Allterco Robotics US Names Home Automation Veteran as National Sales Director

Tom Lenahan brings decades of expertise in smart home innovation to the Shelly US brand

LAS VEGAS, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smart home innovator Allterco Robotics US, makers of the award-winning Shelly smart home products, today announced Tom Lenahan has joined the company as National Sales Director. With more than 25 years in smart home automation as both an executive and entrepreneur, Lenahan is uniquely qualified to help build the network of Shelly distributors, OEM partners and installers across North America.

As organizations continue to invest in IoT and “smart” technology applications, many are looking for novel ways to maximize automation capabilities and enhance existing product lines. Shelly’s line of proven smart relays, plugs, and sensors are uniquely designed to deliver the flexibility and connectivity needed to make home automation, smart buildings and IoT-based products a reality.

“I recognized the potential for Shelly products the very first time I came across the company. Unlike other offerings on the market today, this product line can deliver immediate value for organizations investing in smart automation capabilities. I’m excited to translate my understanding of market requirements into solutions that meet a wide array of customer demands and help Shelly become an industry leader in North America,” commented Lenahan.

Prior to joining the Allterco Robotics US team, Lenahan held executive sales positions at home automation heavyweights X-10 and Remotec Technology. He also built and sold two successful businesses including ZWaveProducts.com and a consulting business designed to help technology companies leverage smart home automation and IoT standards and bring products to market quickly. As Allterco continues to expand its brand presence among installers, distributors, and OEMs, Lenahan’s deep market experience will be invaluable to the organization as it grows.

“The market for home automation and smart building technology in North America is expanding exponentially as businesses recognize the value IoT technologies can bring to their bottom line. We needed a sales leader that is as invested in the industry’s ongoing growth as we are and could help us capitalize on the market opportunity,” said Svetlin Todorov, CEO of Allterco Robotics US. “As a longtime proponent of home automation technology, Tom understands this market inside and out and has built a reputation as an innovator himself. We are thrilled to have him as a member of our growing US-based team.”

To learn more about the innovative line of Shelly products visit, http://shelly.cloud/.

About Allterco Robotics US 

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Allterco Robotics US brings the company’s line of award-winning Shelly smart home products to North America. Fully compatible with every major smart home platform and built on open source software, Shelly products provide customers with countless ways to make their homes more intelligent. Known for their unique combination of high quality, small size, and low cost, Shelly’s suite of proven smart relays, plugs, and sensors deliver the smart home innovations customers need to make life easier and more comfortable.

A division of Allterco Robotics, headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, Allterco Robotics US products are available for direct consumer purchase and sold through distribution channels. For more information or to shop the entire line of Shelly US products visit http://shelly.cloud/.



Media Contact:
Julie Crotty
Attune Communications 
978-877-0053
[email protected]

NuVasive and the International Spine Study Group Foundation Announce Expanded Long-Term Partnership with Initiation of Additional Clinical Studies

PR Newswire

SAN DIEGO, March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — NuVasive, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUVA), the leader in spine technology innovation, focused on transforming spine surgery with minimally disruptive, procedurally integrated solutions, and the International Spine Study Group Foundation (ISSGF) today announced the continuation of their long-term partnership through the launch of two new clinical studies focused on improving patient outcomes in adult spinal deformity surgery.

“NuVasive is excited to extend our partnership with the ISSGF, the premier study group on adult spinal deformity, and to support these breakthrough studies that will inform the future of spine care,” said Kyle Malone, vice president of clinical, medical, and regulatory affairs at NuVasive. “This partnership reflects NuVasive’s dedication to developing outcome driven innovation through clinical validation for surgeons, providers, and patients.”

The NuVasive and ISSGF partnership began in 2015 with a five-year, prospective study to compare the clinical, radiographic, and health-related quality of life outcomes between minimally invasive and open techniques in the treatment of adult spinal deformity. Initial reports from the ongoing study show that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a feasible and effective approach for treating adult spinal deformity. Based on this foundation, NuVasive and the ISSGF have expanded their partnership to include two additional clinical studies:

  • a 10-year, prospective study evaluating complex adult spinal deformity treated with MIS, including comprehensive clinical and radiographic outcomes, and is now expanded to also include measures of physiology and laboratory data; and
  • a prospective, case-controlled analysis of the safety profile, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and implant performance of the NuVasive VersaTie® posterior fixation system used in long posterior spinal fusion constructs for adult patients.

“Our partnership with NuVasive represents a collaborative commitment to better understand the pathology and treatment of adult spinal deformity. Together, we will partner on one of the largest and most granular prospective studies on adult deformity ever performed,” said Shay Bess, M.D., president of the ISSGF and orthopedic spine surgeon at Denver International Spine Center in Denver, Colorado. “This study gives us the opportunity to compare data to traditional open surgery, with the goal of informing better surgeon decision making to improve patient care and outcomes.”


About NuVasive

NuVasive, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUVA) is the leader in spine technology innovation, with a mission to transform surgery, advance care, and change lives. The Company’s less-invasive, procedurally integrated surgical solutions are designed to deliver reproducible and clinically proven outcomes. The Company’s comprehensive procedural portfolio includes surgical access instruments, spinal implants, fixation systems, biologics, software for surgical planning, navigation and imaging solutions, magnetically adjustable implant systems for spine and orthopedics, and intraoperative neuromonitoring technology and service offerings. With more than $1 billion in net sales, NuVasive has approximately 2,700 employees and operates in more than 50 countries serving surgeons, hospitals, and patients. For more information, please visit www.nuvasive.com.


About the International Spine Study Group Foundation (ISSGF)

The ISSGF is a non-profit research foundation comprised of surgeons and scientists dedicated to the advancement of treatment for adults with spinal deformity. Via prospective, multi-center research the ISSGF evaluates methodologies for patient evaluation and treatment techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes. The ISSGF is committed to being internationally recognized for the highest quality published research on improving care and outcomes for adults with scoliosis and spine deformities and validating new spinal deformity surgery techniques.


Forward-Looking Statements

NuVasive cautions you that statements included in this news release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which, if they do not materialize or prove correct, could cause NuVasive’s results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties which contribute to the uncertain nature of these statements include, among others, risks associated with acceptance of the Company’s surgical products and procedures by spine surgeons and hospitals, development and acceptance of new products or product enhancements, clinical and statistical verification of the benefits achieved via the use of NuVasive’s products, the Company’s ability to adequately manage inventory as it continues to release new products, its ability to recruit and retain management and key personnel, and the other risks and uncertainties described in NuVasive’s news releases and periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. NuVasive’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available at www.sec.gov. NuVasive assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it was made.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nuvasive-and-the-international-spine-study-group-foundation-announce-expanded-long-term-partnership-with-initiation-of-additional-clinical-studies-301247822.html

SOURCE NuVasive, Inc.

Arch Biopartners Receives Health Canada Authorization to Amend Phase II Trial Protocol for LSALT Peptide

TORONTO, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arch Biopartners Inc. (“Arch” or the “Company”) (TSX Venture: ARCH and OTCQB: ACHFF), a clinical stage company developing new drug candidates for preventing organ inflammation, announced today that Health Canada has provided a No Objection Letter for the Company’s protocol amendments for the Phase II trial of its lead drug LSALT peptide (Metablok), targeting acute lung injury and acute kidney injury caused by inflammation in patients with severe cases of COVID-19.

The protocol amendments were recommended by clinical investigators and key medical advisors assisting with the study and were based on information gathered to date from the first 45 patients recruited into the Phase II trial. The changes to the protocol were designed to facilitate enrollment and execution of the sixty-patient study, improve patient care for those undergoing treatment and to broaden patient eligibility to receive Metablok.

The amendments approved by Health Canada include the lowering of the minimum age of patients admissible into the trial to 18 years from 45 and a simplified treatment regimen including the reduction in daily blood draws based on the safety profile observed in prior patients.

The amended protocol has now been distributed to the two clinical sites currently active in Calgary, Canada and will be adopted by the Canadian clinical teams following local internal review board approval. The amended protocol will also be submitted to the U.S. FDA, as well as the Turkish Ministry of Health, with adoption by the participating clinical sites in the USA and Turkey as soon as possible.

“We appreciate the rapid review and approval of the protocol amendment by Health Canada. The amended protocol will broaden the patient base and simplify our Phase II trial for Metablok. We look forward to the approval of the amendment by the respective ethic committees to make our trial more patient friendly, less labour intensive and more inclusive for a wider range of patients,” said Richard Muruve, CEO of Arch.

About the Phase II trial for LSALT Peptide

The Phase II trial is an international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof of concept study of LSALT peptide (Metablok) as prevention of organ inflammation known to trigger acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) or new variants of the virus. ARDS is the leading cause of death in COVID-infected patients. AKI has been observed in approximately 35% of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and is also a leading cause of mortality.1

The composite primary endpoint of the Phase II trial reflects the severe effects often experienced by hospitalized COVID-19 patients and deemed appropriate for LSALT peptide’s novel mechanism of action in blocking consequential inflammation in the lungs, kidneys, and other organs.

Additional information about the Phase II trial can be found at:

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04402957

The Phase II results will be used to design the Phase III program, including greater patient numbers to more fully evaluate efficacy and safety in hospitalized patients at risk to inflammation in the lungs, kidneys or liver.

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in China in late 2019. Severe complications from COVID-19 are in large part due to excessive host immune responses to the virus that result in progressive lung inflammation and acute respiratory distress syndrome that often requires mechanical ventilation and critical care1. Patients with severe COVID-19 also experience multiple organ dysfunction including acute kidney injury, liver dysfunction, cardiac failure, and blood abnormalities. Currently, no effective antiviral drug or specific treatment exists for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Treatment of severe COVID-19 has been primarily supportive, relying heavily on respiratory, infectious diseases, and critical care medicine.

Survival rates and health care system capacity could both be improved with new treatments that prevent the severe manifestations of COVID-19, such as worsening lung inflammation (ARDS) and AKI experienced by patients infected with SARS-CoV-22 or the many variants that have emerged globally in recent months.

1 Hirsch JS et al. Acute kidney injury in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Kidney Int. 2020
   doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2020.05.006.
2 J. S. Ayres, Sci. Adv 10.1126/sciadv.abc1518 (2020)

About Arch Biopartners

Arch Biopartners Inc. is a clinical stage company focused on the development of innovative technologies that have the potential to make a significant medical or commercial impact.  Arch is developing a pipeline of new drug candidates that inhibit inflammation in the lungs, liver and kidneys via the dipeptidase-1 (DPEP-1) pathway for multiple medical indications.

Continuing under development in the Arch portfolio are: AB569, a potential new treatment for antibiotic resistant bacterial infections in wounds, the lungs and urinary tract; and, ‘Borg’ peptide coatings that increase corrosion resistance and decrease bacterial biofilm on various medical grade metals and plastics.

For more information on Arch Biopartners, its technologies and other public documents Arch has filed on SEDAR, please visit www.archbiopartners.com

The Company has 61,462,302 common shares outstanding, following the exercise of 100,000 stock options by an arms-length consultant to the Company for proceeds of $60,000.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, in this news release are forward looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change.

The science and medical contents of this release have been approved by the Company’s Chief Science Officer

The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain Covid-19 (or SARS-2 Coronavirus) at this time

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release



For more information, please contact:

Richard Muruve
Chief Executive Officer
Arch Biopartners, Inc.
647-428-7031
[email protected]

Prospect Capital Corporation Announces Launch of Cash Tender Offer For Any and All of its Outstanding 6.375% Notes due 2024

NEW YORK, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Capital Corporation (the “Company”) today announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase any and all of the outstanding notes listed below. The Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 22, 2021, or any other date and time to which the Company extends such Tender Offer (such date and time, as it may or may not be extended, the “Expiration Time”). The Tender Offer is made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase dated today, which set forth the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer

Title of Security CUSIP / ISIN Nos. Outstanding Principal Amount
     
6.375% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) 74348TAS1 / US74348TAS15 $82,262,000

The consideration to be paid for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn on or prior to the Expiration Time is $1,087.50, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes, if any, from the applicable last interest payment date up to, but not including, the Settlement Date (as defined herein). The Company will purchase any Notes that have been validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Time and accepted for purchase, subject to all conditions to the Tender Offer having been either satisfied or waived by the Company, promptly following the Expiration Time. Assuming the Tender Offer is not extended, the Company expects that the Tender Offer will settle and payment will be made on March 25, 2021 (the “Settlement Date”).

As described in the Offer to Purchase, tendered Notes may be validly withdrawn at any time prior to or at, but not after, the Expiration Time, unless the Company amends the Tender Offer, in which case the withdrawal rights may be extended as the Company determines, to the extent required by law. The Tender Offer is not conditioned on any minimum amount of Notes being tendered. The Company may amend, extend or, subject to certain conditions and applicable law, terminate the Tender Offer at any time in its sole discretion.

The Company has retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. to serve as the Information and Tender Agent for the Notes in the Tender Offer.

The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, a copy of which may be obtained from D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (212) 269-5550 (Banks and Brokers) or (866) 388-7452 (toll free), or via [email protected].

A copy of the Offer to Purchase is also available at the following web address: http://www.dfking.com/psec

This announcement is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, with respect to any securities. The solicitation of offers to buy the Notes is only being made pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase, as it may be amended or supplemented. The Tender Offer is not being made in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. None of the Company or the Information and Tender Agent are making any recommendation as to whether or not holders should tender their Notes in connection with the Tender Offer.

About Prospect Capital Corporation

Prospect Capital Corporation is a business development company that focuses on lending to and investing in private businesses. Prospect’s investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.

Prospect has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”). Prospect is required to comply with regulatory requirements under the 1940 Act as well as applicable NASDAQ, federal and state rules and regulations. We have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, whose safe harbor for forward-looking statements does not apply to business development companies. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding expectations as to the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Tender Offer. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are highly likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under our control, and that we may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual developments and results are highly likely to vary materially from any forward-looking statements. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement now or in the future.

For further information, contact:

Grier Eliasek, President and Chief Operating Officer
[email protected]
Telephone (212) 448-0702



ME2C® Environmental Secures Contract Extension with Major Utility Customer

Multi-Year Master Supply Agreement Extension of Mercury Emissions Control Services

CORSICANA, TX, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. (OTCQB: MEEC) (“ME2C Environmental” or the “Company”), a leading environmental technologies firm, today announced that it has signed a two-year master supply agreement contract extension with a major coal-fired utility located in Oklahoma.

The contract extension of this previously entered into Master Supply Agreement provides an extension to a license to the Company’s patented SEA® technologies along with a supply of custom sorbents over the next two years.

“We are pleased to continue working with this utility, which has been a continuous customer of ours for the past 5 years, receiving numerous operational benefits by working directly with ME2C for both a technology license and for ongoing product supply,” said Richard MacPherson, President and CEO of ME2C Environmental. “In addition to a license to operate our patented SEA® process for mercury emissions, the customer plant also receives operational support from our skilled team to improve overall plant operations and efficiency.

 “This new contract extension reaffirms our attractive recurring revenue model. We believe that our business-first approach to our utility partners creates a mutual foundation for future growth opportunities in other burgeoning areas affecting the global power industry,” concluded MacPherson.

About ME2C
®
Environmental

ME2C Environmental (OTCQB: MEEC), is a leading environmental technologies company developing and 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. ME2C Environmental is a trade name of Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. For more information, please visit http://www.me2cenvironmental.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 Environmental. In addition, this release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management’s best analysis only as of the date of this release. ME2C Environmental 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 Environmental’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ME2C Environmental Contact:

Stacey Hyatt
Corporate Communications
ME2C Environmental
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



BIOLASE To Participate In Maxim Group’s Inaugural 2021 Emerging Growth Virtual Investor Conference

PR Newswire

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — BIOLASE, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIOL), the global leader in dental lasers, announced today that John Beaver, President and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to present at Maxim Group’s Inaugural 2021 Emerging Growth Virtual Investor Conference to be held March 17-19, 2021.

Mr. Beaver will participate in a fireside chat with Maxim analyst Anthony Vendetti on Wednesday, March 17th from 10:30 am – 11:00 am Eastern Time (7:30 am – 8:00 am Pacific Time). To access the session, investors should register for the conference here. Following the conclusion of the conference, investors can also request a one-on-one meeting with BIOLASE management by contacting investor relations.

About BIOLASE, Inc.

BIOLASE is a medical device company that develops, manufactures, markets, and sells laser systems in dentistry and medicine. BIOLASE’s products advance the practice of dentistry and medicine for patients and healthcare professionals. BIOLASE’s proprietary laser products incorporate approximately 271 patented and 40 patent-pending technologies designed to provide biologically and clinically superior performance with less pain and faster recovery times. BIOLASE’s innovative products provide cutting-edge technology at competitive prices to deliver superior results for dentists and patients. BIOLASE’s principal products are revolutionary dental laser systems that perform a broad range of dental procedures, including cosmetic and complex surgical applications.  BIOLASE has sold over 41,200 laser systems to date in over 80 countries around the world. Laser products under development address BIOLASE’s core dental market and other adjacent medical and consumer applications.

For updates and information on Waterlase iPlus®, Waterlase Express™, and laser dentistry, find BIOLASE online at www.biolase.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/biolase, Twitter at www.twitter.com/biolaseinc, Instagram at www.instagram.com/waterlase_laserdentistry, and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/biolase.

BIOLASE®, Waterlase® and Waterlase iPlus® are registered trademarks of BIOLASE, Inc.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biolase-to-participate-in-maxim-groups-inaugural-2021-emerging-growth-virtual-investor-conference-301248103.html

SOURCE BIOLASE, Inc.

VolitionRx Limited Schedules Full Fiscal Year 2020 Earnings Conference Call and Business Update

Conference call to take place Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 8:00 am Eastern time

PR Newswire

AUSTIN, Texas, March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) (“Volition”) today announced it will host a conference call on Tuesday, March 23, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial and operating results for the full fiscal year 2020, in addition to providing a business update.

Event: VolitionRx Limited Full Fiscal Year 2020 Earnings and Business Update Conference Call
Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Time: 8:00 a.m. Eastern time
U.S. & Canada Dial-in: 1-877-407-9716 (toll free)
U.K. Dial-in: 0 800 756 3429 (toll free)
Toll/International: 1-201-493-6779
Conference ID:  13717672

Cameron Reynolds, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volition, will host the call along with Terig Hughes, Chief Financial Officer, Jake Micallef, Chief Scientific Officer and Scott Powell, Executive Vice President, Investor Relations. The call will provide an update on recent developments and Volition’s activities, including details of new and ongoing clinical trials, important events which have taken place in the 2020, and milestones for 2021 and beyond.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations page of Volition’s corporate website at http://ir.volition.com. In addition, a telephone replay of the call will be available until April 6 2021. The replay dial-in numbers are 1-844-512-2921 (toll-free) in the U.S. and Canada and 1-412-317-6671 (toll) internationally. Please use replay pin number 13717672.

About Volition

Volition is a multi-national epigenetics company developing simple, easy to use, cost effective blood tests to help diagnose a range of cancers and other diseases. Early diagnosis has the potential to not only prolong the life of patients, but also to improve their quality of life. The tests are based on the science of NucleosomicsTM, which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid – an indication that disease is present. Volition is primarily focused on human diagnostics but also has a subsidiary focused on animal diagnostics.

Volition’s research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with additional offices in Texas, London and Singapore, as the company focuses on bringing its diagnostic products to market.

NucleosomicsTM is a trademark of Volition and its subsidiaries.

For more information about Volition, visit Volition’s website (http://www.volition.com) or connect with us via:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/volitionrx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionrx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolitionRx/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VolitionRx

The contents found at Volition’s website address, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document.  The addresses for Volition’s website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are included in this document as inactive textual references only.

Media / Investor Contacts


Louise Batchelor, Volition


[email protected] 


+44 (0)7557 774620


Scott Powell, Volition


[email protected]


+1 (646) 650 1351


Jen Lewis, Pegasus


[email protected]


+44 (0)7809 867943


Joseph Green, Edison Advisors


[email protected]


+1 (646) 653 7030

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/volitionrx-limited-schedules-full-fiscal-year-2020-earnings-conference-call-and-business-update-301248196.html

SOURCE VolitionRx Limited

Kaival Brands (OTCQB: KAVL) achieves cumulative $100M in revenue in less than a year; Reconfirms Fiscal Year 2021 Revenue Guidance of $400M – $450M

Kaival Brands Reports Fiscal Year First Quarter Revenues of $37 million and Gross Profit of $4.8 million

PR Newswire

GRANT, Fla., March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Kaival Brands Innovations Group, Inc. (OTCQB: KAVL) (“Kaival Brands,” the “Company,” or “we”), is the exclusive global distributor of all products manufactured by Bidi Vapor, LLC (“Bidi Vapor”), which are intended exclusively for adults 21 and over. Bidi Vapor’s primary offering, the Bidi® Stick, is the fastest-growing closed system disposable electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) in the U.S. The tamper-resistant Bidi® Stick is also the only ENDS on the market with an ecologically friendly, mass-recycling program called Bidi® Cares. Kaival Brands also recently launched Bidi Vapor’s Bidi® Pouch, a tobacco-free nicotine pouch in six flavors.

Kaival Brands achieves $100M in revenue in less than a year; Reconfirms FY 2021 Revenue Guidance of $400M – $450M

The Company’s fiscal first quarter, ended January 31, 2021, achieved significant revenue and profitability milestones. The metrics posted during the first quarter of 2021 were the best to date. In under a year, the Company demonstrated the powerful market adoption of the Bidi® Stick by achieving a cumulative $100 million in revenues since it commenced business operations in March 2020. More impressively, the Company achieved this milestone despite revenue slowdowns during the fourth quarter of 2020 as a result of packaging and labeling updates. As previously disclosed, during the fourth quarter of 2020 the Company and Bidi Vapor made the bold decision to wash out inventory and repackage the entire product line in an effort to go “above and beyond” U.S. Food and Drug Administration packaging and labeling guidelines. While the repackaging decision slowed upward revenue trends during the fourth quarter of 2020, it underscores the Company’s decision to always put the community first. As stated by the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Niraj Patel, “people before profits, responsibility before revenue.”

From a comparative perspective, first quarter of 2021 revenues were $37.3 million, compared to revenues of $0 in the first quarter of 2020. In addition to the Company’s excitement about reaching the cumulative $100 million in revenues landmark, the Company is even more excited about its profitability metrics. “Given the significant expenses associated with infrastructure, start-up costs, marketing, legal, and many other business necessities, we are proud of our ability to reach profitability so early on in our development,” added Niraj Patel. “The gross profit number provides a glimpse into our future net profits as we continue to scale the business in a smart and efficient operational manner.”

The Company’s second quarter of 2021 is shaping up to include additional milestones. Kaival Brand’s march to a Nasdaq listing continues with market maker commitment letters. From a revenue perspective, February and March have benefited from the Company’s new distribution partnerships as well as the roll out of the Bidi® Pouch. As such, the Company expects revenues to increase during the second fiscal quarter ending April 31, 2021. “Given our current visibility, we remain very confident in our full year fiscal 2021 revenue guidance of $400 million to $450 million,” Mr. Patel said.

Please find a link to a recent podcast interview of Chief Executive Officer Niraj Patel. https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/podcast-deep-dive-flavored-vape

Mr. Patel, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, owns and controls Bidi Vapor. As a result, Bidi Vapor and the Company are considered under common control and Bidi Vapor is considered a related party.

Based in Melbourne, Florida, Bidi Vapor maintains a commitment to responsible marketing, supporting age-verification standards and sustainability through its Bidi® Cares recycling program. The company’s premiere device, the Bidi® Stick, is a premium product made with medical-grade components, a UL-certified battery, and technology designed to deliver a consistent vaping experience. Bidi Vapor is also adamant about strict compliance with all federal, state, and local guidelines and regulations.

For more information, visit www.bidivapor.com

At BIDI® Vapor, innovation is key to its mission, with the BIDI® Stick promoting environmental sustainability while providing a unique vaping experience to adult smokers. Contributing to a smoke-free world for our future generations is in BIDI® Vapor’s DNA.

Kaival Brands Innovations Group, Inc., Grant, Florida, is a company focused on growing and incubating innovative and profitable products into mature and dominant brands in their respective markets. Our vision is to develop internally, acquire, own, or exclusively distribute these innovative products and grow each into dominant market-share brands with superior quality and recognizable innovation.

Learn more about Kaival Brands Innovations Group, Inc., at www.kaivalbrands.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, which are statements other than historical facts that frequently use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “position,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” and similar words. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Although we believe that the plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that these plans, intentions, or expectations will be achieved. Therefore, actual outcomes and results could materially differ from what is expressed, implied, or forecasted in such statements. Our business may be influenced by many factors that are difficult to predict, involve uncertainties that may materially affect results, and are often beyond our control. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and impact on the demand for the products we distribute; the actions governments, businesses, and individuals take in response to the pandemic, including mandatory business closures and restrictions on onsite commercial interactions; the impact of the pandemic and actions taken in response to the pandemic on global and regional economies and economic activity; the pace of recovery when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the effects of steps that we could take to reduce operating costs; our inability to generate and sustain profitable sales growth; circumstances or developments that may make us unable to implement or realize anticipated benefits, or that may increase the costs, of our current and planned business initiatives; changes in government regulation or laws that affect our business; and those factors detailed by us in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and regulations, we do not have any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kaival-brands-otcqb-kavl-achieves-cumulative-100m-in-revenue-in-less-than-a-year-reconfirms-fiscal-year-2021-revenue-guidance-of-400m—450m-301248113.html

SOURCE Kaival Brands

Ballard Now Powering New Zealand’s First-Ever Fuel Cell Electric Bus, Designed & Manufactured by Global Bus Ventures

PR Newswire

VANCOUVER, BC, March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) today announced that the Company’s FCmove® fuel cell module is powering the first-ever Fuel Cell Electric Bus (FCEB) manufactured in New Zealand. The FCEB has been designed and built by Global Bus Ventures (GBV; www.globalbusventures.co.nz), a leading bus manufacturer serving New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the Middle East, and is currently completing testing activities with planned deployment in revenue service later this month with Auckland Transport.

New Zealand passed its Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019, putting the country on a path to net zero emissions by 2050 and making it one of the few countries to have a zero-emissions goal enshrined in law.

Also, in 2019 Global Bus Ventures was awarded a contract by Auckland Transport – which has responsibility for all transport services in the city – for the supply of a Fuel Cell Electric Bus to be used as part of the Ports of Auckland hydrogen fuel production and refueling plant trial. The GBV-designed FCEB has been road-tested over the past several weeks in the city of Rolleston and was delivered to Auckland Transport earlier this month. 

Mike Parker, Executive Vice President at Global Bus Ventures said, “We selected Ballard as they have a strong fuel cell history in mobile applications and their latest FCmove® product is a perfect fit for us. The fact that the system was commissioned remotely due to the COVID border restrictions shows the quality of the Ballard support team and the can-do attitude and ingenuity of our New Zealand engineering team. The successful running of this system paves the way for a strong future in manufacturing these high-technology zero-emission buses in New Zealand.”

Rob Campbell, Ballard Chief Commercial Officer noted, “Ballard is delighted to be working with Global Bus Ventures in New Zealand and to be powering the first-ever FCEB in that country. This important step in New Zealand is another clear indication of the growing global interest in fuel cells as the primary propulsion system for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Motive applications, including transit buses, where key requirements include heavy payload, long range and fast refueling. These are all needs that can be met cost-effectively with Ballard fuel cell modules and hydrogen fuel.”  

About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems’ (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) vision is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Ballard zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, passenger cars and forklift trucks. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated product performance and other characteristics, product deliveries and deployments. These forward-looking statements reflect Ballard’s current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are based on Ballard’s assumptions relating to its financial forecasts and expectations regarding its product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market demand.

These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause Ballard’s actual results to be materially different, including general economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on third parties, successfully achieving our business plans and achieving and sustaining profitability. For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors that could affect Ballard’s future performance, please refer to Ballard’s most recent Annual Information Form. Readers should not place undue reliance on Ballard’s forward-looking statements and Ballard assumes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, other than as required under applicable legislation.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ballard-now-powering-new-zealands-first-ever-fuel-cell-electric-bus-designed–manufactured-by-global-bus-ventures-301248169.html

SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.

CGI’s CSR 2020 report shares progress in advancing key priorities: people, communities and climate

PR Newswire

Stock Market Symbols

GIB.A (TSX)

GIB (NYSE)


www.cgi.com/newsroom

Climate priorities include achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030

MONTRÉAL, March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) is pleased to announce the release of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 2020 report, which highlights its progress in advancing CSR initiatives across three key areas: people, communities and climate. The report also shares CGI’s ambitious goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 under its direct and indirect control (as defined by Scope 1, 2 and business travel in scope 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol).

“CSR is a core CGI value and one of our strategic goals is to continue to be a caring and responsible corporate citizen in all the communities where we live and work,” said President and Chief Executive Office George Schindler. “This year, more than ever, we are mindful of the importance of our role in helping to build a safer, more sustainable world.”

“Throughout the pandemic, our 76,000+ professionals have responded with dedication and professionalism to support those in need and ensure uninterrupted and secure services for our clients,” he added. “Our CSR report highlights our investment and progress in advancing the well-being of those we serve, including our recent commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.”

CGI’s CSR 2020 report is a follow-up to its signing last year of the United Nations Global Compact. By signing the Global Compact, CGI agreed to integrate the Compact’s “Ten Principles” into its strategy and day-to-day operations and is committed to advancing the UN’s broader sustainable development goals.

The report outlines specific CGI objectives and accomplishments with respect to the following key priority areas:

People

CGI is committed to inspiring and educating people across all walks of life and helping people in underrepresented groups pursue IT careers. Throughout 2020, initiatives designed to further these objectives included more than 200 active STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) camps supporting nearly 45,000 students, various mentoring, apprenticeship and training programs, and CGI’s own U’Dev coding school in France and Morroco.

“In line with our diversity, equity, and inclusion commitment, we deliver comprehensive support for people in underrepresented groups and take steps to ensure equal opportunity for all,” said Laurent Gerin, President of CGI’s Western and Southern Europe operations. “We also are proud to create an environment that provides continuous learning for all of our professionals.”

Communities

CGI seeks to use its skills and resources to improve the well-being of local communities. For example, the company’s flagship CSR program, Dream Connectors, supports CGI professionals in launching CSR projects by providing funding, technology, and volunteers.

In 2020, CGI professionals invested more than 23,000 hours as part of Dream Connectors. Further, Dream Connectors was quickly adapted to provide specific support throughout the pandemic, with more than 100 initiatives implemented to help communities respond to the crisis.

“Our commitment to making a difference in our communities is brought to life through our global Dream Connectors program, which enables any of our professionals, from any location, to propose projects that connect our resources to local needs,” said George Mattackal, President of CGI’s Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers. “Throughout the pandemic, we rapidly re-focused this program to support a wide range of initiatives to help first responders and local organizations.”

Climate 

A third of CGI locations are now ISO 14001-certified in line with the company’s commitment to providing responsible operating practices and sustainability solutions for its clients. Since 2014, CGI has reduced its carbon emissions by 50%, and renewable energy now makes up 41% of the company’s energy consumption. CGI’s sustainability commitment has earned recognition by key environmental indices, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the CDP, and EcoVadis.

“We care deeply about the environment and are committed to achieving net zero across CGI by 2030,” said Tara McGeehan, President of CGI’s United Kingdom and Australia operations. “We work closely with our clients, local governments and partners to achieve this important goal.”

To read CGI’s CSR 2020 report or to learn more about the company’s CSR efforts in general, visit cgi.com.

About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 76,000 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2020 reported revenue is C$12.16 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgis-csr-2020-report-shares-progress-in-advancing-key-priorities-people-communities-and-climate-301248205.html

SOURCE CGI Inc.