Market Newsdesk

Novadip Biosciences Receives
Rare Paediatric Disease Priority Review and Orphan Disease Designation

• Dual designations granted for NVD-003 for the Treatment of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia a serious and debilitating condition that primarily affects children
• Walloon Region Government to support the development of treatments at Novadip with €9.4 million of non-dilutive funding
• Walloon Region Minister Willy Borsus to visit Novadip Biosciences in Mont-Saint-Guibert today

Mont-Saint-Guibert, Dec 23 2020 (GlobeNewswire) – Novadip Biosciences (“Novadip”), a clinical stage company developing treatments to regenerate impaired tissues in patients with significant unmet medical needs, today announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Rare Paediatric Disease designation and Orphan Drug designation for NVD‑003, a cell therapy for the treatment of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia (“CPT”), a rare but serious and debilitating condition, that primarily affects children with devastating consequences.

The Company also notes that the Walloon Region Government is providing €9.4 million of non-dilutive funding to support two programs: the next stages of development of NVD-003, the autologous program, for €5.7 million and €3.7 million to develop the allogenic program NVD-X3. 

Product development of NVD-003, autologous program supported by Walloon Region for



€



5.7 million

With the support of the Walloon Region, Novadip will be able to extend and consolidate its product platform, including NVD-003 for CPT. The Orphan Status for NVD-003, which is now recognized by the FDA, will allow Novadip to benefit from incentives such as accelerated development, regulatory support, market exclusivity and reduced registration costs. It will also facilitate access to broader clinical indications that are attractive in terms of market potential.

Novadip has demonstrated the potential of its technology in CPT, including a case study in a five-year old boy who had failed prior treatments. After more than two years following implantation, a sufficient bone fusion was found that allowed the patient to walk without pain and to avoid amputation.

To
fund the further development of NVD-003, an autologous therapy for CPT, the Directorate General for Economy, Employment and Research of the Walloon Region Government, will support the project with €5.7 million of non-dilutive funding to cover the phase I/IIa clinical development for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) in pediatrics and the development of an optimized manufacturing process.

A clinical trial is expected to start in 2021 with all manufacturing, scientific expertise and operations to remain in Wallonia, Belgium.

Support of



€



3.7 million to reinforce the allogenic product, NVD-X3

Following the successful development of the Company’s first autologous product already in the clinical phase with a strong characterization of its mode of action, Novadip is developing a new allogeneic product. This product is in a powder format (acellular matrix) that can be produced in large quantities and therefore proposed as a first line of treatment in large population of patients with high unmet medical need. The objective of the program is to make this product ready for clinical development.

Walloon Region Government Minister visit

To mark the occasion, the Directorate-General for Economy, Employment and Research of the Walloon Region Government, will be visiting the offices and manufacturing facilities in Mont-Saint-Guibert where these novel treatments are being produced that could potentially transform the lives of children that currently have not treatment options.

Denis Dufrane, M.D., PhD Chief Executive Officer at Novadip Biosciences, commented, “Our development program for NVD‑003 reflects our recognition of the unmet medical need among all patients with CPT. We are gratified by these new designations as we continue to work towards our goal of providing the first cell therapy for the regeneration of bone tissue in children with CPT. This disease has always been amongst the most difficult to treat for orthopaedic specialists as even after several surgical treatments to fuse fractured bone, restoration of healthy bone tissue is hindered and the likelihood of a fracture occurring again is high, leading to severe problems with pain, mobility, and proper growth of the limb. We look forward to working with the FDA to determine next steps for the program in the coming months.

“The whole team at Novadip Biosciences is delighted to welcome the Minister Willy Borsus, the Directorate-General for Economy, Employment and Research of the Walloon Region Government, to our facilities in Mont-Saint-Guibert. We are honoured that he has chosen to visit our facilities and we are grateful to the Walloon Region for the non-dilutive funding they have provided us which will support growth in highly skilled employment and continue to further enhance Walloon’s reputation for scientific expertise on a national and international level.”

The Minister Willy Borsus said: “The biopharma sector is thriving in the Walloon region (Belgium), forming a key part of the local economy. There are around 170 companies within the sector that operate in the region with more than 15,000 jobs, including nearly 4000 in SMEs. These numbers have seen significant growth in recent years, highlighting continued momentum in the industry. It’s great to see success stories, such as Novadip, emerging in this buoyant sector and we’re pleased to support the development of this business, which has shown great promise for patients.”

About NVD-003

NVD-003, Novadip’s lead product candidate, is a clinical-stage investigational cell-based therapy and a new paradigm in regenerative medicine. Using its proprietary 3M³ technology, stem cells from the patient obtained from only a few millilitres of fatty tissue are cultured in vitro to become a biomaterial consisting of bone forming cells embedded in their self-secreted extracellular matrix together with added hydroxyapatite particles, a mineral naturally present in bone to confer initial strength. For the physician, the product is in the form of a mouldable putty in quantities large enough to fill small as well as large bone defects (>20cm³) using classical or minimally invasive surgery techniques without further complexities. Upon implantation, the bone-forming cells protected in their self-secreted matrix from the harsh pathological environment in the bone defect continue to mature and progressively transform the putty into normal, healthy bone.

About CPT

Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia (CPT) is a shin bone fracture that fails to heal properly on its own that is present at birth or manifests in early childhood when starting to walk. The underlying cause of CPT is not completely understood but it leads to abnormal structure of the bone tissue in the tibia, and sometimes fibula, combined with abnormal vascularization of the affected tissue. The natural history of the disease is extremely unfavourable. Despite various medical techniques to restore bone union and vasculature, the final prognosis of CPT remains poor and the risk of amputation cannot be eliminated.

About NVD-X3

NVD-X3 is a powder derived from the autologous product, NVD-003, and has been lyophilized and sterilized. This powder is intended to be used to fill small bone defects in complex environments as it contains biological factors and properties adapted to tissue regeneration in a poor environment.

About Novadip Biosciences

Novadip Biosciences is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary tissue regeneration technology platform 3M³ to generate multiple product candidates to address hard and soft tissue reconstruction for patients who have limited or no treatment options. The 3M³ platform involves use of 3-dimensional extracellular matrix and adipose-derived stem cells to deliver highly specific growth factors and miRNAs to mimic the physiology of natural healing to create a range of products that address specific challenges in tissue regeneration. Novadip’s initial focus is on reconstruction of critical size bone defects. The company is also applying its 3M³ platform to develop truly novel off-the-shelf/allogeneic therapies addressing more prevalent tissue defects and miRNA/exosome products for broader indications. For more information, please visit www.novadip.com.

***

For further information, please contact:

Novadip Biosciences
Denis Dufrane
Chief Executive Officer
+32 (10) 779 220
[email protected]

For media enquiries:

Consilium Strategic Communications
Chris Gardner, Matthew Neal, Angela Gray
+44 (0) 20 3709 5700
[email protected]

ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland and Labrador, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortis Inc. (“Fortis” or the “Corporation”) (TSX/NYSE: FTS) today announced that the Arizona Corporation Commission (“ACC”) has approved new rates in Tucson Electric Power’s (“TEP”) general rate application effective January 1, 2021.

The ACC approved rate base of US$2.7 billion, including approximately US$1.2 billion invested since the last rate order. The ACC also approved an allowed return on equity of 9.15% and equity capital structure of 53% compared to an allowed return on equity and equity capital structure previously of 9.75% and 50%, respectively. The decision includes a 0.20% return on the fair value increment.

TEP has been upgrading its transmission and distribution systems to serve the Tucson area’s expanding population, support economic growth and meet its customers’ evolving energy needs. TEP investments provide safe and reliable service to customers while transitioning to a cleaner, more flexible and resilient energy portfolio.  

Yesterday’s decision supports reliable, sustainable and affordable service to customers in Tucson, Arizona. As TEP embarks on a cleaner energy future and shifts to renewable generating resources, customers will benefit from this energy transition while realizing continued reliability and affordability.

About Fortis

Fortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry, with 2019 revenue of $8.8 billion and total assets of $56 billion as at September 30, 2020. The Corporation’s 9,000 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, nine U.S. states and three Caribbean countries.

Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov.

For further information contact
Investor Enquiries:
Ms. Stephanie Amaimo
Vice President, Investor Relations
Fortis Inc.
248.946.3572
[email protected]

Media Enquiries:
Ms. Karen McCarthy
Vice President, Communications and Corporate Affairs
Fortis Inc.
709.737.5323
[email protected]

A pdf version of this press release is available at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/6331a711-0e96-400a-ae4f-6a16dcd70767

 

Establishes Subscription Price per Common Share of $26.50

Old Bethpage, New York, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Power REIT (NYSE-AMEX: PW and PW.PRA) (“Power REIT” or the “Trust”) today announced additional information related to its previously announced rights offering (the “Rights Offering”). Power REIT intends to conduct the Rights Offering to offer existing holders of its Common Shares the ability to participate in providing capital to the Power REIT on a non-dilutive basis. The proceeds are intended to be used primarily to finance acquisitions of real property assets, in particular real estate within the Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”) sector, and to fund the Trust’s subsidiaries.

As previously announced, Power REIT established December 28, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the Rights Offering. Upon commencement of the Rights Offering, the Trust plans to distribute one right (a “Right”) for each Common Share held as of the Record Date. Each Right will enable the holder to purchase one additional share of Power REIT’s common stock. Additionally, Rights holders who fully exercise their allocated Rights may subscribe for additional shares of our Common Shares through an Over-Subscription Privilege.

Power REIT has established a subscription price of $26.50 per share for each Right. The price was set at a discount to the recent trading of Power REIT’s common shares.

A Registration Statement and Amended Registration Statement relating to these securities have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. The Trust may not accept any offers to purchase Power REIT Common Shares pursuant to the Rights Offering prior to the time the Registration Statement becomes effective.

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

ABOUT POWER REIT

Power REIT is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns real estate related to infrastructure assets including properties for Controlled Environment Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transportation. Power REIT is actively seeking to expand its real estate portfolio related to Controlled Environment Agriculture.

Additional information about Power REIT can be found on its website: www.pwreit.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Company’s ability to raise capital through the Rights Offering as planned, the Company’s ability to position itself for future profitability, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the NYSE-AMEX listing requirements, and the other factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONACT:

David H. Lesser, Chairman & CEO	Mary Jensen, Investor Relations
[email protected]	[email protected]
212-750-0371	310-526-1707
301 Winding Road Old Bethpage, NY 11804
www.pwreit.com

Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: MOH) today announced details for the release of its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020.

Molina Healthcare will issue its earnings release for the fourth quarter and year-end 2020 after the market closes on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, and will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the earnings release on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To access this interactive teleconference, dial (877) 883-0383 and enter the confirmation number, 9566162. A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available through Thursday, February 18, 2021, by dialing (877) 344-7529 and entering the confirmation number, 10150614.

A live broadcast of Molina Healthcare’s conference call will be available on the Company’s website, molinahealthcare.com. A 30-day online replay will be available approximately an hour following the conclusion of the live broadcast.

About Molina Healthcare

Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare served approximately 4.0 million members as of September 30, 2020. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit molinahealthcare.com.

Contact: 
Julie Trudell
[email protected]
562-912-6720

ATLANTA, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chart Industries, Inc. (“Chart”) (Nasdaq: GTLS) today completed the previously announced acquisition of Sustainable Energy Solutions, Inc (“SES”). SES’s Cryogenic Carbon Capture™ (“CCC”) technology eliminates most emissions from fossil fuels while enabling better use of intermittent renewables through grid-scale energy storage. Coupling SES’s CCC technology with our air-cooled heat exchangers, brazed aluminum heat exchangers, IPSMR® refrigeration/liquefaction system and cryogenic storage and transport equipment creates a one-stop full solution option for those looking for integrated technology and equipment.

As previously announced, effective with our year-end 2020 reporting, Chart will report results externally in four segments: (i) Heat Transfer Systems (ii) Cryo Tank Solutions (iii) Specialty Products and (iv) Repair, Service & Leasing. SES results will be included in Specialty Products, which, in addition to carbon and direct air capture, includes end markets of hydrogen, over-the-road trucking, food & beverage, water treatment, cannabis, molecules by rail, lasers and space exploration. Combined, these markets represent total addressable near-term potential of $4.3 billion for existing Chart equipment and technologies.

“I am excited to complete the SES acquisition before year-end 2020, as our pipeline of carbon and direct air capture commercial opportunities for 2021 and 2022 is growing,” said Jill Evanko, Chart’s CEO. “We welcome Larry Baxter, Andy Baxter and the entire SES team to the Chart family.”

About Chart Industries, Inc.

Chart Industries, Inc. is a leading independent global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment servicing multiple applications in the Energy and Industrial Gas markets.  Our unique product portfolio is used in every phase of the liquid gas supply chain, including upfront engineering, service and repair.  Being at the forefront of the clean energy transition, Chart is a leading provider of technology, equipment and services related to liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, biogas and CO2 Capture amongst other applications. We are committed to excellence in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues both for our company as well as our customers.  With over 25 global locations from the United States to Asia, Australia, India, Europe and South America, we maintain accountability and transparency to our team members, suppliers, customers and communities.  To learn more, visit www.chartindustries.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements include statements concerning the Company’s business plans, including statements regarding pending acquisitions, completed acquisitions, cost synergies and efficiency savings, objectives, future orders, revenues, margins, earnings or performance, liquidity and cash flow, capital expenditures, business trends, governmental initiatives, including executive orders and other information that is not historical in nature.  Forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “continue,” “target,” or the negative of such terms or comparable terminology.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release or in other statements made by the Company are made based on management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to the Company’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed or implied by forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: the Company’s ability to successfully integrate recent acquisitions and achieve the anticipated revenue, earnings, accretion and other benefits from these acquisitions; risks relating to the recent outbreak and continued uncertainty associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the other factors discussed in Item 1A (Risk Factors) in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which should be reviewed carefully.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

For more information, click here:

http://ir.chartindustries.com/

Investor Relations Contact:

Wade Suki, CFA

Director of Investor Relations

832-524-7489

[email protected]

TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Claiming malicious, misleading and baseless accusations, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) filed a defamation lawsuit with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against the MacDonald-Laurier Institute (MLI), a right-wing think tank, and former CBC journalist Terry Milewski, for authoring and publishing a report entitled “Khalistan: A Project of Pakistan.” 

Released on September 10, 2020, MLI’s report, without any evidence, asserts that the idea of Khalistan as well as the SFJ’s initiative of holding first ever global non-governmental referendum on the question of secession of Punjab promotes hatred and extremism and is a project conceived, supported, promoted and funded by India’s archrival Pakistan and has no support among the Sikh people.

December 01 complaint filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice states that: 

“The defendants, The MacDonald-Laurier Institute (“MLI”) and Terry Milewski have published an untrue and misleading report regarding SFJ’s efforts in promoting Referendum 2020. Without any basis, they paint the referendum as a covert attempt to foment extremist ideologies. The authors also characterize SFJ as the puppet of the Government of Pakistan. The report is a malicious attempt to undermine the legitimacy of Referendum 2020 and to threaten SFJ’s viability as a not-for-profit organization.”

“MLI’s report is defamatory, malicious, misleading feeds into a narrative that is being propagated by the Government of India. Contrary to MLI’s allegations, the Khalistan Referendum is a grass roots initiative led by Sikh sovereigntists who were forced to leave India due to persecution on account of political opinion,” stated Gurpatwant Singh Pannun General Counsel to SFJ.

On November 18, SFJ announced that voting in the non-governmental Punjab Independence Referendum, which is well grounded in international laws, treaties and UN Charter and principles of democracy – will begin on August 15th from London, UK and will be monitored and tabulated by the “Punjab Referendum Commission” www.punjabreferendumcommission.org a panel of non-aligned experts on direct democracy and secession.

“Since under the Canadian laws, “truth” is the best defense to the charges of defamation, this lawsuit provides an apt opportunity to MLI, Mr. Milewski and the Indian government to submit any evidence in support of their allegations that Pakistan or its secret service is funding SFJ and Referendum 2020,” added Pannun.

Explaining his motive in writing the anti-Khalistan Referendum report, Mr. Milewski stated that “the trigger for writing this work was a poster of supposedly a referendum – ‘Referendum-2020’ put up at Surrey Gurdwara in Canada as recently I came across the poster on a voter registration drive organized by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). “These posters annoy me,” Terry added, while addressing a webinar called “Khalistani Terrorism & Canada” organized by India’s right-wing think tank Law and Society Alliance.

About Sikhs for Justice

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is a Sikh rights advocacy group which believes in and adheres to the principles and rights enshrined in UN Charter, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and is contributing to the creation of an environment in which minorities – regardless of race, religion, language, gender, or ethnicity – can freely and fully exercise their rights including right to self-determination. 

Contact: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun                                         Legal Advisor to SFJ                                                 [email protected]                                 (917) 789-2914

Andrew Findlater  SELECT Public Relations [email protected] (647) 444-1197

 

OTTAWA, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSUR), a leader in point-of-care diagnostic tests, specimen collection devices, and microbiome laboratory and analytical services, today announced that its OMNIgene®·ORAL (OM/OME-505) collection device was included in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) amendment granted to 3B BlackBio Biotech, one of the leading suppliers and developers for RT-PCR diagnostic assays in India. This is the seventh customer EUA that includes a collection device from the company’s DNA Genotek subsidiary.

This EUA amendment will allow 3B BlackBio Biotech’s North American distributor, Genophyll Enterprises, to expand saliva COVID-19 PCR-based viral diagnostic testing across the U.S. as well as from their upcoming New Jersey-based laboratory.

This EUA amendment granted to 3B BlackBio Biotech includes the addition of qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in saliva specimens that are collected with the assistance of a healthcare provider (HCP) using the OMNIgene·ORAL (OM-505/OME-505) saliva collection device by individuals suspected of COVID-19. The 3B BlackBio Biotech SARS-CoV-2 assay, combined with OMNIgene·ORAL, facilitates the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 samples using highly sensitive quantitative PCR technology. A product of OraSure’s DNA Genotek subsidiary, OMNIgene·ORAL saliva collection devices are intended for use by individuals to collect and immediately stabilize saliva specimens suspected of containing SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) at ambient temperature for transport.

“A saliva-based collection method for COVID-19 laboratory tests is a valuable addition to our testing portfolio for helping diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection,” said Aditi Luthra, CEO, Genophyll Enterprises. “Now, Genophyll Enterprises has access to a robust and safe biomaterial collection approach for the detection of COVID infections. This expansion of testing methods is critical to informing patient management decisions and containing the spread of COVID-19.”

“As the pandemic evolves, the need for testing continues to grow,” said Kathleen Weber, Executive Vice-President, Business Unit Leader, Molecular Solutions at DNA Genotek. “The addition of OMNIgene·ORAL to 3B BlackBio Biotech’s EUA expands access to saliva-based collection to more individuals, which will result in more testing and help provide the confidence we need to help get back to living with more normalcy.”

“3B BlackBio Biotech aims at fulfilling the current demand of higher testing and has stepped up its production capacity for RT-PCR kit for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Our kit coupled with the Saliva Specimen Collection Device of OraSure’s DNA Genotek will make the sampling easier for the healthcare service provider (HCP) and will also reduce the patient’s discomfort,” said Dhirendra Dubey, Managing Director, 3B BlackBio Biotech India Limited.

About OraSure Technologies

OraSure Technologies empowers the global community to improve health and wellness by providing access to accurate, essential information. Together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, DNA Genotek, Diversigen, CoreBiome (now operating under the Diversigen brand), UrSure and Novosanis, OraSure provides its customers with end-to-end solutions that encompass tools, services and diagnostics. The OraSure family of companies is a leader in the development, manufacture, and distribution of rapid diagnostic tests, sample collection and stabilization devices, and molecular services solutions designed to discover and detect critical medical conditions. OraSure’s portfolio of products is sold globally to clinical laboratories, hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, public health and community-based organizations, research institutions, government agencies, pharma, commercial entities and direct to consumers. For more information on OraSure Technologies, please visit www.orasure.com.

About DNA Genotek

DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc., focuses on providing high-quality biological sample collection products and end-to-end services for human genomics and microbiome applications. The Company’s Oragene®•Dx and ORAcollect®•Dx product lines are the first and only FDA 510(k) cleared saliva-based DNA collection devices for in vitro diagnostic use. DNA Genotek also offers Research Use Only products to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA or RNA from multiple sample types. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has a global customer base with thousands of customers in over 100 countries. For more information about DNA Genotek, visit www.dnagenotek.com.

About 3B BlackBio Biotech

3B BlackBio Biotech, a subsidiary of Kilpest India Limited (a publicly traded company), is a leading Indian manufacturer of molecular diagnostic kits. 3B BlackBio Biotech produces the FDA EUA authorized TRUPCR SARS-CoV-2 kit. The TRUPCR SARS-CoV-2 kit is a highly sensitive, comprehensive three gene detection assay (E, RdRp, N genes). In addition to its FDA Emergency Use Authorization, the kit has also been validated by the Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India.

In addition to infectious diseases and virology, its portfolio of assays include blood-borne diseases, vector borne diseases, oncology, sexually transmitted infections and coagulation panels. 3B BlackBio Biotech’s in-house enzyme production, bulk procurement and India-based operations ensure substantial cost advantages. The Company is ISO 13485:2016 certified and GMP compliant. 3B BlackBio Biotech has supplied over 5.5 million tests to over 400 satisfied customers all across India. For more information about 3B BlackBio Biotech, visit www.3bblackbio.com.

About Genophyll

Genophyll is a woman and minority owned small business based in New Jersey. Genophyll is proud to partner with 3B BlackBio Biotech, the manufacturer of FDA EUA authorized TRUPCR SARS-CoV-2 kit, to broaden its ability to serve the North and South America. The TRUPCR SARS-CoV-2 kit is the only Indian-made RT-PCR for the novel coronavirus that has received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. 3B BlackBio Biotech’s production capacity is 100,000 tests per day. This fact, coupled with hands-on technical customer service support and lower supply costs in India, uniquely positions Genophyll to offer a high-quality, easy to use, cost-effective solution. For more information about Genophyll, call, text, or email us at 732-945-0190 and [email protected].

Investor Contact:			Media Contact:
Sam Martin			Jeanne Mell
Argot Partners			VP Corporate Communications
212-602-1902			484-353-1575
[email protected]			[email protected]

Denver, CO, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Are you looking ahead to 2021, putting together a rock-solid plan for your brand, both building it and protecting it? This is exactly what we’ve been up to for the past few weeks both for M&C Communications and for our clients. 

Templatizing your 2021 PR Plan

At M&C Communications, we use a basic structure with all of our PR plans, which includes research.

• Primary: This is research you conduct yourself. This could be in the form of a survey, questionnaire or something more in-depth
• Secondary: This is research you find from an outside source, such as online articles

After research, we perform a SWOT analysis. 

• Strengths: What are your internal strengths?
• Weaknesses: What are your internal weaknesses?
• Opportunities: What external opportunities are there for your brand?
• Threats: What external threats could affect your brand?

One of the most important things you can do to build Brand Protection is to develop messaging that creates customer loyalty. We have talked at length about the 4 Cs (clear, compassionate, consistent, conversational)! Use them when establishing your brand’s messaging in 2021.

Establish your objectives. We review these quarterly for our clients. Your objectives should be SMART.

• Specific: Your objectives should be details
• Measurable: Your objective should be able to be measured with metrics
• Attainable: Your objectives should be challenging but within reach through your work
• Realistic: Challenging yourself is good but always work within your means
• Timely: Be deadline-oriented

When working with our objectives, it’s important to utilize the PESO method to ensure you’re optimizing all of the possible ways to attain media coverage.

• Paid: This coverage you pay for like commercials or advertising online
• Earned: This is media coverage you have earned through outreach and media pitching 
• Shared: This is content where you’ve collaborated with others
• Owned: This is content you produce for your brand (and where YOU control the message!)

Examples of Brand Protection PR™ using your strengths

At M&C Communications, our niche is Insider Media Relations™. This means we understand the media inside and out! We are all former journalists and maintain close relationships with our former colleagues working in news. We use these professional relationships when working to earn coverage for our clients. 

One of the easiest ways you can begin to build relationships with journalists covering your industry is by using Twitter. It is the fastest and easiest way to connect with journalists. Any good journalist lives on Twitter because of how quickly the platform can disseminate breaking news.

Whether you are engaging with their work or chiming in on a casual conversation, your efforts to connect will not go unnoticed. Keep in mind as technology continues to boom, digital and social media will continue to be significant outlets where people get their news fix. Journalists are increasingly critiqued on their social media presence by their managers, so there is an incentive to interact with brands who connect with them online. 

So take a morning, decide on your goals, created your measurable objectives, and then map out monthly tactics so by this time next year, you’ll look back at your Brand Protection PR™ plan and know that the work was worth every minute you spent.

Diane Mulligan
M&C Communications
720-273-0927
[email protected]