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IIROC Trading Halt – VSBY

Canada NewsWire

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 1, 2020 /CNW/ – The following issues have been halted by IIROC:

Company: VSBLTY Groupe Technologies Corp.

CSE Symbol: VSBY

All Issues: Yes

Reason: At the Request of the Company Pending News

Halt Time (ET): 8:30 AM

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

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

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LivePerson Announces Proposed Private Offering of $450 Million of Convertible Senior Notes Due 2026

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — LivePerson, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPSN) (“LivePerson”) announced today that it intends to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “Notes”) in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”). LivePerson also intends to grant to the initial purchasers of the Notes a 13-day option to purchase up to an additional $67.5 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes.

The Notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of LivePerson, and will bear interest payable semi-annually in arrears. The Notes will mature on December 15, 2026, unless converted, repurchased or redeemed in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Prior to August 15, 2026, the Notes will be convertible at the option of holders only under certain circumstances, and thereafter, at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, the Notes may be settled in shares of LivePerson common stock, cash or a combination thereof, at the election of LivePerson.

The interest rate, conversion rate, offering price and other terms of the Notes will be determined at the time of pricing of the offering.

LivePerson intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes to pay the cost of the capped call transactions described below, and to use the remaining net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions or other strategic transactions.

In connection with the pricing of the Notes, LivePerson expects to enter into privately negotiated capped call transactions with one or more of the initial purchasers of the Notes and/or their respective affiliates and/or other financial institutions (the “capped call counterparties”). The capped call transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to holders of LivePerson common stock upon any conversion of the Notes and/or offset any cash payments that LivePerson could be required to make in excess of the aggregate principal amount of converted Notes, as the case may be, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap.  If the initial purchasers of the Notes exercise their option to purchase additional Notes, LivePerson expects to enter into additional capped call transactions with the capped call counterparties that are expected to generally offset potential dilution and/or potential cash payments relating to any conversion of the additional Notes issued upon exercise of such option, as the case may be.

In connection with establishing their initial hedges of the capped call transactions, the capped call counterparties have advised LivePerson that they and/or their respective affiliates expect to purchase LivePerson common stock and/or enter into various derivative transactions with respect to LivePerson common stock concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the Notes. This activity could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of LivePerson common stock or the Notes at that time.

In addition, the capped call counterparties or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to LivePerson common stock and/or purchasing or selling LivePerson common stock, or other securities or instruments (if any) of LivePerson in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes and prior to the maturity of the Notes (and are likely to do so during any observation period related to a conversion of the Notes occurring on or after August 15, 2026 or following any earlier conversion, repurchase or redemption of the Notes by LivePerson on any fundamental change repurchase date, on any optional redemption date or otherwise). This activity could also cause or avoid an increase or decrease in the market price of LivePerson common stock or the Notes, which could affect Noteholders’ ability to convert the Notes and, to the extent the activity occurs during any observation period related to a conversion of the Notes, it could affect the amount and value of the consideration that Noteholders will receive upon conversion of the Notes.

This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities (including the shares of LivePerson common stock, if any, into which the Notes are convertible) and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. Any offers of the Notes will be made only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the Act by means of a private offering memorandum.

The Notes and any shares of LivePerson common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Act, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” regarding LivePerson that are not historical facts, including, among other things, statements relating to the completion, timing and size of the offering, the potential effects of capped call transactions and the expected use of proceeds from the offering. Any such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from such statements, including, but not limited to, prevailing market conditions, the impact of general economic, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally, and whether the capped call transactions will become effective.  The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties, and factors, including those more fully described in the “Risk Factors” described in LivePerson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in LivePerson’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2020, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and in LivePerson’s other filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. LivePerson undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

Idalia Rodriguez

212-609-4214
[email protected]

 

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SOURCE LivePerson, Inc.

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Regulus Therapeutics Announces Private Placement of Equity

Definitive Agreement for $19.4 Million in Gross Proceeds

PR Newswire

LA JOLLA, Calif., Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: RGLS), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs (the “Company” or “Regulus”), today announced that it has entered into a definitive securities purchase agreement in connection with a private placement to existing institutional and other accredited investors as well as new institutional investors.  Upon the closing of the financing, which is anticipated to occur on December 3, 2020, the Company expects to receive gross proceeds of approximately $19.4 million, not including any proceeds that may be received upon exercise of warrants. The closing of the financing is subject to customary closing conditions. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the financing. 

Under the securities purchase agreement, the investors have agreed to purchase approximately 24.3 million shares of the Company’s Common Stock (“Common Stock”) and accompanying warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 18.2 million shares of Common Stock, at a combined purchase price of $0.7158 per share and accompanying warrant to purchase 0.75 of a share of Common Stock, except that the price per share for executive officers and directors participating as investors in the financing is $0.7239 per share and accompanying warrant to purchase 0.75 of a share of Common Stock. Certain investors have also agreed to purchase, in lieu of shares of Common Stock, an aggregate of approximately 272,970 shares of non-voting Class A-3 convertible preferred stock at a price of $6.22 per share, and accompanying warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to approximately 2.0 million shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.125 for each share of Common Stock underlying the warrants.  Each share of non-voting Class A-3 convertible preferred stock will be convertible into 10 shares of Common Stock, subject to certain beneficial ownership conversion limitations.  The warrants will be exercisable for a period of five years following the date of issuance and will have an exercise price of $0.7464 per share, subject to proportional adjustments in the event of stock splits or combinations or similar events.   The closing is expected to occur on December 3, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. 

The offer and sale of the foregoing securities are being made in a transaction not involving a public offering and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities may not be reoffered or resold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws.

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

About Regulus

Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: RGLS) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs. Regulus has leveraged its oligonucleotide drug discovery and development expertise to develop a pipeline complemented by a rich intellectual property estate in the microRNA field. Regulus maintains its corporate headquarters in La Jolla, CA. 

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements associated with the timing, size and completion of the private placement.  Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “goal,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Regulus’ current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect.  Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks associated with market conditions. These and other risks are described in additional detail in Regulus’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Regulus undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

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SOURCE Regulus Therapeutics Inc.

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MaxLinear Announces Three New High-Current DC/DC Power Modules that Simplify FPGA, DSP and SoC Power Management Designs in Infrastructure Applications

MaxLinear Announces Three New High-Current DC/DC Power Modules that Simplify FPGA, DSP and SoC Power Management Designs in Infrastructure Applications

  • The dual 18A and dual 25A power modules expand MaxLinear’s portfolio from 3A to 300A of output current

CARLSBAD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE: MXL), a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits, announced today the extension of its dual-output power module family with the release of a dual 18A (MxL7218) and two dual 25A (MxL7225 and MxL7225-1) power modules. These newly released products add to the existing family of power modules that include dual 4A (MxL7204) and dual 13A (MxL7213) versions and address industrial applications such as medical and test equipment. In addition, these power modules complement our industry leading infrastructure products such as 5G transceivers and modems, long haul optical TIAs and drivers, and cable infrastructure SoCs.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201201005519/en/

MxL7225 Conquers Thermal Challenges (Graphic: Business Wire)

MxL7225 Conquers Thermal Challenges (Graphic: Business Wire)

The dual 18A and two dual 25A power modules allow outputs to be paralleled for up to 36A or 50A per module, respectively. In addition, the power modules may be paralleled for single power rails up to 300A. The MxL7225-1 provides added flexibility to fine tune the control loop in cases where optimal transient performance is required.

Focused on powering FPGA, DSP and SoC high-current core and memory rails, these modules operate from a 4.5V to 15V input voltage while providing set output voltages from 0.6V to 1.8V. Using an industry standard pinout, designers can easily scale the power levels to match the required load. As power levels increase, efficiency and thermal performance becomes key. Not only do these modules have excellent thermal conductivity to the board, but by placing inductors externally and minimizing mold compound thickness, the case temperature can be as much as 13°C cooler without the complex internal heat-sinking structures found in competing modules.

“Power modules are used by designers to save space and simplify the design process by integrating a plethora of discrete components at densities generally not achievable on their own circuit boards,” said James Lougheed, Vice President of Marketing for MaxLinear’s High Performance Analog business unit. “These new releases advance our position in the fast-growing billion-dollar Power Supply in Package (PSiP) market.”

The MxL7218, MxL7225 and MxL7225-1 are available now in a thermally enhanced 16mm x 16mm x 5.01mm BGA package with RoHS compliant terminal finish and feature an industry standard pinout. The MxL7218, MxL7225 and MxL7225-1 are priced at $33.30, $44.40 and $44.40, respectively in 1,000-piece quantities. Samples and evaluation boards are available. For more information, visit https://www.maxlinear.com/products/power-management/power-conversion/power-modules

About MaxLinear, Inc.

MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE: MXL) is a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits for the connectivity and access, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications. MaxLinear is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. For more information, please visit www.maxlinear.com.

MxL and the MaxLinear logo are trademarks of MaxLinear, Inc. Other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning or implying future financial performance, anticipated product performance and functionality of our products or products incorporating our products, and industry trends and growth opportunities affecting MaxLinear, in particular statements relating to MaxLinear’s MxL7204, MxL7213, MxL7218, MxL7225, and MxL7225-1 power modules, including but not limited to potential market opportunities, functionality, and the benefits of use of such products. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We cannot predict whether or to what extent these new or existing products will affect our future revenues or financial performance. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current, preliminary expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may contain words such as “will be,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar expressions and include the assumptions that underlie such statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: intense competition in our industry and product markets; risks relating to the development, testing, and commercial introduction of new products and product functionalities; the ability of our customers to cancel or reduce orders; and uncertainties concerning how end user markets for our products will develop. Other risks potentially affecting our business include risks relating to acquisition integration; our lack of long-term supply contracts and dependence on limited sources of supply; potential decreases in average selling prices for our products; impacts from public health crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic or natural disasters; and the potential for intellectual property litigation, which is prevalent in our industry. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, investors should review the risks and uncertainties contained in MaxLinear’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including risks and uncertainties arising from other factors affecting the business, operating results, and financial condition of MaxLinear, including those set forth in MaxLinear’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, in each case as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. MaxLinear is providing this information as of the date of this release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

MaxLinear, Inc. Press Contact:

Debbie Brandenburg

Sr. Marketing Communications Manager

Tel: +1 669-265-6083

[email protected]

MaxLinear, Inc. Corporate Contact:

James Lougheed

Vice President of Marketing, High Performance Analog

Tel: +1 760-692-0711

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Telecommunications Software Networks Internet Hardware Data Management Technology Semiconductor

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MxL7225 Conquers Thermal Challenges (Graphic: Business Wire)
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Loya Insurance Group Transforms Digital Workplace Nationwide with 8×8 Open Communications Platform

Loya Insurance Group Transforms Digital Workplace Nationwide with 8×8 Open Communications Platform

One of the Largest Hispanic Owned and Operated Companies in the US Deploys 8×8 Cloud Communications and Contact Center Solution in More Than 700 Offices Across 11 States

CAMPBELL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–8×8, Inc. (NYSE: EGHT), a leading integrated cloud communications platform provider, today announced that the Loya Insurance Group, a leading auto insurance company, has deployed the 8×8 Open Communications Platform™ to transform all communications, collaboration and customer engagement onto a single cloud platform for its more than 3,500 employees across over 700 offices in the US.

Starting from a single store front in El Paso, Texas in 1974, the Loya Insurance Group has grown to be one of the largest Hispanic owned and operated companies in the United States with offices throughout Texas, Ohio, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, Illinois, Arizona, Indiana, and Alabama. The company was expanding due to increasing demand for its affordable auto insurance, but was hampered by having disparate, legacy on-premises communications and contact center systems that were costly to maintain, difficult to centrally administer, and could not ensure business resilience and productivity for a remote and mobile workforce.

“At the Loya Insurance Group, we believe in being a part of each community we serve and understand the importance of how our local accessibility has contributed to our amazing growth. We recognized the need to transform our digital workplace to accelerate the next phase of company growth,” said Mobashir Ahmed, IT Manager at the Loya Insurance Group. “By moving to a single vendor, we achieved operational cost savings and received enhanced support. At the same time, 8×8’s single platform also made it possible for our employees and contact center agents to stay productive and operate from anywhere on any device, while still maintaining the same high level of localized service our clients have come to expect.”

The Loya Insurance Group deployed the 8×8 Open Communications Platform, an integrated cloud voice, team chat, meetings, contact center and Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) solution. Having the entire company on the same modern, cloud communications platform enabled IT to centrally administer the solution while giving each employee a business phone number, including team chat and video meeting capabilities, that is accessible anywhere from the 8×8 Work desktop and mobile apps. Employees and contact center agents are now able to connect and collaborate seamlessly with each other. In addition, the Loya Insurance Group set up custom, in-office video kiosks integrated with 8×8 Contact Center to help clients safely and securely interact with agents via video.

“By deploying 8×8 Contact Center, our more than 200 contact center agents can quickly resolve customer inquiries and claims on their channel of choice, while working remotely. Combined with 8×8’s rich reporting and Quality Management and Speech Analytics capabilities, contact center managers can achieve better monitoring and act quickly on coaching opportunities to improve agent efficiency. We have also gained improved visibility into all interactions so we can make informed decisions to enhance customer experience,” added Ahmed. “We look forward to extending the 8×8 Open Communications Platform by integrating its CPaaS capabilities into our business workflows to further strengthen customer engagement.”

“Organizations of all sizes realize that cloud communications are imperative for ensuring business resilience and maximizing performance and growth, especially as they shift to a remote and mobile workforce,” said Vik Verma, Chief Executive Officer at 8×8, Inc. “Leading enterprises, such as the Loya Insurance Group, are achieving success by implementing the specific 8×8 Open Communications Platform capabilities that best solve their unique business requirements. We look forward to supporting their ongoing digital transformation efforts as they keep employees and customers connected and productive from anywhere.”

About 8×8, Inc.

8×8, Inc. (NYSE: EGHT) is transforming the future of business communications as a leading Software-as-a-Service provider of voice, video, chat, contact center, and enterprise-class API solutions powered by one global cloud communications platform. 8×8 empowers workforces worldwide to connect individuals and teams so they can collaborate faster and work smarter. Real-time business analytics and intelligence provide businesses unique insights across all interactions and channels so they can delight end-customers and accelerate their business. For additional information, visit www.8×8.com, or follow 8×8 on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

8×8® and 8×8 X Series™ are trademarks of 8×8, Inc.

US Media:

John Sun, 1-408-692-7054

john.sun@8×8.com

Investor Relations:

Victoria Hyde-Dunn, 1-669-333-5200

victoria.hyde-dunn@8×8.com

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Professional Services Telecommunications Software Insurance Professional Services Technology VoIP Other Technology

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NovelStem Increases NewStem Ownership to 33% as NewStem Prepares for First-Half 2021 FDA Filing for Approval of its Stem-Cell Based Anti-Cancer Drug Resistance Diagnostic; NovelStem Initiates Process to Become Publicly-Reporting with S.E.C. and to Up-List its Shares

BOCA RATON, Fla. and JERUSALEM, Dec. 01, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NovelStem International Corp.(OTC Pink: NSTM), a biotechnology company focused on its stem cell-based technology platform, developed by Israel-based affiliate, NewStem, Ltd., announced today:

  • NovelStem has completed the final $1M tranche of its NewStem investment, increasing its ownership to 33%, following NewStem’s successful, on-time completion of all development milestones set in July 2018.
  • NovelStem has commenced a process to become an SEC reporting company and to up-list its shares in order to enhance the Company’s visibility and trading liquidity.
  • NovelStem has a $3.6M market cap based on approximately 49M shares outstanding and a recent closing price of $0.0725. NovelStem has no debt and enough cash for the next 12 months of operations based on the current run rate of expenses.
  • Development affiliate NewStem expects to file for FDA approval for its first diagnostic product in the first half of 2021 and targets the commercial launch of its first diagnostic product in second half 2021.
  • NewStem has approximately $1.7M in cash which is expected to support it through the commercialization of its first product. NewStem wishes to secure one or more strategic partners to support commercialization of its diagnostic solution.

NewStem has developed a novel stem-cell-based technology platform used in the development of diagnostics and therapeutics. Using this technology, NewStem has identified and completed the analysis of resistance to the most frequently prescribed standard-of-care cancer treatments. NewStem is a spinoff of Yissum, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s technology-transfer company. NewStem holds intellectual property rights related to stem cells, including genome-wide screening methodologies. Its main patents were filed and allowed in both the United States (September 2020) and the European Union (June 2020).

In the first half of 2021 NewStem expects to file for approval for its first diagnostic product with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Given the anticipated review and approval timeline, NewStem is well positioned to potentially launch its first commercial diagnostic product in the second half of 2021.

NewStem’s diagnostic solutions are based on the research of specialized stem cells that carry just one set of chromosomes (haploid cells) by Professor Nissim Benvenisty, Director of the Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research at the Hebrew University. These unique cells “provide novel means for studying human functional genomics” (Nature, 2016), and their genetic manipulation “constructed an atlas of essential and growth-restricting genes in human pluripotent stem cells” (Nature Cell Biology, 2018). NewStem’s most advanced solution is a diagnostic product and database that enables NewStem to predict patients’ resistance to certain anti-cancer therapies, allowing for better, targeted personal-oncology treatments with the potential to reduce incidents of anti-cancer drug resistance which occurs in nearly 50% of all cancer cases. NewStem technology has the potential to significantly reduce ineffective treatments, thereby improving patient outcome while also potentially providing hundreds of millions of dollars in savings from unnecessary treatment costs.

NewStem Investment

The $1.0M investment was funded by the private sale to accredited investors of 6M shares of NovelStem common stock for net proceeds of $0.6M plus $0.4M of internal funds. NovelStem now has approximately 49M shares outstanding and approximately 6.5M options with an exercise price of $0.10. Management believes NovelStem currently has enough cash to fund its contemplated operations over the next twelve months.

Following the NovelStem investment, NewStem has approximately $1.7M in cash which is believed to be sufficient to support its operations over the next 9 to 12 months, including the anticipated launch of its diagnostic solution in the second half of 2021.

Initiating Public-Reporting
to Support Up-listing
of NovelStem Shares

In order to increase its visibility and transparency, NovelStem is in discussions with nationally recognized accounting firms to prepare audited financial statements for the past 3 years and to prepare and oversee its ongoing SEC reporting. NovelStem expects to complete this process in mid 2021 at which point it will pursue an up-listing of its common stock from OTC Pink to the OTCQB market, as a first step toward its longer-term goal of a Nasdaq listing.

Jan Loeb, NovelStem’s Chairman commented, “Following our prior investments in July 2018 and December 2019, we are excited to expand our ownership in NewStem to 33% by completing the final tranche of our investment agreement. NewStem has made impressive progress advancing their stem-cell diagnostic technology platform over this time, successfully achieving the progress milestones required for our follow-on investments.

“To date NewStem has successfully identified the genetic resistance profiles for a dozen standard of care anti-cancer chemotherapy agents, triggering our final investment milestone. In addition to this impressive progress, NewStem has also progressed two additional collaborations that leverage its technology platform in other applications. One is an externally-funded project in cancer immunotherapy and the other is for COVID-19 genetic research.

“We are proud to have played an integral role in supporting NewStem’s substantial progress over the past 2 ½ years which have put it on a streamlined path to initial commercialization. We believe NovelStem provides investors with an exciting opportunity to participate in the growth and value creation potential of NewStem’s technology platform across a range of applications. Given the clinical progress and commercialization plans over the next 12 months, we believe it is now appropriate for NovelStem to invest in audited financials and public reporting so that we can move our common stock to a more visible, credible market that can support enhanced liquidity.”

NewStem’s
Cancer Treatment Resistance Diagnostics Program

Drug resistance in tumors is a major cause of cancer treatment failure, yet in nearly 50% of cancer cases this resistance is recognized only after the completion of the first course of treatment. NewStem is advancing its specialized human stem cell-based approach for predicting patients’ resistance to cancer therapy, allowing for better, targeted personal-oncology treatments and related health and cost benefits. NewStem has completed the screening for resistance diagnostics for a dozen standard-of-care cancer treatments, representing a significant portion of treatment protocols.

NewStem has validated the performance of its screening results in conjunction with retrospective genetic and clinical data of patients previously treated with anti-cancer drugs. The testing for the chosen drug and indications is now being finalized, which will be followed by the regulatory clearance process, including submitting the results to the FDA in the first half of 2021. According to NewStem’s regulatory strategy approach, the regulatory review process is expected to take several months, following which an anticipated product launch could take place by the second half of 2021.

NewStem’s
COVID-19 Research Collaboration

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV–2) is the virus strain that causes the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Under a collaboration with the Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research at the Hebrew University, using NewStem’s haploid human embryonic stem cell platform technology and genome-wide screening methodologies, research was initiated for identifying genes that regulate the pathogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This research is intended to help develop methods to generate resistance to SARS–CoV–2 and enable new ways to find therapies for the devastating disease. The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research has received national and international funding for this research, and established collaborations with virology and pulmonology experts in Israel and in China.

NewStem
Cancer Immunotherapy Collaboration

In February 2020, a leading NASDAQ biopharma company executed a collaboration agreement with NewStem to fund research utilizing NewStem’s technology platform. The research is to support the development of a potential new biopharmaceutical in the field of cancer immunotherapy as well as to pursue discovery of new drug targets. The project includes 3 main milestones and is expected to take approximately 12 months. NewStem successfully met the first two milestones and is now conducting experiments to meet the third milestone. Should the research progress to support a successful immunotherapy, NewStem would be entitled to further milestone payments as well as royalties based on sales.

About NovelStem International Corp.
www.novelstem.com

NovelStem owns a 33% stake in NewStem Ltd. which is advancing its novel stem-cell-based diagnostic technology for predicting patients’ resistance to cancer therapies, allowing for better, targeted cancer treatments with the potential to reduce incidents of drug resistance. The technology is also being used for genetic research related to other medical therapies. NovelStem recently increased its ownership to 33% from 27.3% based upon completion of an additional $1M investment on top of $3M that was invested prior, for a total investment of $4M in NewStem. NovelStem also has a 50% stake in Netco Partners, which owns the Net Force publishing franchise.

About NewStem Ltd.

NewStem Ltd. is advancing novel stem-cell-based technology utilized for the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics. The most advanced product of NewStem is a diagnostic predicting patients’ resistance to cancer therapy, allowing for better, targeted personal-oncology treatments with the potential to reduce incidents of anti-cancer drug resistance. NewStem is a spinoff of Yissum, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s technology-transfer company. NewStem’s diagnostic solutions are based on the research of human haploid pluripotent stem cells (hHPSCs) by Professor Nissim Benvenisty, Director of the Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research at the Hebrew University. NewStem holds the intellectual property, reagents and experience required for hHPSC isolation, differentiation, genetic manipulation, immunogenicity and tumorigenicity.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release and its hyperlinks may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws. The matters discussed herein that are forward-looking statements are based on current board and management expectations that involve risks and uncertainties that may result in such expectations not being realized. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous potential risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the success of NewStem’s research and future commercialization of its diagnostics utilizing human haploid pluripotent stem cells, competition in the area of genetic diagnostics, the ability to retain key personnel involved in research and development, the ability to secure appropriate regulatory approvals, and the ability to fund future investment in NewStem. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.

NovelStem Investor
Relations

Bill Jones or David Collins
Catalyst IR
(212) 924-9800
[email protected]



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ShiftMed Launches Guaranteed Shifts™ with Skilled Nursing Providers

Healthcare Providers Get 11% Cost Savings Versus Staffing Agencies & Increase Coverage

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 01, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ShiftMed, LLC, an industry leader in on-demand health care staffing platforms, partnered with leading skilled nursing providers to offer Guaranteed Shifts™ to workers using the ShiftMed Mobile App. Guaranteed Shifts™ gives ShiftMed employees peace of mind, knowing they still get paid if a shift is canceled. Employee trust and confidence help skilled nursing providers fill more shifts while reducing reliance on surge pricing or a last-minute bonus. These positions include Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs).

ShiftMed’s skilled nursing partner client companies care for a variable number of patients, especially during this pandemic. The certainty of a Guaranteed Shift™ increases clients’ “fill” and “show” rates without adding expensive bonuses. During COVID-19, other staffing agencies increased prices to health care companies to capitalize on shortages.

“Our front-line employees do their best to manage during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which involves stressful coordination of childcare and transportation,” says Todd Walrath, CEO of ShiftMed. “Before Guaranteed Shifts™, one of our employees’ biggest risks was the possibility of a shift cancelation. We eliminated this risk to reduce the anxiety of our clinical team.”

The goodwill from Guaranteed Shifts™ yields tangible cost savings for ShiftMed customers; skilled nursing partners have seen cost per shift reduced by over 11%, an average savings of $3.30 per hour.

The app lists the Guaranteed Shifts™ requested locally, in real-time. Premier Healthcare Management is an early innovator by offering Guaranteed Shifts™. Employee response to Guaranteed Shifts™ is overwhelming:

  • 20% more likely to pick up shifts.
  • Commit to shifts 14 hours earlier.
  • More reliably show up with a 10% increase in show rate.

“We work hard with ShiftMed to break the cycle where workers would delay scheduling their hours. In the past, workers waited for surged rates or bonuses or the end of the week before committing to a shift,” declares Jan Ricchio, COO of Premier Healthcare Management. “Our guarantee of shifts through ShiftMed was strategic, exclusive, and reaped immediate rewards. By promising not to cancel shifts, we broke the cycle of offering bonuses to fill schedules while improving staffing reliability. The guarantee gives us better access to ShiftMed’s large pool of staff.”

About Premier Healthcare Management LLC

Premier Healthcare Management is a Philadelphia-based management company with 25 centers, including 9 in Pennsylvania. Premier locations are providers of high-quality residential services that allow seniors to remain active and independent, while confident of the best assistance, support, and medical care.

About ShiftMed

ShiftMed customers are more than 200 enterprise health care partners across the country. ShiftMed gives them software tools and access to labor to streamline the delivery of care services. The ShiftMed on-demand platform allows health care providers to get compliant, credentialed workers to meet their unpredictable needs. For more information, visit ShiftMed.com.

For More Information, Contact:

Becky Boyd
MediaFirst
[email protected]
404.421.8497



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PPL General Counsel to Retire June 1, 2021

Company begins search for successor

PR Newswire

ALLENTOWN, Pa., Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) announced today that Joanne H. Raphael, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, plans to retire on June 1, 2021, after a 35-year career with the company.

“On behalf of PPL’s Board of Directors and our entire leadership team at PPL, I want to thank Joanne for her outstanding service and commitment to PPL,” said Vincent Sorgi, PPL president and chief executive officer.

“Throughout her distinguished career, Joanne has consistently provided exceptional leadership and counsel, expertly guiding legal, policy and communications strategies as PPL has grown and our industry has changed. She has been a tireless champion of diversity within PPL, a role model and mentor for so many employees, and a leader in our communities. And at all times, she has been someone who has served with passion and integrity in putting the best interests of our customers and shareowners first,” added Sorgi.

Raphael has served as PPL’s general counsel and corporate secretary since June 1, 2015. Prior to that, she held various roles within the legal department, including deputy general counsel. She was named to lead PPL’s External Affairs function in 1998, and over the years, she was responsible for federal and state government relations, corporate communications, environmental, real estate, community relations and economic development functions.

She serves as chair of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s board of directors and is a director of the PPL Foundation, which contributes millions each year to improve the lives of individuals in the communities PPL serves.

The company said it will conduct an internal and external search to identify a successor. Raphael will assist to ensure a seamless transition to a new general counsel.

Headquartered in Allentown, Pa, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) is one of the largest companies in the U.S. utility sector. PPL’s seven high-performing, award-winning utilities serve more than 10 million customers in the U.S. and United Kingdom. With more than 12,000 employees, the company is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and reliability and delivering superior value for shareowners. To learn more, visit www.pplweb.com.


Note to Editors: Visit our media website at



www.pplnewsroom.com



 for additional news and background about PPL Corporation.

Contacts:  For news media: Ryan Hill, 610-774-4033
                  For financial analysts: Andy Ludwig, 610-774-3389

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ppl-general-counsel-to-retire-june-1-2021-301182549.html

SOURCE PPL Corporation

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Global Water Resources Acquires Two Water Utilities in Pima County, Arizona

PHOENIX, Dec. 01, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Water Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: GWRS), (TSX: GWR), a pure-play water resource management company, has acquired two small water utility companies, Tortolita Water Company and Lyn-Lee Water Company. They are located near Tucson, Arizona, close to the company’s existing Red Rock Utilities.

The acquisition of these water utilities adds 58 active water connections, bringing Global Water’s total active connections to 47,827.

“We look forward to bringing our leading water resource management capabilities to these communities,” stated Global Water Resources president and CEO, Ron Fleming. “We expect all stakeholders involved to benefit from our successful approach to utility consolidation, operations and water conservation best practices.”

The Lyn-Lee Water Company has been facing certain operational challenges that will require infrastructure investments. Global Water has the resources and specialized know-how that can rectify these challenges, which are not unlike those facing many other small water utilities.

Tortolita and Lyn-Lee represent Global Water’s third and fourth acquisitions this year in Pima County following its acquisitions of Mirabell Water Company in October and Francesca Water Company in November. The company plans to make additional tuck-in acquisitions in the county next year.

“Small utility companies similar to Tortolita and Lyn-Lee are often unable to overcome operational challenges that require additional capital, especially in this post-COVID-19 world,” added Christopher Krygier, chief strategy officer for Global Water Resources. “Global Water is well positioned to acquire these small utilities, and help them overcome obstacles with the capital investment and expertise we can provide.”

About Global Water Resources
Global Water Resources, Inc. is a leading water resource management company that owns and operates 16 utilities which provide water, wastewater, and recycled water services. The company’s service areas are located primarily in growth corridors around metropolitan Phoenix. Global Water recycles nearly 1 billion gallons of water annually.

The company has been recognized for its highly effective implementation of Total Water Management (TWM). TWM is an integrated approach to managing the entire water cycle by owning and operating water, wastewater and recycled water utilities within the same geographic area in order to maximize the beneficial use of recycled water. TWM includes additional smart water management programs, such as remote metering infrastructure and other advanced technologies, rate designs, and incentives that result in real conservation. TWM helps protect water supplies in water-scarce areas experiencing population growth. To learn more, visit www.gwresources.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements which reflect the company’s expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve a number of assumptions, risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning future net income growth, our strategy, acquisition plans, our dividend policy, the timing and likelihood of approval of the certificate of convenience and necessity for the Inland Port project and the anticipated benefits, trends relating to population growth, active service connections, regulated revenue, housing permit projections, the development of residential and commercial properties within our service areas, the anticipated impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on the company, including to our business operations, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position, and our future responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other statements that are not historical facts as well as statements identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, or the negative of these terms, or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in political, economic, business, market, regulatory, and other factors, including the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions to contain the virus or treat its impact. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s views as of the date hereof. Factors that may affect future results are disclosed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. This includes, but is not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, and subsequent filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Company Contact:

Michael J. Liebman
SVP and CFO
Tel (480) 999-5104
[email protected]

Investor Relations:

Ron Both or Grant Stude
CMA Investor Relations
Tel (949) 432-7566
[email protected]



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Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. and AEP Announce Signing of an Agreement

CORSICANA, TX, Dec. 01, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. (OTCQB: MEEC) (“ME2C”) today announced the signing of an agreement with AEP Generation Resources, Inc., Southwestern Electric Power Co., and AEP Texas Inc. (collectively, “AEP”) to provide AEP a non-exclusive license to certain ME2C patents for use in connection with AEP’s coal-fired power plants. Such patents licensed to AEP relate to ME2C’s two-part Sorbent Enhancement Additive (SEA®) process for mercury removal from coal-fired power plants.

As a result of the agreement being announced today, ME2C has agreed to dismiss all claims brought against AEP in the patent litigation initiated by ME2C, and AEP has agreed to withdraw from petitions for Inter Partes Review which had been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office pertaining to such patents. These proceedings will continue with respect to the other parties involved.

Richard MacPherson, President and CEO of ME2C, stated “We believe this agreement is a testament to AEP’s recognition of our patented technologies and the significant value that our technologies will provide to their coal-fired plants. We look forward to growing a strong business relationship with AEP in the coming years.”

“With a strong infrastructure,” continued MacPherson, “we have the capacity and resources to accommodate organic growth in our supply business moving into 2021.”

About Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. (ME2C
®
)

Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. (OTCQB: MEEC) is a leading environmental technologies company delivering patented and proprietary solutions to the global power industry. ME2C’s leading-edge services have been shown to achieve emissions removal at a significantly lower cost and with less operational impact than currently used methods, while maintaining and/or increasing power plant output and preserving the marketability of byproducts for beneficial use. For more information, please visit www.midwestemissions.com.


Safe Harbor Statement

With the exception of historical information contained in this press release, content herein may contain “forward-looking statements” that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” and similar expressions, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. Matters that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors, the gain or loss of a major customer, change in environmental regulations, disruption in supply of materials, capacity factor fluctuations of power plant operations and power demands, a significant change in general economic conditions in any of the regions where our customer utilities might experience significant changes in electric demand, a significant disruption in the supply of coal to our customer units, the loss of key management personnel, availability of capital and any major litigation regarding ME2C. In addition, this release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management’s best analysis only as of the date of this release. ME2C does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release. Further information concerning issues that could materially affect financial performance related to forward-looking statements contained in this release can be found in ME2C’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


ME
2
C Contact:

Stacey Hyatt
Corporate Communications
Midwest Energy Emissions Corp.
Main: 614-505-6115 x-1001
Direct: 404-226-4217
[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

Greg Falesnik or Brooks Hamilton
MZ Group – MZ North America
949-546-6326
[email protected]
www.mzgroup.us