Market Newsdesk

SAN CARLOS, Calif., Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point Research, the Threat Intelligence arm of Check Point^® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, has published its latest Global Threat Index for December 2020. Researchers reported that the Emotet trojan has returned to first place in the top malware list, impacting 7% of organizations globally, following a spam campaign which targeted over 100,000 users per day during the holiday season.

In September and October 2020, Emotet was consistently at the top of the Global Threat Index, and was linked to a wave of ransomware attacks. But in November it was much less prevalent, dropping to 5^th place in the Index. Researchers state that it has now been updated with new malicious payloads and improved detection evasion capabilities: the latest version creates a dialogue box, which helps it evade detection by users. Emotet’s new malicious spam campaign uses different delivery techniques to spread Emotet, including embedded links, document attachments, or password-protected Zip files.

First identified in 2014, Emotet has been regularly updated by its developers to maintain its effectiveness for malicious activity. The Department of Homeland Security has estimated that each incident involving Emotet costs organizations upwards of $1 million to rectify.

“Emotet was originally developed as banking malware which sneaked on to users’ computers to steal private and sensitive information. However, it has evolved over time and is now seen as one of the most costly and destructive malware variants,” said Maya Horowitz, Director, Threat Intelligence & Research, Products at Check Point. “It’s imperative that organizations are aware of the threat Emotet poses and that they have robust security systems in place to prevent a significant breach of their data. They should also provide comprehensive training for employees, so they are able to identify the types of malicious emails which spread Emotet.”

The research team also warns that “MVPower DVR Remote Code Execution” is the most common exploited vulnerability, impacting 42% of organizations globally, followed by “HTTP Headers Remote Code Execution (CVE-2020-13756)” which impact 42% of organizations worldwide.

Top malware families


*The arrows relate to the change in rank compared to the previous month.

This Month, Emotet remains the most popular malware with a global impact of 7% of organizations, closely followed by Trickbot and Formbook – which impacted 4% of organizations worldwide, each.

1. ↑ Emotet – Emotet is an advanced, self-propagate and modular Trojan. Emotet once used to employ as a banking Trojan, and recently is used as a distributer to other malware or malicious campaigns. It uses multiple methods for maintaining persistence and Evasion techniques to avoid detection. In addition, it can be spread through phishing spam emails containing malicious attachments or links.
2. ↑ Trickbot – Trickbot is a dominant banking Trojan constantly being updated with new capabilities, features and distribution vectors. This enables Trickbot to be a flexible and customizable malware that can be distributed as part of multi purposed campaigns.
3. ↑ Formbook – Formbook is an Info Stealer that harvests credentials from various web browsers, collects screenshots, monitors and logs keystrokes, and can download and execute files according to its C&C orders.

Top exploited vulnerabilities

This month “MVPower DVR Remote Code Execution” is the most common exploited vulnerability, impacting 42% of organizations globally, followed by “HTTP Headers Remote Code Execution (CVE-2020-13756)” which impact 42% of organizations worldwide. “Web Server Exposed Git Repository Information Disclosure” is on the third place in the top exploited vulnerabilities list, with a global impact of 41%.

1. ↑ MVPower DVR Remote Code Execution – remote code execution vulnerability exists in MVPower DVR devices. A remote attacker can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code in the affected router via a crafted request.
2. 
   ↓
   
   HTTP Headers Remote Code Execution (CVE-2020-13756) – HTTP headers let the client and the server pass additional information with an HTTP request. A remote attacker may use a vulnerable HTTP Header to run arbitrary code on the victim machine.
3. ↑
   Web Server Exposed Git Repository Information Disclosure – information disclosure vulnerability has been reported in Git Repository. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an unintentional disclosure of account information.

Top mobile malware

This month, Hiddad holds 1^st place in the most prevalent mobile malware, followed by xHelper and Triada.

1. Hiddad – Hiddad is an Android malware which repackages legitimate apps and then releases them to a third-party store. Its main function is to display ads, but it can also gain access to key security details built into the OS.
2. xHelper – A malicious application seen in the wild since March 2019, used for downloading other malicious apps and display advertisement. The application is capable of hiding itself from the user and reinstall itself in case it was uninstalled.
3. Triada – Modular Backdoor for Android which grants superuser privileges to downloaded malware.

Check Point’s Global Threat Impact Index and its ThreatCloud Map is powered by Check Point’s ThreatCloud intelligence, the largest collaborative network to fight cybercrime which delivers threat data and attack trends from a global network of threat sensors. The ThreatCloud database inspects over 2.5 billion websites and 500 million files daily and identifies more than 250 million malware activities every day.

The complete list of the top 10 malware families in December can be found on the Check Point Blog.

Follow Check Point Research via:

Blog: https://research.checkpoint.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_cpresearch_

About Check Point Research

Check Point Research provides leading cyber threat intelligence to Check Point Software customers and the greater intelligence community. The research team collects and analyzes global cyber-attack data stored on ThreatCloud to keep hackers at bay, while ensuring all Check Point products are updated with the latest protections. The research team consists of over 100 analysts and researchers cooperating with other security vendors, law enforcement and various CERTs.

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading provider of cyber security solutions to governments and corporate enterprises globally.  Check Point’s solutions protect customers from 5^th generation cyber-attacks with an industry leading catch rate of malware, ransomware and advanced targeted threats. Check Point offers a multilevel security architecture, “Infinity Total Protection with Gen V advanced threat prevention”, this combined product architecture defends an enterprise’s cloud, network and mobile devices. Check Point provides the most comprehensive and intuitive one point of control security management system. Check Point protects over 100,000 organizations of all sizes.

TORONTO, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the “Company” or “Torex”) (TSX: TXG) reports Q4 2020 gold production of 130,640 ounces and full year production of 430,480 ounces. Annual output at El Limón Guajes (ELG) beat the upper end of revised production guidance (390,000 to 420,000 ounces) and exceeded the lower end of original guidance (420,000 to 480,000 ounces). In August, annual production guidance was lowered following a partial quarter of operations in Q2, which was a direct result of a mandated shutdown by the Government of Mexico to combat COVID-19 within the country.

During Q4 2020, Torex sold 133,060 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $1,845 per ounce. For the full year 2020, the Company sold 437,310 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $1,770 per ounce.

Q4 & Full YEAR 2020 OPERATIONAL Highlights

Gold grades mined, gold grades processed, and gold recoveries will be reported with full year 2020 financial results after reconciliations have been completed. Average rates quoted are based on calendar days.

Jody Kuzenko, President & CEO of Torex, stated:

“We delivered another solid operational result to close out 2020, a guidance beat which follows a strong pattern of delivering on our commitments. We expect this operational consistency to continue, which, combined with robust margins, positions us well to continue to generate strong operating cash flow. During Q4 2020, we reduced debt by a further $116 million dollars, exiting the year with debt of $40 million and a strong cash balance.

“With solid fundamentals in place, we are well positioned to build a future that will deliver increasing value to shareholders. Reinvesting in our business is a core aspect of this value creation, as we extend the life of ELG underground and potentially the El Limon open pit; de-risk and advance Media Luna; field test our proprietary Muckahi Mining System; and invest in exploration at ELG, Media Luna and other high priority targets within the broader under-explored Morelos land package.

“After achieving 10 million hours worked without a lost time injury in November, we incurred one in December due to a finger injury sustained by a contractor. Our excellence in safety and operational discipline continues – both key to the reliable and consistent results that people have come to expect of Torex.”

Torex expects to release 2021 production and cost guidance within the coming week.

About Torex Gold Resources Inc.

Torex is an intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the mining, developing and exploring of its 100% owned Morelos Gold Property, an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometres southwest of Mexico City. The Company’s principal assets are the El Limón Guajes mining complex (“ELG” or the “ELG Mine Complex”), comprising the El Limón, Guajes and El Limón Sur open pits, the El Limón Guajes underground mine including zones referred to as Sub-Sill and ELD, and the processing plant and related infrastructure, which commenced commercial production as of April 1, 2016, and the Media Luna deposit, which is an early stage development project, and for which the Company issued an updated preliminary economic assessment in September 2018 (the “Technical Report”). The property remains 75% unexplored.

For further information, please contact:

TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC.

CAUTIONARY NOTES

Non-IFRS Performance Measures
Average realized price is a financial performance measure with no standard meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Please refer to the “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures” section in the Company’s management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2019 (“Q4 2019”) dated February 19, 2020, and quarter ended September 30, 2020, dated November 2, 2020 (“Q3 2020”) and available on the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com for further information with respect to average realized price and a detailed reconciliation of this non-IFRS financial performance measure for Q4 2019 and Q2 2020 to the most directly comparable measures under IFRS.

Muckahi Mining System

The Technical Report includes information on Muckahi. It is important to note that Muckahi is experimental in nature and has not been tested in an operating mine. Many aspects of the system are conceptual, and proof of concept has not been demonstrated. Drill and blast fundamentals, standards and best practices for underground hard rock mining are applied in the Muckahi, where applicable. The proposed application of a monorail system for underground transportation for mine development and production mining is unique to underground hard rock mining. There are existing underground hard rock mines that use a monorail system for transportation of materials and equipment, however not in the capacity described in the Technical Report. Aspects of Muckahi mining equipment are currently in the design and test stage. The mine design, equipment performance and cost estimations are conceptual in nature, and do not demonstrate technical or economic viability. Aspects of Muckahi mining equipment are currently in the design stage. The Company has completed the development and the first phase of testing the concept for the mine development and production activities in 2019 (including the system’s elements to break rock) and in 2020 the focus is on optimization to further verify the viability of Muckahi (including the system’s elements to move rock as an integrated system).

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, statements that: we expect this operational consistency to continue, which, combined with robust margins, positions us well to continue to generate strong operating cash flow; with solid fundamentals in place, we are well positioned to build a future that will deliver increasing value to shareholders; reinvesting in our business is a core aspect of this value creation, as we extend the life of ELG underground and potentially the El Limon open pit, de-risk and advance Media Luna, field test our proprietary Muckahi Mining System, and invest in exploration at ELG, Media Luna and other high priority targets within the broader under-explored Morelos land package; our excellence in safety and operational discipline carries on, both key to the reliable and consistent results that people have come to expect of Torex. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “believes”, “future”, “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “can”, “may”, “could”, “would” or “might”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the inability of the Company’s mining and exploration operations to operate as intended due to shortage of skilled employees, shortages in supply chains, inability of employees to access sufficient healthcare, significant social upheavals, government or regulatory actions or inactions, decreased demand or the inability to sell precious metals or declines in the price of precious metals, capital market volatility, uncertainty involving skarns deposits and the management of soluble iron and those risk factors identified in the Technical Report and the Company’s annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. Notwithstanding the Company’s efforts, there can be no guarantee that the Company’s measures to protect employees and surrounding communities from COVID-19 during this period will be effective. Forward-looking information are based on the assumptions discussed in the Technical Report and such other reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RaySecur™, developer of MailSecur™, the world’s first 3D desktop security scanners for the safe detection of items concealed in letters and packages, today announced it is a finalist for the 2021 Prism Awards, honoring the best new optics and photonics products on the market.

MailSecur™ is a desktop-sized scanner used by leading Fortune 500 companies across the banking, financial services, tech, and other high-profile industries to detect threats in their incoming mail. RaySecur’s imaging technology provides the ability to “see inside” packages and other items in real-time using millimeter wave (mmWave) technology. Unlike X-ray systems which use harmful ionizing radiation and produce only 2D images, mmWave technology is safe, providing dynamic, full motion imaging of concealed items in 3D.

Founded in 1955, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, hosts the Prism Awards together with Photonics Media. Past Prism Award recipients include GE, Intel, Corning, Leica, Dolby, and Raytheon, among others. “It’s a real honor to be nominated for a 2021 Prism Award and testament to the breakthroughs RaySecur has achieved in making security imaging systems available to the mass market,” said RaySecur CEO Alexander Sappok, Ph.D. “People are always amazed they can hold a box or letter in our scanners and see the internal contents in real time while moving or rotating the item in the same way we interact with objects every day.”

In addition to “seeing” everyday items concealed within packaging, RaySecur’s mmWave imaging systems are over 300 times more sensitive to see small quantities of liquids and powders, relative to conventional checkpoint X-ray scanners. The fundamental imaging technology was developed in collaboration with the National Optics Institute (INO) and with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for automated image processing.

About SPIE

SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, an educational not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to advance light-based science, engineering, and technology. The Society serves more than 258,000 constituents from 184 countries, offering conferences and their published proceedings, continuing education, books, journals, and the SPIE Digital Library.

About RaySecur
RaySecur™ is revolutionizing security imaging with the world’s first, scalable millimeter wave scanners and remote analysis and threat detection solutions. RaySecur’s flagship product, MailSecur™, is a desktop-sized scanner used by leading Fortune 500 companies, heads of state, and government agencies to detect threats in the mail. Please visit raysecur.com.

RaySecur and MailSecur are trademarks of RaySecur, Inc.

RaySecur Contact:

TJ Kelly, Marketing Manager
+1 844-729-7328
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ad384373-ec4f-4fbd-942d-96a4cf95332e

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) (“GBT”, or the “Company”), announced that its joint venture, GBT Tokenize Corp. (“GBT/Tokenize”), is continuing with its research associated with an AI system to detect and open clogs within arteries based on its proprietary radio technology, which has an internal code name of “Hermes”.

The research is evaluating a system targeted for arterial clogs cleaning, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or any other body vascular organ. The researching is focusing on the use of an intravenous mini-probe unit that could travel within the artery, searching to find clogs including complete blockages (Total Occlusions). Upon detecting a clog, GBT/Tokenize will evaluate whether the system will have the capability to remove it and clear the blood vessel for efficient blood flow. This blockage may cause a condition called atherosclerosis (when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries) and can eventually block the artery, causing vascular disease, heart attack or stroke. The research is evaluating whether the unit can use AI based and radio frequency imaging system to “see” within arteries. We are now researching the development of a low frequency radio system to scan within arteries, producing 3D visuals, shown on a computer screen, and used for intravenous navigation.

GBT/Tokenize is evaluating developing a system that will have the capability to be manually remote controlled by physicians or to autonomously operated inside blood vessels. It is intended that an advanced SOC (System on Chip) microchip with an embedded software will control the unit’s operations. The goal is to research the inclusion of a wireless communication capability to produce a computerized 3D imaging for the operating physician. We are evaluating initial setup of the system for inserted into a human body, for example through a large leg artery, and autonomously or manually travel further to other parts of the body. Using a variety of micro-sensors, we are researching the viability of a system that will search and remove clogs without damaging the vessel’s tissue. The device is intended to use an innovative AI controlled propulsion system that is based on water jet propulsion concept that does not involve external, rotating moving parts to avoid artery’s walls damages. This research is looking into the viability of the use of the most recent micromachining mechanical engineering technology.

“Our AI technology can be implemented in a wide variety of applications to control mechanical, optical and electrical systems, analyzing arterial data and making decisions in real time. We are commencing research – code name Hermes, to use our AI capabilities to search, identify and remove plaque within arteries and blood vessels. In this project, we are researching the ability to use GBT Tokenize’s AI technology to control a mini-probe unit that will be inserted into a human body through a main artery. If our research is positively concluded, we believe that this type of system can be a breakthrough within the cardiovascular domain, offering less invasive treatments and introducing a new method to save lives. Artificial Intelligence technology encapsulates the future health care and we’re investing vast efforts to utilize our experience and knowledge in this domain.”

If the research of the device is successfully concluded, the Company will be required to obtain approval for use of the device from the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). Further, following the conclusion of the research, the development of this product would require significant funds as well as the partnering with a company that specializes in the development of medical devices and obtaining FDA approval.

About Us

GBT Technologies, Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) (“GBT”) (http://gbtti.com) is a development stage company which considers itself a native of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Enabled Mobile Technology Platforms used to increase IC performance. GBT has assembled a team with extensive technology expertise and is building an intellectual property portfolio consisting of many patents. GBT’s mission, to license the technology and IP to synergetic partners in the areas of hardware and software. Once commercialized, it is GBT’s goal to have a suite of products including smart microchips, AI, encryption, Blockchain, IC design, mobile security applications, database management protocols, with tracking and supporting cloud software (without the need for GPS). GBT envisions this system as a creation of a global mesh network using advanced nodes and super performing new generation IC technology. The core of the system will be its advanced microchip technology; technology that can be installed in any mobile or fixed device worldwide. GBT’s vision is to produce this system as a low cost, secure, private-mesh-network between any and all enabled devices. Thus, providing shared processing, advanced mobile database management and sharing while using these enhanced mobile features as an alternative to traditional carrier services.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Company’s ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Company’s successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Company’s products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release.

Contact:
Dr. Danny Rittman, CTO
[email protected]

METTAWA, Ill., Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) will release its fourth quarter and full year 2020 financial results on Thursday January 28, 2021 before the market opens by way of an advisory release, notifying the public that the complete and full-text results will be available on the Company’s website at www.brunswick.com/investors.   The results will also be available on the SEC’s website with the Form 8-K filing of the release at http://goo.gl/wJQN1. 

The Company will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. CST Thursday, January 28, 2021 hosted by David M. Foulkes, chief executive officer, Ryan M. Gwillim – senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Brent G. Dahl – vice president of investor relations.  A copy of the presentation to be used on this call will be available when the results are released as noted above.

Security analysts and investors wishing to participate via telephone should call 866-353-8985 (passcode: Brunswick Q4).  Callers outside of North America should call 409-217-8085 (passcode: Brunswick Q4) to be connected.  These numbers can be accessed 15 minutes before the call begins, as well as during the call. 

To listen via the Internet, go to www.brunswick.com/investors. Please go to the website at least 15 minutes before the call to register, download and install any needed audio software. 

A replay of the conference call will be available through 1pm CST Wednesday February 3, 2021, by calling 855-859-2056 or international dial 404-537-3406 (passcode: 1398972).  The replay also will be available at www.brunswick.com.

ABOUT BRUNSWICK

Headquartered in Mettawa, Ill., Brunswick Corporation’s leading consumer brands include Mercury Marine outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; Mercury global parts and accessories including propellers and SmartCraft electronics; Power Products Integrated Solutions; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick, and Whale marine parts; Land ’N’ Sea, BLA, Payne’s Marine, Kellogg Marine, and Lankhorst Taselaar marine parts distribution; Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Thunder Jet and Uttern boats; Boating Services Network, Freedom Boat Club and NAUTIC-ON. For more information, visit https://www.brunswick.com.

Studies Show Cyto-111 Enables Delivery of Antibodies to Previously Inaccessible Intraneuronal Targets without the need for a Viral Vector or Transfection

Supports the Development of New Approaches to Treat Multiple Neurological Diseases

NEW YORK, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CytoDel, Inc. (“CytoDel” or “the Company”), a privately-held corporation, today announces the publication of preclinical data on the Company’s lead product, Cyto-111, in the peer-reviewed journal, Science Translational Medicine. The complete text of the article titled, “Neuronal Delivery of Antibodies has Therapeutic Effects in Animal Models of Botulism,” can be found here.

Cyto-111 was conceived, expressed and purified in the laboratory of Konstantin Ichtchenko, Ph.D., NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, who was a principal investigator in the study, which was supported by grants from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a division of the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Based on Dr. Ichtchenko’s hypothesis that the C1ad delivery vehicle previously reported could be used to transport therapeutic proteins into the neuronal cytosol, researchers led by Dr. Ichtchenko developed and tested a potential treatment for botulism based on intracellular inhibition of the BoNT subtype A1 light chain metalloprotease (LC/A1). The main objective of the study was to develop and test a post-symptomatic botulism antidote that could rescue symptomatic animals challenged with a lethal dose of BoNT. Following in vitro validation of therapeutic mechanisms, efficacy studies were conducted in mice, guinea pigs and rhesus macaque monkeys.

The study showed that a precision biotherapeutic consisting of a function-blocking single domain antibody (sdAb; B8) cargo fused to the C1ad delivery vehicle (forming B8C1ad or Cyto-111) can enter neurons and protect SNARE proteins by inhibiting LC/A1 catalytic activity in situ. Post-symptomatic administration of B8C1ad produced antidotal rescue in mice, guinea pigs, and non-human primates following a lethal botulism challenge.

According to the study’s authors, “The flexibility of the C1ad molecular delivery platform offers several advantages for the rapid generation of new treatments for neurological disorders. In particular, the presynaptic localization of LC suggests this therapeutic approach will be particularly effective in treating synaptopathies involving active zone proteins. Indeed, the platform can be efficiently redirected towards other protein targets by replacing or adding single domain antibodies or other protein moieties.”

The study concluded that, “These data demonstrate that atoxic BoNT derivatives can be harnessed to deliver therapeutic protein moieties to the neuronal cytoplasm where they bind and neutralize intracellular targets in experimental models. The generalizability of this platform might enable delivery of antibodies and other protein-based therapeutics to previously inaccessible intraneuronal targets.”

“This is a landmark study in converting the power of lethal botulinum neurotoxins into therapies. The approach used to turn botulinum toxin into a kind of Trojan horse that delivers a cargo into neurons has enormous potential for future drug development,” noted Thomas C. Südhof, M.D., Professor in the School of Medicine in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and in Neurology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, a 2013 Nobel Prize winner in Physiology/ Medicine, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, and Chair of CytoDel’s Scientific Advisory Board.

“We are delighted to have these data published in a well-respected peer-reviewed journal as they represent the culmination of many years of research with the intent of finding a solution to effectively treat weaponized botulinum toxins. Importantly, these groundbreaking data are the result of the efforts of researchers from a number of renowned institutions including NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, and the US Army Medical Research Institute for Chemical Defense, without whose hard work and dedication this achievement would not have been possible,” commented Phillip A. Band, Ph.D., Research Professor in the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and co-inventor, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of CytoDel.

“Not only did these studies show that Cyto-111 can be an antidote to botulinum toxins, but they demonstrate the generalizability of the molecular vehicle in three different species to safely and effectively deliver functional antibodies to the inside of neurons via a non-viral mechanism. This is a particularly exciting breakthrough as no other labs have previously inactivated a pathogen inside of neurons, which are inaccessible to standard antibodies. This achievement opens the door for the development of new approaches to treat multiple neurological diseases,” added Dr. Band.

About Botulinum Neurotoxin
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is considered a Tier 1 weapon of mass destruction. BoNT has no odor or taste, a single gram is sufficient to kill 1 million humans via ingestion or inhalation, and currently there are no treatments to reverse symptoms. All currently available treatments for botulism are antibody products which can only neutralize toxin in the systemic circulation. Once the toxin has entered the neurons controlling respiration, generally 24-72 hours after exposure depending on the dose, antibody-based products become ineffective. Standard antibodies cannot access toxin already inside neurons, and thus BAT® (Botulism AntiToxin, a product of Emergent BioSolutions), the only FDA-approved antitoxin, is only effective while the toxin remains in the circulation.

About Cyto-111

Cyto-111 uses CytoDel’s Intraneuronal Delivery Platform to deliver an antibody to the inside of BoNT-intoxicated neurons, thereby allowing rescue after the toxin has entered neurons and is causing symptoms. This “Trojan horse” approach uses an inactivated recombinant BoNT derivative to carry the antibody to the inside of BoNT-intoxicated neurons. Cyto-111 can uniquely reverse symptoms because it can deliver its antibody to toxin already inside the neuron. In biodefense scenarios, this significantly extends the period post-exposure during which treatment can reverse symptoms and can save lives by minimizing the need for long-term artificial respiration. As a therapeutic for naturally occurring botulism, Cyto-111 extends the therapeutic window beyond the current 48-hour limit during which BAT has proven to be effective.

About CytoDel
CytoDel is a privately held biopharmaceutical company that uses the tools of 21st century molecular biology to produce recombinant derivatives of botulinum neurotoxin customized to specific applications. The Company’s proprietary technology allows CytoDel to manipulate the BoNT molecule to develop next generation BoNT products and a drug delivery vehicle that can deliver therapeutic molecules to the inside of neurons. CytoDel’s lead program is focused on developing BioBetter BoNT pharmaceuticals, offering improved safety margin and effectiveness outcomes for the treatment of large muscles and muscle groups. A second program utilizes intraneuronal delivery for Biodefense, and CytoDel is also developing programs for the treatment of nervous system disorders and chronic pain. For more information visit www.cytodel.com.

* Both Drs. Ichtchenko and Band from NYU Grossman School of Medicine have financial interests in CytoDel and Dr. Band serves on its management team. These arrangements are being managed in accordance with the policies and practices of NYU Langone Health.

Contact:

Allison Moulard
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 510 823 0501

Anne Marie Fields
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 201-315-8118

WESTLAKE, Texas, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: CORE) (“the Company”), one of the largest marketers of fresh, food and broad-line supply solutions to the convenience retail industry in North America, announces two appointments to the executive team, effective immediately:

Chris Hobson, a well-regarded industry leader in driving growth and distribution center excellence with over 20 years of Core-Mark experience, has been named the Company’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. Chris most recently served as SVP for the Company’s Eastern Divisions which delivered consecutive years of strong EBITDA growth under his leadership. Previously, he served as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Western Divisions, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing and in other key roles focused on growth and operational excellence. Earlier in his career, Chris held progressing leadership roles with nationally leading convenience retailer, 7-Eleven.

Andy Newkirk will also join Core-Mark’s executive ranks in his promotion to Senior Vice President of Operations, reporting to Mr. Hobson. Prior to this role, Andy served as the Company’s Vice President of Operations for four years, driving significant productivity improvement, fostering competitive advantage through our people, implementing technology advancements and championing the Company’s safety culture. Earlier in his career, Andy held various senior leadership roles at Sysco Corporation and Kellogg Company, providing him with an extensive background in complex supply chain operations.

“The promotion of Chris and Andy into top operational roles recognizes two incredible leaders in the Company for their contributions to our success and positions them to drive greater contributions to our growth and operational performance,” stated, Scott McPherson President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we continue to position Core-Mark for the future, these changes provide the Company a solid foundation to achieve our 2021 objectives and drive future performance.”

These executive appointments provide Core-Mark a unified Division Leadership Organization, led by Mr. Hobson, focused on delivering growth and operational excellence and supporting our ongoing division transformation and centralization activities. These moves also streamline the executive reporting structure, providing our top leadership with greater flexibility to focus on key strategic initiatives to accelerate shareholder returns.

About Core-Mark

Core-Mark is one of the largest marketers of fresh, food and broad-line supply solutions to the convenience retail industry in North America. Founded in 1888, Core-Mark offers a full range of products, marketing programs and technology solutions to approximately 41,000 customer locations in the U.S. and Canada through 32 distribution centers (excluding two distribution facilities the Company operates as a third-party logistics provider). Core-Mark services traditional convenience stores, grocers, drug stores, mass merchants, liquor and specialty stores, and other stores that carry convenience products. For more information, please visit www.core-mark.com.

Contact: David Lawrence, Vice President of Treasury and Investor Relations, 1-800-622-1713 x 7923 or [email protected]