Market Newsdesk

CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This school year, Covid-19 has forced schools across Canada to adapt to courses offered online instead of in the classroom.

A similar challenge twenty years ago, to use technology to educate isolated students, resulted in the first e-learning school in Canada created for Indigenous learners.

Since 2000, students have logged on to SCcyber E-Learning Community courses from 64 First Nations communities, from Paulatuk NWT, north of the Arctic Circle, to Siksika in southern Alberta.

SCcyber E-Learning Community is celebrating twenty years of offering courses online. The school is also celebrating one of the highest percentages of high school graduates in First Nations communities.

The school offers more than 100 academic and elective courses and has provided more than 20,000 courses to students. Each semester typically has an enrollment of 250-300 high school, junior high or adult education students.

“Education is something as a society we have the opportunity to get right, and it should be everyone’s right to have that opportunity,” says CEO Martin Sacher. He worked in public high schools in Alberta and Saskatchewan for 22 years before launching the school.

Partnering with his wife Mavis Sacher, whose background includes a Masters degree in Educational Technology, the couple created Canada’s first online school tailored to Indigenous Learners. Course contents are culturally sensitive to Indigenous backgrounds, while flexibility in enrollments and extended completion periods allow students to work according to their own pace.

“When we started 20 years ago, it was such an out of the box idea but reserve communities embraced online learning and now it is mainstream today,” says Mavis Sacher.

More than 350 students have earned Canadian high school diplomas through SCcyber, and the school has won national and international awards for its innovation and success.

The school’s success has been supported by aboriginal governments, federal and provincial governments, and by natural resource companies. Many of these companies have hired SCcyber grads into their workforce across Western Canada.

For more information:

Martin Sacher
CEO, SCcyber E-Learning Community
Calgary, Alberta
[email protected]
403-872-0587

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aspira Women’s Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: AWH), a bioanalytical-based women’s health company, today announced it has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Baylor Genetics (Houston, TX) to co-develop a novel Ovarian Cancer early-detection test. Ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system and is the only gender specific cancer with an over 50 percent mortality rate impacting women of all ages and ethnicities.

“Aspira has over 10 years of research and experience in early stage detection of ovarian cancer in women, and we are thrilled to accelerate our innovation and product development platform by entering into this collaborative agreement with Baylor Genetics. We look forward to combining the strengths from each respective research team, and working together on our OVA360 clinical study, specifically in our mutual goal of characterizing an Ovarian Cancer molecular profile,” said Lesley Northrop, Ph.D., FACMG, Chief Scientific Officer at Aspira Women’s Health. “Baylor Genetics is one of the founding institutions of genomic research, collaborating on proteogenomic technology in the development of a cell-free DNA-based Ovarian Cancer risk detection test.”  

Dr. Brian Merritt, Medical Director at Baylor Genetics, said,“Ovarian cancer is a particular cancer type in need of better early detection methods, and advances in genetic testing technologies now enable us to develop such a test for clinical use. Aligning with Aspira to co-develop this novel test will advance precision medicine for women with ovarian cancer and potentially lead to earlier intervention, more targeted treatments, and improved outcomes.”

Baylor Genetics has been a leading pioneer in genetic testing, providing unmatched knowledge and experience in hereditary genetics, clinical genomics, and translational technology. Aspira is uniquely positioned to co-develop and recruit patient samples for the development of this new test. With over 10 years of experience in ovarian cancer risk assessment testing and developing multiple FDA-cleared products that are instrumental in helping providers and patients detect risk in women with pelvic masses, Aspira provides both clinical and commercialization expertise for bringing this novel test to market.

About Aspira Women’s Health Inc.

Aspira Women’s Health, Inc. (formerly known as, Vermillion inc., Nasdaq: VRML) is transforming women’s health with the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative testing options and bio-analytical solutions that help physicians assess risk, optimize patient management and improve gynecologic health outcomes for women.  ASPIRA is particularly focused on closing the ethnic disparity gap in ovarian cancer risk assessment and developing solutions for pelvic diseases such as pelvic mass risk assessment and endometriosis. OVA1® plus includes our FDA-cleared products, OVA1^®, and OVERA^® to detect risk of ovarian malignancy in women with adnexal masses. ASPIRA GenetiX^TM testing offers both targeted and comprehensive genetic testing options with a gynecologic focus.  With over 10 years of expertise in ovarian cancer risk assessment, ASPIRA is delivering a portfolio of pelvic mass products over a patient’s lifetime with our cutting-edge research. The next generation of products in development are OVANEX^TM and EndoCheck^TM. Visit our website for more information at www.aspirawh.com.

About Baylor
Genetics

Baylor Genetics is a joint venture of H.U. Group Holdings, Inc. and Baylor College of Medicine, including the #1 NIH-funded Department of Molecular and Human Genetics. Located in Houston’s Texas Medical Center, Baylor Genetics serves clients in 50 states and 16 countries.

Investor Relations Contact:

Ashley R. Robinson
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
Tel 617-430-7577
[email protected]

Media Contact:

Jaime Abrusci
RX Medical Dynamics
Tel 646-599-8606
[email protected]

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM, BEEMW), the leading provider of innovative sustainable technology for electric vehicle (EV) charging, outdoor media and energy security, today announced the award of their General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract. Federal agencies can now purchase EV ARC™ solar EV Charging infrastructure products on the GSA Advantage!® site. Due to the recent rebrand from Envision Solar to Beam Global, products are listed under Envision Solar while the name change is processed.

GSA MAS Contracts, frequently referred to as GSA Schedules, are pre-competed, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) compliant contracts that serve to streamline the government procurement process. The award of Beam Global’s (formerly Envision Solar) GSA MAS Contract is the result of an extensive evaluation process conducted by GSA, and serves as a testament to the company’s capabilities, performance history and customer satisfaction.

“Beam Global’s GSA Schedule now allows Federal agencies, state and local governments, educational institutions and others to easily purchase the fastest deployed EV charging infrastructure products on the market,” said Desmond Wheatley, Beam Global CEO. “Five Federally funded National Laboratories and the U.S. Navy already use EV ARC™ products. It will be much easier to get follow on orders from them and new orders from other Federal agencies as a result of this contract vehicle being in place. We believe that the timing could not be better: not only do we anticipate significant Federal Stimulus and funding for EV charging infrastructure when the new administration takes office, we are also providing the opportunity for state and local governments to buy EV ARC™ products from the GSA Schedule with the Disaster Purchasing designation.”

Beam currently offers the EV ARC™ line of sustainable EV charging infrastructure products through their GSA MAS Contract under the following Special Item Numbers (SINs):

• SIN 335999 Power Distribution Equipment
• SIN 335911 Batteries

Federal agencies can use the company’s GSA MAS Contract to secure EV ARC™ sustainable EV charging products at pre-negotiated pricing, terms and conditions. These products include:

• Beam EV ARC™ charging units with ChargePoint™ EV Charging Station(s) Pre-mounted: Configurations with 1 plug, 2-plugs
• Beam EV ARC™ charging units with Enel X JuiceBox^® Pro EV Charging Station(s) Pre-mounted: Configurations with 1 plug, 2 plugs, 3 plugs, 4 plugs, 5 plugs, 6 plugs
• The above products are also designated Disaster Purchasing status and are available for purchase by state and local government entities and educational institutions in accordance with Section 833 of the John Warner Defense Authorization Act of 2007 and the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010.

The U.S. government operates the largest civilian fleet in the world with more than 640,000 vehicles. As fleet electrification increases due to the resultant reduction in fuel costs, maintenance, and emissions, the requirement for rapid deployment of EV charging infrastructure is expected to grow dramatically. Additionally, President Elect Joe Biden has committed to the deployment of more than 500,000 new public charging outlets by the end of 2030 and to a 100% clean energy economy with net-zero emissions by 2050.

Beam Global’s GSA MAS Contract Number 47QSWA21D0006 is valid through October 31, 2025 with exercise options through October 31, 2040. For more information on purchasing Beam’s EV ARC™ ready-to-deploy sustainable EV charging solutions through the GSA MAS Contract, please contact The Beam Team at 858-799-4583 or [email protected].

About Beam Global

Beam Global is a Cleantech leader that produces innovative, sustainable technology for electric vehicle (EV) charging, outdoor media, and energy security, without the construction, disruption, risks and costs of grid-tied solutions. Products include the patented EV ARC™ and Solar Tree^® lines with BeamTrak™ patented solar tracking, and ARC Technology™ energy storage, along with EV charging, outdoor media and disaster preparedness packages.

The company develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced renewably energized products that save customers time and money, help the environment, empower communities and keep people moving. Based in San Diego, the company produces Made in America products. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbols BEEM and BEEMW (formerly Envision Solar, EVSI, EVSIW). For more information visit https://BeamForAll.com/, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This Beam Global Press Release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this Press Release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results.

Media Contact:

The Bulleit Group
[email protected]
+1 415-742-1894

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58c8a2df-099e-4f0c-a930-57127f23cae0

Investors with losses are encouraged to contact the firm before November 21, 2020; click


here


to submit trade information

​LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Portnoy Law Firm advises investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIMT) investors that acquired shares relating to the sale of the Company to Sociétés des Produits Nestlé, S.A. Investors have until November 21, 2020 to seek an active role in this litigation.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, to determine eligibility to participate in this action, by phone 310-692-8883 or email, or click here to join the case.

It was announced by Aimmune on August 31, 2020 that it had signed an agreement to be acquired by SNP for approximately $2.6 billion. Aimmune stockholders will receive $34.50 in cash for each share of Aimmune common stock owned, pursuant to the merger agreement. The deal is scheduled to be closed in the fourth quarter of 2020.

It is alleged in the complaint that Aimmune’s board of directors oversaw an unfair process and ultimately agreed to a merger agreement that was inadequate. Aimmune stock has recently traded at a price well above the merger consideration of $34.50.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 21, 2020.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims arising from corporate wrongdoing. The Firm’s founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.
Admitted CA and NY Bar
[email protected]
310-692-8883
www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising

• Growing
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  omatoes in a chemical
  pesticide-
  free environment using 100% recycled rainwate
  r
  
• Company’s strategic location reach
  es
  nearly
  70% of Americans in a day’s drive
• Reaffirms expectations of initial revenues in first quarter of 202
  1
  

MOREHEAD, Ky., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppHarvest today announced it has planted its first tomato crop at the company’s high-tech controlled environment agriculture facility in Morehead, Ky. The crop is scheduled to be harvested and available at leading U.S. grocery stores in early 2021.

The Morehead facility spans 2.76 million square feet, the equivalent of 45 football fields. It’s the first of a series of indoor farms designed to redefine American agriculture by growing non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free fruits and vegetables using 100% recycled rainwater at locations closer to the people eating them. From its base in Appalachia, AppHarvest can reach nearly 70% of Americans in less than a day’s drive. The company and its mission represent a stark change to the existing American food system, which is increasingly reliant on imports.

“Today is an important milestone for AppHarvest as we seek to build a more resilient American food system from within Appalachia,” said AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb. “Our team has built one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced indoor farms, which means AppHarvest’s tomatoes soon will be on store shelves and in American homes. This is just the first step for us. To transform agriculture in America, we need to do this on a large scale, and we’re already taking steps to do just that with construction underway on two more facilities totaling about 75 acres of growing space.”

AppHarvest’s tomatoes are scheduled to be in grocery stores in the first quarter of 2021, and the company reaffirms its expectations to begin recognizing revenues at that time.

AppHarvest chose tomatoes as its first crop because more than 60% of America’s fresh tomatoes were imported in 2019, an increase of almost 50% over the past decade. By growing closer to where people eat, AppHarvest’s tomatoes will be picked at peak ripeness and delivered quickly to grocers. AppHarvest is providing Americans with tomatoes that are locally grown using only recycled rainwater and no chemical pesticides. AppHarvest’s worker-first philosophy also promotes fair labor practices.

In addition to the Morehead, Ky., facility, AppHarvest is already building two additional high-tech controlled environment agriculture indoor farms. The first will be comparable in size to the company’s flagship operation in Morehead, Ky., and is located outside Richmond, Ky. The third, located in Berea, Ky., will be 15 acres and grow leafy greens. Why leafy greens? American production is concentrated in Arizona and California, which combine to produce 90% of U.S.-grown leafy greens. These states are in the midst of a decades-long drought and are consuming precious water resources. By contrast, Central Appalachia, where AppHarvest is investing in building controlled environment agriculture facilities, has an abundance of rain, so much so that the facilities can be operated on 100% recycled rainwater.

How else is AppHarvest different from traditional agriculture companies?

• AppHarvest puts the planet and people first as a Public Benefit Corporation and has also been certified as a B Corp by the nonprofit B Lab. The company is one of only 3,600 certified B Corps and will become one of just a dozen publicly traded public benefit corporations upon the completion of its business combination with publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company Novus Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: NOVS). The B Corp certification process analyzed AppHarvest’s commitment to forward-thinking initiatives across community, customers, environment, governance and workers.
• The company’s controlled environment agriculture facilities are designed to reduce water usage by 90% due to unique circular irrigation systems connected with large-scale rainwater retention ponds. The closed-loop system runs entirely off 100% recycled rainwater and is designed to eliminate harmful agricultural runoff, which contributes to toxic algae blooms.
• Strong relationships with leading AgTech universities and companies in the Netherlands position AppHarvest as a leading applied technology agriculture company. The Netherlands has developed a significant high-tech greenhouse industry, becoming the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter despite having a land mass roughly equal in size to Eastern Kentucky. Earlier this year, AppHarvest led a landmark 17-organization agreement uniting Dutch and Kentucky governments, universities, and private companies, with all committing to building America’s AgTech capital from within Appalachia.

In just over two years, AppHarvest has attracted more than $150 million in investment into Central Appalachia and announced on September 29, 2020, its entry into a definitive agreement for a business combination with publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company Novus Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: NOVS). The combination, which is expected to close late in the fourth quarter of 2020 or early in the first quarter of 2021, is expected to provide $475 million of gross proceeds to the company, including $375 million from a fully committed common stock PIPE at $10.00 per share anchored by existing and new investors – including Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, Inclusive Capital, and Novus Capital Corporation. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will be named AppHarvest and is expected to remain listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol APPH.

AppHarvest’s investors include Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Inclusive Capital Partners, Equilibrium, Narya Capital, Lupa Systems, Breyer Capital, and Endeavor Catalyst. Endeavor selected AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb as an Endeavor Entrepreneur in 2019.

Board members include food icon Martha Stewart, Narya Capital Co-Founder and Partner JD Vance, Impossible Foods Chief Financial Officer David Lee and impact investor Jeff Ubben.

About AppHarvest


AppHarvest is an applied technology company building some of the world’s largest indoor farms in Appalachia. The Company combines conventional agricultural techniques with cutting-edge technology and is addressing key issues including improving access for all to nutritious food, farming more sustainably, building a home-grown food supply, and increasing investment in Appalachia. The Company’s 60-acre Morehead, KY facility is among the largest indoor farms in the U.S. For more information, visit https://www.appharvest.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding Novus Capital’s proposed acquisition of AppHarvest, Novus Capital’s ability to consummate the transaction, the benefits of the transaction and the combined company’s future financial performance, as well as the combined company’s growth plans and strategy, future operations, timing of first crop harvest, estimated financial position, estimated revenues and losses, timing of expected revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of AppHarvest’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of AppHarvest. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Novus Capital’s registration statement on Form S-4, filed with the SEC on October 9, 2020 and as amended to date (the “Registration Statement”), under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents Novus Capital has filed, or will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect AppHarvest’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. AppHarvest anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while AppHarvest may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, AppHarvest specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing AppHarvest’s assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Important Information for Investors and Stockholders

In connection with the proposed transaction, Novus Capital has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC, which includes a preliminary proxy statement to be distributed to holders of Novus Capital’s common stock in connection with Novus Capital’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Novus Capital’s stockholders with respect to the proposed transaction and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of securities to be issued to AppHarvest’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement has been declared effective, Novus Capital will mail a definitive proxy statement, when available, to its stockholders. Investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, any amendments thereto and any other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about Novus Capital, AppHarvest and the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Novus Capital through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Novus Capital Corporation, 8556 Oakmont Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46260. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

Participants in the Solicitation

Novus Capital and its directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of Novus Capital’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of Novus Capital’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading the Registration Statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the business combination when they become available. Information concerning the interests of Novus Capital’s participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of their stockholders generally, is set forth in the Registration Statement.

MEDIA CONTACT:
[email protected]

IMAGE/VIDEO GALLERY: Available here

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1e862f12-1b55-49aa-a2c3-fd4b4c3c10e9
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ef79c4f-0065-4067-8f92-a3a4dcd7cad8

BURLINGTON, Mass., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — scPharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: SCPH), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products that have the potential to optimize the delivery of infused therapies, advance patient care, and reduce healthcare costs, today announced that John Tucker, president & chief executive officer, is scheduled to present at the 3rd Annual Evercore ISI Virtual HealthCONx Conference on Thursday, December 3 at 11:20am EST.

A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed under “News & Events” in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.scpharmaceuticals.com.

About scPharmaceuticals

scPharmaceuticals is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products that are designed to reduce healthcare costs and improve health outcomes. The Company develops, internally and through strategic partnerships, innovative products and solutions that aim to expand and advance the outpatient care of select acute conditions. The Company’s lead programs focus on the subcutaneous, self-administration of IV-strength treatments in heart failure and infectious disease. scPharmaceuticals is headquartered in Burlington, MA. For more information, please visit www.scPharmaceuticals.com.

Katherine Taudvin
scPharmaceuticals Inc., 781-301-6706
[email protected]

Investors:
Hans Vitzthum
LifeSci Advisors, 617-430-7578
[email protected]

Media:
Kate Coyle
ICR Inc., 203-682-8210
[email protected]

• A pioneering researcher
  ,
  Dr. Gao has made foundational contributions to the
  discovery of novel
  AAV
  vectors for gene therapy
  
• Dr. Gao recently served as President of the American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) and has been
  ranked
  as one of the
  t
  op 20 translational researchers by Nature Biotechnology

NEW YORK and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sio Gene Therapies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIOX), a clinical-stage company focused on developing gene therapies to radically transform the lives of patients with neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the appointment of Guangping Gao, Ph.D., as Chief AAV Scientific Advisor. Dr. Gao, a world-recognized scientist and past President of the ASGCT, has played key roles in the discovery and characterization of adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes which were instrumental in the resurgence of gene therapy. In his advisory role, Dr. Gao will provide strategic guidance and scientific and technical input across Sio’s AAV-based gene therapy programs.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Gao, a gene therapy pioneer, to Sio Gene Therapies,” said Pavan Cheruvu, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Sio. “Dr. Gao brings an incredible wealth of knowledge ranging from fundamental discoveries in viral vectors, preclinical and clinical gene therapy product development, to viral manufacturing for clinical research. We believe his experience and insight will be invaluable to our team as we continue to advance our pipeline and evaluate potential business development opportunities. We look forward to collaborating with Dr. Gao as we work toward our mission of providing transformative treatments to patients with severe genetic disease.”

Dr. Gao said, “Sio’s strategic approach to gene therapy directly targets the underlying disease biology, which I believe has the potential to lead to transformative and life-saving treatments. I have been impressed by the team’s comprehensive execution in driving forward clinical programs while in parallel laying a strong manufacturing foundation to support their mission to deliver these treatments to patients as rapidly as possible. I am thrilled to begin my role at Sio and look forward to leveraging my diverse experiences to fully unlock the potential of their gene therapy portfolio.”

Dr. Gao is Co-Director of the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Disease Research, Director of the Horae Gene Therapy Center and Viral Vector Core, Professor of Microbiology and Physiological Systems and Penelope Booth Rockwell Professor in Biomedical Research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr Gao’s more than 30 years in scientific research in molecular genetics have made foundational contributions to the development of viral vector gene therapy for rare genetic diseases including the discovery, development and engineering of novel viral vectors for in vivo gene delivery as well as preclinical and clinical gene therapy product development. He has also made significant contributions to the development of viral vector manufacturing for gene therapy applications and the development of technology platforms for novel gene therapy approaches in humans. Dr. Gao has published nearly 300 research papers and serves as the Executive Editor-In-Chief of Human Gene Therapy, Senior Editor of the Gene and Cell Therapy book series and serves on the Editorial Boards of several other gene therapy and virology journals. In addition to previously serving as President of ASGCT, he is an elected fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors, holding 174 patents and an additional 373 patent applications pending with over 10 licensed to pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Gao is co-founder of Voyager Therapeutics, Adrenas Therapeutics and Aspa Therapeutics.

About Sio Gene Therapies

Sio Gene Therapies combines cutting-edge science with bold imagination to develop genetic medicines that aim to radically improve the lives of patients. Our current pipeline of clinical-stage candidates includes the first potentially curative AAV-based gene therapies for GM1 gangliosidosis and Tay-Sachs/Sandhoff diseases, which are rare and uniformly fatal pediatric conditions caused by single gene deficiencies. We are also expanding the reach of gene therapy to highly prevalent conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, which affects millions of patients globally. Led by an experienced team of gene therapy development experts, and supported by collaborations with premier academic, industry and patient advocacy organizations, Sio is focused on accelerating its candidates through clinical trials to liberate patients with debilitating diseases through the transformational power of gene therapies. For more information, visit www.siogtx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. The use of words such as “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, all statements Sio makes regarding costs associated with its operating activities are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions by Sio’s management that, although Sio believes to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that Sio expected. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our operations, the initiation and conduct of preclinical studies and clinical trials; the availability of data from clinical trials; the development of a suspension-based manufacturing process for Axo-Lenti-PD; the scaling up of manufacturing, the expectations for regulatory submissions and approvals; the continued development of our gene therapy product candidates and platforms; Sio’s scientific approach and general development progress; and the availability or commercial potential of Sio’s product candidates. These statements are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties that are described in Sio’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2020, as updated by its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Sio undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Media and Investors

Parag Meswani
Sio Gene Therapies, Inc.
Chief Commercial Officer
[email protected]

Josephine Belluardo, Ph.D.
LifeSci Communications
(646) 751-4361
[email protected]
[email protected] 

SEATTLE, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pike Street Capital, LLC, (“Pike Street”), a Seattle-based private equity firm, has announced the closing of Pike Street Capital Partners (the “Fund”), a $237 million fund that will focus on control investments in industrial technology businesses. Fund investors include leading institutional limited partners, such as endowments, insurance companies, fund of funds, and family offices along with strategic operating executives. The Fund was over-subscribed to its original $200 million target.

“We are pleased with the successful close of the Fund in the currently challenging environment and grateful to welcome a high caliber set of long-term partners,” said Paul Caragher, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Pike Street Capital. “The closing is a testament to our investors’ belief in our operational investing model where we partner with founders, owners, and management teams to implement sustainable growth plans.”  

Pike Street is founded and led by Paul Caragher, Dave Dandel and Ed Whatley. The firm invests in successful industrial technology companies and other sectors that serve demanding technical customers with revenue of $10 million to $100 million. It seeks investments where Pike Street’s operational focus, business experience and executive network can assist management to accelerate that growth. The team’s complementary backgrounds give Pike Street a strong combination of entrepreneurial, operational and transactional expertise.

“We believe growing a business is a process and team sport. Pike Street looks to partner with founders, owners, and management teams to implement successful growth strategies, develop great teams and create a culture of performance,” said Caragher. “With our unique combination of investment capital, experience in helping growing businesses develop sustainable processes and network of executives from leading global businesses, we seek to be real assets to our portfolio companies.”

Since launching the fund, Pike Street Capital has completed investments in three companies: US BioTek Laboratories, HeadRush Technologies and QuickBox Fulfillment. In addition to investing in additional portfolio companies, Pike Street plans to continue expanding its investing and operational team. The Fund’s placement advisor was GCA Advisors, LLC and Fund counsel was Perkins Coie LLP.

About Pike Street Capital

Seattle-based Pike Street Capital manages a private equity fund focused on growth buyouts in industrial technology in the lower middle market.  With a combined 75+ years of investing and operating experience, Pike Street partners with management teams to build and execute a strategy for future growth.  Pike Street Capital was co-founded by Paul Caragher, Dave Dandel and Ed Whatley.  More information is available at www.pikestreetcapital.com.

Media Contact
John Williams, Scoville PR for Pike Street Capital
[email protected], 206-660-5503

New York, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — From November 4-6, CFA Society New York, in conjunction with CFA Society Peru and other CFA Societies from Latin America, presented LatAm & Caribbean Asset Owners Series Virtual Summit 2020, featuring over 35 of the region’s leading asset owners and foremost investment authorities. Among the all-star slate of speakers were Principal Group Mexico CIO Juan Veron, CFA, and Administradora de Fondos de Cesantía de Chile CIO Pascal Verbruggen.

CFA Institute President and CEO Margaret Franklin, CFA, delivered the introduction for what proved to be a successful and promising demonstration of the global, collaborative potential of the Asset Owner Series, founded in 2015 by CFA Society New York Board Chair Thomas Brigandi, CFA.

For Mauro Miranda, CFA, FRM, managing partner at Panda Investimentos AAI Ltda, and volunteer leader at CFA Society Brazil, expectations for what was a lofty undertaking were met.

“By organizing such a successful event as part of the Asset Owners Series, CFA Society New York and CFA Society Peru have shown the way to further collaboration of CFA Societies in the entire Americas region,” said Miranda. “I commend both Societies for their efforts and look forward to future demonstrations of broad regional partnership for the ultimate benefit of the investment community.”

The three-day virtual summit covered a wide spectrum of the most prominent issues faced by Latin America’s asset owners, including post-pandemic risk and opportunities, ESG investment standards and criteria, and considerations related to the infrastructure, economic and regulatory policies most likely to impact investments.

“This rare combination of the largest asset owners from Latin America and the Caribbean yielded fantastic insights into the policy and macroeconomic issues that affect the region, and the impact on the global supply chain,” said Brigandi. “It was a pleasure working with our sister societies in the region.”

Additional Collaborating Societies

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  CFA Society Brazil
  
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  CFA Society Uruguay
  
• 
  CFA Society Chile
  
• 
  CFA Society Mexico
  
• 
  CFA Society Argentina
  
• 
  CFA Society Colombia
  
• 
  CFA Society Jamaica
  

Registration and attendance for the virtual summit consisted of audience members from each of CFA Institute’s local Latin American societies. Having already exceeded 550 total views—with the content still available to all members of CFA Institute—viewership totals continue to climb, and regional representation of its audience continues to expand.

“The collaboration of LatAm and Caribbean Societies with CFA Society New York and CFA Society Peru is remarkable and gives the region an opportunity to share the perspectives and recommendations of the most important asset owners of our region,” said Melvin Escudero, CFA, Founder and CEO of El Dorado Investments and member of CFA Society Peru. “The success achieved inspires us to embrace new endeavors that will help with the development of our capital markets in our region.”

CFA Society New York—consistent with their fundamental objective to provide a premier forum for the exchange of information and ideas among investment professionals, corporate management, and other interested members of the public—has similar collaborations on the horizon, including summits with Africa and Asia, respectively, planned to take place in early 2021.

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About CFA Society New York

CFA Society New York (formerly known as NYSSA and New York Society of Security Analysts) is one of the largest of 160 member societies of CFA Institute. Its activity began in 1937, when value investing pioneer Benjamin Graham began organizing regular meetings of local security analysts. Throughout its history, the society has remained a volunteer-led, member-driven forum for the investment community with the broad, basic aims of: establishing and maintaining high standards of ethics and professional conduct, raising standards of practice, supporting the interchange of ideas and information among investment professionals, and promoting a proper public understanding of the function of security analysis and the operation of the securities markets.

CFA Society New York works in conjunction with CFA Institute to develop the industry’s future professionals and to raise the standards of professionalism in the investment management industry. For more information, visit www.cfany.org, or follow us on Linkedin and Twitter.

Rob Rowan
[email protected]

PROVO, Utah, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aptive Environmental pest control, one of the fastest growing pest control companies in North America, will donate $275,000, and counting, to the United Nations Foundation’s “Nothing but Nets” in 2020. In honor of Malaria Awareness month in November and Giving Tuesday, Aptive pledges to match donations up to an additional $50,000 from its community of customers and sales representatives on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, bringing its donation potential to nearly $400,000.

The United Nations Foundation’s “Nothing But Nets” is the world’s largest grassroots campaign that sends insecticide-treated bed nets to regions of the world plagued with malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Since 2016, Aptive has brought its community together every year to help stop the spread of Malaria transmitted by a simple mosquito bite, contributing over $912,000 to the campaign and helping to protect nearly 285,000 lives.

Aptive Environmental Sales Team Leader Jonathan Watrous has led the “Nothing But Nets” giving program amongst the sales team for four years. According to Watrous, “What I love about working for Aptive is being part of a company that not only cares about its employees, but also supports those in need. It’s a great feeling to know the work we do every day makes a difference in not just the lives and homes of families we serve, but those across the world, too.”

Giving back is one of Aptive’s six business pillars and has always been a priority for the pest control company. From friendly charitable giving competitions amongst internal teams to investing in software that allows donations to be accepted at the point of sale, Aptive instills a commitment to being responsible through every aspect of its business. In 2020 alone, the Aptive community has donated well over $1 million to organizations it strongly believes in, such as Operation Underground Railroad and Ecuador’s Saminay El-Legado School, in addition to supporting the “Nothing But Nets” program.

“At Aptive, giving back is part of our DNA, and we are proud to make “Nothing but Nets” central to our efforts every year,” said Vess Pearson, CEO of Aptive Environmental, “We believe a few small acts of kindness can create a large impact, and we’re seeing it right before our eyes in partnership with ‘Nothing But Nets.’ As the holidays approach we encourage others to spread generosity—big or small—in their communities and beyond, because that’s where change begins.”

Together with its community, Aptive invites others to join the pest control company in giving back to the United Nations Foundation’s “Nothing but Nets”. On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, the company will match up to $50K in donations made through its website or at the point of sale. To learn more, visit www.GoAptive.com or find the company on Facebook (@AptiveEnvironmental), Twitter (@Go_Aptive), Instagram (@Aptive.Environmental) or LinkedIn (@AptiveEnvironmental).

About Aptive Environmental


Aptive Environmental provides environmentally responsible residential and commercial pest services to more than 4,735 cities across North America. It was the youngest company featured on Glassdoor’s Top 100 U.S. workplaces for 2019 and is ranked one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Best Companies in America. Aptive is also a proud member of the EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program and has partnered with the United Nations Foundation’s “Nothing But Nets” to help stop the spread of Malaria transmitted by mosquito bites.

Media Contact:


Nicole Kubitz, 415-692-3059
[email protected]