone at Exact Sciences, I’d like to welcome the talented Thrive team and express my excitement for the future of our company.”

About Exact Sciences Corp.

A leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, Exact Sciences relentlessly pursues smarter solutions providing the clarity to take life-changing action, earlier. Building on the success of Cologuard and Oncotype DX, Exact Sciences is investing in its product pipeline to take on some of the deadliest cancers and improve patient care. Exact Sciences unites visionary collaborators to help advance the fight against cancer. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.ExactSciences.com, follow Exact Sciences on Twitter @ExactSciences, or find Exact Sciences on Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning our expectations, anticipations, intentions, beliefs or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we have made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions and events to differ materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding expected future operating results; our strategies, positioning, resources, capabilities and expectations for future events or performance; and the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions, including estimated synergies and other financial impacts.

Important factors that could cause actual results, conditions and events to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: uncertainties associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including its possible effects on our operations, including our supply chain and clinical studies, and the demand for our products and services; our ability to efficiently and flexibly manage our business amid uncertainties related to COVID-19; our ability to successfully and profitably market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by patients and healthcare providers; our ability to meet demand for our products and services; the willingness of health insurance companies and other payers to cover our products and services and adequately reimburse us for such products and services; the amount and nature of competition for our products and services; the effects of any judicial, executive or legislative action affecting us or the healthcare system; recommendations, guidelines and quality metrics issued by various organizations regarding cancer screening or our products and services; our ability to successfully develop new products and services and assess potential market opportunities; our ability to effectively enter into and utilize strategic partnerships, such as through our Promotion Agreement with Pfizer, Inc., and acquisitions; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to maintain regulatory approvals and comply with applicable regulations; our ability to manage an international business and our expectations regarding our international expansion and opportunities; the potential effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and our efforts to hedge such effects; the possibility that the anticipated benefits from our business acquisitions (including the recent acquisitions of Thrive and Base Genomics Limited) will not be realized in full or at all or may take longer to realize than expected; the possibility that costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired businesses’ operations will be greater than expected and the possibility that integration efforts will disrupt our business and strain management time and resources; the outcome of any litigation, government investigations, enforcement actions or other legal proceedings, including in connection with acquisitions; our ability to retain and hire key personnel including employees at businesses we acquire. The risks included above are not exhaustive. Other important risks and uncertainties are described in the Risk Factors sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Exact Sciences Contacts

Investor Relations:

Megan Jones

[email protected]

608-535-8815

Media:

Katie Boyce

[email protected]  
608-710-3903

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exact-sciences-completes-acquisition-of-thrive-earlier-detection-creating-a-leader-in-blood-based-multi-cancer-screening-301201061.html

SOURCE EXACT SCIENCES CORP

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IIROC Trading Halt – AUSA

Canada NewsWire

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 5, 2021 /CNW/ – The following issues have been halted by IIROC:

Company: Australis Capital Inc.

CSE Symbol: AUSA

All Issues: Yes

Reason: At the request of the Company Pending News

Halt Time (ET): 8:16 AM

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

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

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IIROC Trading Halt – FTRP.WT

Canada NewsWire

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 5, 2021 /CNW/ – The following issues have been halted by IIROC:

Company: Field Trip Health Ltd.

CSE Symbol: FTRP.WT

All Issues: No

Reason: Pending Confirmation of Closing of the Arrangement

Halt Time (ET): 8:15 AM

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

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

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CDPHP Medicare Advantage Members to Receive No-Cost Nutritional Support Following Hospitalization

Important new benefit addresses food insecurity, reduces caregiver burden

Des Moines, IA and Albany, NY, Jan. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CDPHP, a regional, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 385,000 members in 29 counties in upstate New York, is working with Mom’s Meals® to offer home-delivered, fully-prepared meals at no cost to Medicare Advantage members returning home from the hospital.

Mom’s Meals, a leading provider of home-delivered meals nationwide, offers a variety of nutritional and condition-appropriate meals delivered to the homes of CDPHP members who will require additional support after returning home from the hospital. The benefit seeks to address food insecurity concerns and reduce caregiver burden.   

Studies consistently show that medically-tailored meals support patient recovery after hospitalization and reduce instances of readmission, as well as help patients manage chronic conditions, avoid hospitalizations, and preserve health and independence. Programs implemented through Mom’s Meals have seen up to an 80% reduction in inpatient stays 30 days post-discharge1.

“This partnership is an important extension of an in-hospital program CDPHP launched in 2019, which works to ensure our members are prepared for a successful transition from hospital to home,” said John D. Bennett, MD, president and CEO of CDPHP. “By offering Mom’s Meals, we give our Medicare Advantage members the nutritional support they need to make a meaningful recovery.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with CDPHP,” said Mike Anderson, president of Mom’s Meals. “At Mom’s Meals, we believe better health begins with the food we eat, and we look forward to supporting their mission to keep Medicare Advantage members healthy and preventing them from returning to the hospital.”

The nutrition benefit is now available to all CDPHP Medicare Advantage members.

###

About Mom’s Meals

At Mom’s Meals, we believe better health should be accessible to all, and it begins with the very meals we eat. We provide high-quality, refrigerated meals to any U.S. address. We put choice in the hands of our customers, offering a broad selection of entrees, including those to support common health conditions. For more information, visit www.momsmeals.com.

About CDPHP®

Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 29 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

1 This study from the AmeriHealth Caritas DC and Mom’s Meals program analyzed 138 members for 30 days who were enrolled in the program between November 1, 2017 and February 7, 2018.



Natalia Burkart
CDPHP
518-542-8524
[email protected]

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Delta Selects Viasat’s In-Flight Connectivity to Revolutionize the Customer Experience; Viasat to Deliver Enhanced Connectivity and a Path to Personalized, Free Content

Adding Viasat’s Next-Generation Ka-band Satellite Technology to Delta’s Mainline Fleet Will Help the Airline Modernize How Customers Stay Connected and Enjoy Content during Travel

PR Newswire

CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced Delta Air Lines selected Viasat’s industry-leading, next-generation Ka-band satellite in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution for more than 300 mainline narrow-body aircraft, including both new delivery and retrofits on A321ceo, 737-900ER and select 757-200 aircraft. Delta expects to bring the Viasat technology onboard these aircraft starting summer 2021, with Delta having the option to add additional fleets.

Delta will be upgrading its current IFC system to Viasat’s more advanced Ka-band satellite-powered technology to provide all customers with enhanced and reliable in-flight internet capabilities—including faster, more consistent connections and an ability to stream all types of entertainment and popular over-the-top content—to any internet-ready device, gate-to-gate. The Viasat/Delta relationship will lay the groundwork toward a true full, fast and free in-flight internet experience as well as future enhancements and personalization on customer seatback screens.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to delight our customers and offer an unparalleled onboard experience,” said Bill Lentsch, chief customer experience officer, Delta. “In working with Viasat, we gain the tools needed to deepen customer interactions and bring us closer to delivering more personalized in-flight content as well as an ability to consistently provide free, fast, streaming Wi-Fi in the future.”

“Delta is committed to optimize the customer journey, and we’re committed to helping them build a foundation toward a better in-flight internet and entertainment experience,” said Rick Baldridge, president and CEO, Viasat. “We have a proven in-flight connectivity solution that is high-quality, streaming-capable and can scale to meet Delta’s growing customer demand. We’re proud to be part of their connected ecosystem.”

Delta’s aircraft will be outfitted with Viasat’s latest Ka-band IFC system, and will be compatible with Viasat’s complete fleet of satellites, including Viasat’s first-generation spacecraft and partner satellites; its second-generation spacecraft ViaSat-2, and the forthcoming ViaSat-3 class of satellites, which are expected to offer global coverage with nearly eight times more capacity than Viasat’s current fleet—which means even more enhanced connectivity and streaming services to keep up with expected increases in demand.

For more information on how Delta plans to accelerate the future of in-flight connectivity, please read a Q&A with Delta’s Director of Brand Experience In-Flight Entertainment & Wi-Fi, Ekrem Dimbiloglu – found in Delta’s News Hub.

About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat’s Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include among others, statements that refer to the speed, performance, benefits, value, availability, forward-compatibility, coverage, capacity and reliability of Viasat’s in-flight internet and satellite systems; the ability to meet future broadband demands, including through the ViaSat-3 satellite platform, and to offer a true full, fast and free internet experience; and the installation of the Viasat in-flight internet system on Delta’s aircraft. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: contractual problems; product defects; manufacturing issues or delays; regulatory issues; technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; Viasat’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 satellite platforms; unexpected expenses or delays related to the satellite systems; the ability to successfully implement Viasat’s business plan for broadband satellite services on Viasat’s anticipated timeline or at all, including with respect to the ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 satellite platforms; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of Viasat’s satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; and increased competition and other factors affecting the aviation sector generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat’s SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Copyright © 2021 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-selects-viasats-in-flight-connectivity-to-revolutionize-the-customer-experience-viasat-to-deliver-enhanced-connectivity-and-a-path-to-personalized-free-content-301201052.html

SOURCE Viasat, Inc.

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(PRVL Alert) Johnson Fistel Investigates Proposed Sale of Prevail; Are Shareholders Getting a Fair Deal?

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shareholder rights law firm Johnson Fistel, LLP has launched an investigation into whether the board members of Prevail Therapeutics Inc. (“Prevail” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PRVL) breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed sale of the Company to Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) (“Eli Lilly” or the “Company”).  

On December 15, 2020, Prevail announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement with Eli Lilly. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Prevail shareholders will receive only $22.50 per share in cash, plus one non-tradable contingent value right (“CVR”) worth up to $4.00 per share in cash if certain milestones are reached.

The investigation concerns whether the Prevail board failed to satisfy its duties to the Company shareholders, including whether the board adequately pursued alternatives to the acquisition and whether the board obtained the best price possible for Prevail shares of common stock. Nationally recognized Johnson Fistel is investigating whether the proposed deal represents adequate consideration, especially given that one Wall Street analyst has a $26 price target on the stock.

If you are a shareholder of
Prevail and believe the proposed buyout price is too low or you’re interested in learning more about the investigation, please contact lead analyst Jim Baker (


[email protected]


) at

619-814-4471

. If emailing, please include a phone number.

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About Johnson Fistel, LLP:

Johnson Fistel, LLP is a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York, and Georgia. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit https://www.johnsonfistel.com. Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Contact:

Johnson Fistel, LLP
Jim Baker, 619-814-4471
[email protected]

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