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Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies first dosing a "major achievement" - Proactive Research Analyst

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Holdings PLC

Proactive Research Analyst Daniel Appiah speaks to Thomas Warner at the London Studio after publishing a new research note on Oxford Cannabinoid Technology Holdings PLC. The pharmaceutical group announced on 27 July that it has commenced its phase I clinical trial for lead drug candidate, OCT461201, marking the administration of the first human dose. Appiah describes the news as a "major achievement" for Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies, highlighting its transformation from a development company into being a clinical company He also gives an overview of other recent news from the business. For more details, read Daniel's full report by clicking the link provided. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

July 27, 2023 10:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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PathAI Launches its AI-Powered PathExplore Data Access Program for Academic Researchers

PathAI

PathAI, a global leader in AI-powered pathology, today announced it has applied its PathExplore panel of human interpretable features (HIFs) on publicly available samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a comprehensive resource of oncology data containing genomic and outcomes data, along with associated H&E whole-slide images (WSIs). PathAI will make the HIFs from eight TCGA cancer types available for free as a data access program for academic researchers to perform independent research to support their own investigations. Earlier this year, PathAI launched PathExplore, an AI-powered panel of HIFs offering unprecedented resolution of the tumor microenvironment (TME) from digitized H&E slides. Powered by artificial intelligence, PathExplore spatially characterizes the TME with single-cell resolution, giving researchers the ability to unlock insights on patient response, drug pathways, and potential novel biomarkers. The ability to characterize and quantify histopathological features of the TME will enable new avenues of disease research, and may lead to promising new therapies. With this PathExplore HIF research data set, oncology researchers can analyze tissue compositions, cell populations, and how their quantities and spatial relationships correlate with molecular signatures, treatment response or prognostic outcomes. This data set is the first of its kind: no other widely available quantitative, structured data set based on histopathology exists. The features are standardized across indications, so researchers can glean new insights into the common or distinct TME characteristics of each tumor type or patient subset. Adding structured and standardized pathology data to TCGA enables a new set of multi-model investigations for researchers to pursue, all while lowering the barrier to integrating pathology image data into biomedical research that previously had been restricted to labs that had access to manual pathology analysis. “The TME has been a challenge to fully investigate due to the sheer amount of spatially distributed information contained within it,” said Mike Montalto, PathAI’s chief scientific officer. “Pathologists can assess the specimens and try to estimate how certain cell or tissue growth patterns are present in each patient, but they cannot exhaustively enumerate each and every relevant cell type under the microscope. That is what our PathExplore products provide - they not only accurately identify where each cell is located, but they provide structured and standardized feature tables that can enable next generation pathology research to be performed.” To learn more about PathAI’s PathExplore HIF research data set and apply for access, please reach out to pathexplore.hifs@pathai.com. If approved, there is no cost to academic researchers to access and use these data sets. PathExplore HIFs are for research use only and not for use in diagnostic procedures. Biopharma industry partners interested in purchasing a license to access PathExplore TCGA HIFs may reach out to bd@pathai.com for more information. PathAI is the only AI-focused technology company to provide comprehensive precision pathology solutions from wet lab services to algorithm deployment for clinical trials and diagnostic use. Rigorously trained and validated with data from more than 15 million annotations, its AI-powered models can be leveraged to optimize the analysis of patient samples to improve efficiency and accuracy of pathology interpretation, as well as to better gauge therapeutic efficacy and accelerate drug development for complex diseases. PathAI, which is headquartered in Boston, MA, and operates a CAP/CLIA-certified laboratory in Memphis, TN, is proud to have a team of 600+ innovative thinkers from around the globe. For more information, please visit www.pathai.com. Contact Details SVM Public Relations and Marketing Communications Maggie Naples +1 401-490-9700 pathai@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.pathai.com/

July 27, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Preventable Emergency Dental Visits Cost Americans $2 Billion Every Year — Here’s What You Can Do To Better Manage The High Costs of Dental Care

DentalPlans.com

By Rachael Green, Benzinga The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency has triggered many state Medicaid programs to review recipient eligibility for the first time since the pandemic first began — and an estimated 14.2 million people are expected to lose what little dental coverage they have. While the move to disenroll millions of Americans who no longer qualify for benefits might result in temporary cost savings for states, the long-term costs of reducing access to affordable preventative dental care will likely end up far outpacing any initial savings. Dental emergencies can be a very expensive issue that Americans face, costing approximately $2 billion per year, according to a systematic review of emergency department data. It’s also one of the most preventable. The average Medicaid enrollee with five continuous years of preventive care prior to 2019 experienced 43% lower costs than an individual who received no preventive dental care at all. Dental Care Still Costs Americans Billions Even With Insurance The 14 million Americans at risk of losing dental coverage this year are just part of the affordable dental care problem. According to the American Dental Association, the total amount spent on dental expenditures in the United States reached $162 billion in 2021. Less than half of that was covered by insurers, meaning patients had to pay $63 billion in out-of-pocket costs with the remaining $25 billion paid by publicly-funded supplemental programs. Due to budget concerns, more than half of Americans experiencing an oral health problem opt to just delay dental care which can lead to serious health problems. Dental Savings Plans Are An Affordable Alternative To Insurance That Could Put Dental Care Back In Reach For The Uninsured Or Underinsured Dental savings plans are a flexible insurance alternative that allows plan members to access preventive, restorative and even cosmetic dental services at reduced rates. Plan members report an average savings of 50%*. Anyone can sign up at any time and begin using their plan as soon as it activates, typically within 72 hours – though some plans activate in as little as 24 hours – even on large procedures. Unlike dental insurance, which typically caps coverage at $1,000-$1,500 annually, dental savings plans have no annual limits or restrictions based on current health conditions. With the cost of a root canal and crown costing roughly $1,200, it’s easy for traditional dental insurance to be maxed out after just one treatment plan. With dental savings plans, there is no limit to worry about. To use your plan, you simply show your membership card to one of the thousands of participating dentists and specialists nationwide, and you’ll be billed at the special reduced rate offered by your plan. For those who don’t have dental insurance, dental savings plans can help you afford expensive restorative care like root canals, crowns, bridges and dentures. They also include savings on procedures like dental implants, teeth whitening and veneers that are often not covered by insurance – as well as preventative care. Find your perfect plan today at DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace with more than 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare. DentalPlans.com makes it easy to find the plan that fits your specific needs. Visit DentalPlans.com and use their guided online plan finder today to get a personalized plan recommendation in minutes. *Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research. DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Matthew Wong matthew.wong@wpromote.com Company Website https://www.dentalplans.com/

July 27, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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hVIVO CEO reports on "very strong" H1 2023

hVIVO PLC

hVIVO PLC (AIM:HVO) chief executive Mo Khan speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the specialist contract research organisation released a trading update for first half of 2023 - a period he describes as a "very strong six months." Khan gives his highlights from the update, highlighting a 52% year-on-year increase in revenues to £27.3mln. He attributes the growth to improved operational efficiencies and the increasing frequency of large concurrent trials. The company reports cash reserves of £31.3 million, even after paying out a special dividend of £3 million, with an order book of £78 million. Addressing a technical detail, Khan mentioned that the company would now report revenue exclusive of other income to align with industry practice. Despite delays at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency impacting some UK clinical trials, Khan says that hVIVO has successfully managed the situation through its risk mitigation strategy. For the next six months, hVIVO plans to maintain its growth momentum, with full-year guidance of £53 million in revenue and an ever-expanding order book. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

July 27, 2023 08:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Eco Animal Health Group diversifying its product portfolio

Eco Animal Health Group PLC

ECO Animal Health Group PLC (AIM: EAH) CEO David Hallas speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive about the company's recent performance and his hopes for its future, during his first interview on the platform. Hallas starts by giving an overview of the business, which specialises in developing, registering and marketing pharmaceutical products for global animal health markets and particularly for pigs and chickens. The company's flagship product Aivlosin is a proprietary, patented medication which is effective against both respiratory and enteric diseases in pigs and poultry is an anti-infective treatment for respiratory and enteric diseases in animals. Over the past year, the company achieved 4% revenue growth, surpassing market expectations. Hallas highlighted strong growth in Latin America and South and Southeast Asia, driven by increasing demand for high-quality white meat. Looking ahead, Eco Animal Health plans to diversify into preventative disease solutions, such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, targeting the US market by the end of next year. Hallas also addressed misconceptions, emphasising that the company's growth is not solely reliant on the Chinese market and that a balanced approach of prevention and treatment is essential for success. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

July 27, 2023 08:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act Bill (CVTA) Announced before the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Communication Service for the Deaf

Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts announced the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act Bill (CVTA) this morning before the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Accessibility standards and requirements have not kept pace with advances in communication technology since the 21 st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) was passed over a decade ago. As such, individuals who rely on closed captioning, audio descriptions, and a wide range of other accessibility features do not have full access to a range of products and services that are integral to our daily lives. The passage of the CVTA Bill will ensure that Deaf and disabled communities have full access to technology in their personal and professional lives by addressing the following: Requiring closed captioning for online video programming, mirroring current televised video programming requirements; Requiring audio description for both online and televised video programming; Directing the FCC to create and update quality standards for video programming accessibility; Requiring video conferencing services to have built-in accessibility features, such as automatic captioning functions, and the ability to connect sign language interpreters and assistive technologies that are designed to increase access for people with disabilities (e.g., refreshable braille displays); Establishing standards for American Sign Language interpretation when provided during video programming; Ensuring Deaf people who use sign language have equitable access to 9-1-1 emergency services through the use of direct video calling or telecommunications relay services; Requiring manufacturers of devices that display video programming, such as televisions and computers, to include features that allow easy activation and customization of closed captioning and audio description preferences; Expanding the contribution base for the Telecommunications Relay Services Interstate Fund to ensure its sustainability; and Empowering the FCC to ensure accessibility regulations keep pace with emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality platforms. The team at Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) encourages you to get in touch with your congressional leaders and express your support for the CVTA Bill. Let Your Representatives Know You Support the CVTA You can download one of our letter templates to get started and use the links below to find your Congressional representative(s). Download the template that applies to you Find your representative Learn more about the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) Learn more about the CVTA Bill “We are committed as an organization to clearly identifying barriers to accessibility wherever they reside and delivering solutions to ensure full inclusion for all as technology evolves and advancements are made,” Chris Soukup, CEO of CSD, shared. “The CVTA Bill supports this important work and advances equitable access to information, communication, and opportunities for deaf and disability communities.” With this legislation in place accessibility standards will catch up with the rapid advancements in communication technology, ensuring that closed captioning, audio descriptions, and other essential features are seamlessly integrated into television programming and online video streaming platforms. Viewers with disabilities will have the power to easily activate and customize their preferred settings, whether on televisions, smartphones, laptops, or tablets, empowering them to engage fully with the content they love. Together, we can secure a brighter future for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, where technology is a tool for empowerment, not exclusion. Support the CVTA Bill and be a part of this inspiring journey toward equality. About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest Deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Communication Service for the Deaf Molly Miller +1 315-679-8948 mmiller@csd.org Company Website https://www.csd.org/

July 25, 2023 02:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NMTC Coalition Opens Sign-on Letter to Congress Urging Members to Make the NMTC Permanent

NMTC

The NMTC Coalition is circulating an organization sign-on letter to Congress urging members to make the NMTC permanent. Organizations committed to community and economic development, adding jobs and increasing wages, and supporting healthcare, education, manufacturing, infrastructure, telecom, energy, the arts, and recreation are encouraged to add their name to this letter in support of a bipartisan program with a 20-year track record of success. The sign-on letter, available at NMTCCoalition.org, closes on August 31, 2023. Any organization (businesses, trade groups, city governments, Mayors, nonprofits, investors, CDEs) can sign the letter using the form on the NMTC Coalition website. “As we continue our efforts to make the NMTC program permanent, it is critical for our elected officials in Congress to hear from the businesses and organizations who bring these programs to life across our country and are charged with making communities stronger and more economically sound,” said NMTC Coalition spokesperson Bob Rapoza. “This is an opportunity to make your voice heard and to make a real difference in communities that need help the most.” Authorized by Congress in 2000, the NMTC Program incentivizes community development and economic growth through the use of tax credits (given as allocations) that then attract private investment to distressed communities. The unique beauty of the NMTC program is that it is used effectively in both rural and urban areas to support good jobs and strong wages and has historically held bipartisan support. In addition to creating high-quality jobs, NMTCs create and expand access to health care, early childcare and schools, job training, groceries, telecommunications, energy, arts, recreation, and infrastructure in ways that traditional private sector financing cannot effectively meet. Since 2003, the NMTC has provided much-needed investment and advancement opportunities for underserved communities across the country. In just two decades, NMTCs have spurred an unprecedented level of investment in rural and urban low-income communities, generating nearly $130 billion in capital investment through public-private partnerships and creating more than one million jobs nationwide. The NMTC has an outstanding track record of revitalizing communities outside of the economic mainstream as a targeted, cost-efficient financial tool — and it has the potential to achieve an even greater impact. Currently, the NMTC program is set to expire in 2025. By adding their name to the sign-on letter, organizations will lend their support for making the NMTC permanent by passing the bipartisan NMTC Extension Act of 2023 (S. 234 and H.R. 2539). In addition to extending the program at $5 billion in allocation per year, the legislation would provide an inflation adjustment for future years. It also includes reforms to ensure the NMTC program maintains its efficiency during an economic downturn when it is needed the most. “Organizations, especially CDEs and investors on the frontlines of community revitalization efforts using NMTCs, are encouraged to join this effort to ensure no community is left behind and to preserve one of the federal government’s most successful community development programs,” said Aisha Benson, President and CEO of Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) and President of the NMTC Coalition. The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) was enacted in 2000 to stimulate private investment and economic growth in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities lacking the patient capital to support and grow businesses, create jobs, and sustain healthy local economies. Since its inception, the NMTC has generated more than one million jobs. Due to the NMTC, nearly $130 billion is hard at work in underserved communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.NMTCCoalition.org. Contact Details New Markets Tax Credit Coalition Greg Wilson +1 571-239-7474 gregwilsonpr@gmail.com Company Website https://nmtccoalition.org/

July 25, 2023 09:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Novel Chinese medicine for constipation developed by HKBU authorised by U.S. FDA for clinical trial

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 25 July 2023 - The Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development (CDD) of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has made significant progress in developing novel Chinese medicine for treating chronic constipation. With its success in the Investigational New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CDD has been authorised to conduct a phase I clinical trial of the new drug. This is the first time that a new botanical drug developed in Hong Kong was authorised to conduct a clinical trial in the US. The clinical trial will be launched later this year to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics profile of the new drug on healthy individuals. Research based on traditional Chinese herbal formulation Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 14% of the global population. Currently, many patients with chronic constipation are not completely satisfied with their current treatments due to side effects and/or limited efficacy. In response to the patients' needs for better therapeutics, CDD has been eyeing the international market and has developed a new drug called CDD-2101, which is based on previous pilot clinical studies and basic research on the traditional Chinese herbal formulation "MaZiRenWan". The main ingredients of CDD-2101 include hemp seed, rhubarb, officinal magnolia bark, bitter apricot seed, bran stir-fried immature orange fruit, and white peony root. The HKBU research team collaborated with partners including the University of Chicago and the University of Macau to submit an Investigational New Drug Application for CDD-2101 according to the requirements for botanical drug development of the U.S. FDA and was authorised to conduct a phase I clinical trial. Milestone of standardisation and internationalisation of Chinese medicine Professor Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, said: "HKBU is committed to promoting the development of Chinese medicine, and conducting cutting-edge scientific and translational research in this area. The University received funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission's InnoHK initiative to establish the CDD in 2020, which significantly boosted our comprehensive capabilities in the research and development of Chinese medicine. The clinical trial in the US will provide us with invaluable experience in conducting clinical trials at Hong Kong's first Chinese Medicine Hospital in future." Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Associate Vice-President (Chinese Medicine Development), Director of the Clinical Division of the School of Chinese Medicine, and Director of the CDD at HKBU, said: "CDD-2101 is a novel drug developed by combining a traditional Chinese herbal formulation and advanced technologies, with research and manufacturing conducted in compliance with international standards. Obtaining U.S. FDA's authorisation to conduct a clinical trial for this new drug is an important milestone in the development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong, and it reflects HKBU's capabilities in and dedication to promoting the standardisation and internationalisation of Chinese medicine." Authorisation from the U.S. FDA was secured in April this year to conduct a phase I clinical trial of CDD-2101 in the US. The trial will start later this year and will recruit 20 healthy participants in the US. It will be a randomised, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics profile of the drug. Participants will take a single dose of CDD-2101 or a placebo and be monitored for 24 hours. The study will be conducted at a phase I clinical research centre in the US. Phase I trial focuses on safety The phase I clinical trial is expected to be completed in 2024, followed by a phase II study to collect the safety and efficacy data from patients with chronic constipation. A large-scale phase III study will then be launched to further evaluate the treatment efficacy of CDD-2101 in patients with chronic constipation, and monitor any unforeseeable side effects. Professor Bian said: "The ultimate goal of the drug development programme is to collect sufficient safety and efficacy data, so that CDD-2101 can be evaluated and approved by the U.S. FDA as a new pharmaceutical for sale and marketing in the US. This is essential in establishing CDD-2101 as an internationally recognised, safe and effective drug for the treatment of chronic constipation. It is anticipated that another three to five years are needed to complete the phase II and III clinical trials, after which the data gathered during the animal studies and human clinical trials, together with details of the manufacturing of the drug, will be included in a New Drug Application to be submitted to the U.S. FDA for review." The CDD, funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission's InnoHK initiative, is the first integrated Chinese medicine research and development centre at a local university. Located in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and equipped with advanced facilities, the CDD aims to gather world-class partners to translate the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine wisdom into pharmaceutical products that meet international standards. Since its establishment in 2020, the CDD has been focusing on innovative Chinese medicine research for gastrointestinal and immune-related diseases such as chronic constipation and ulcerative colitis. Contact Details Wong Suk-ling +852 3411 2119 hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk

July 25, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Immunic Inc eyeing "big step" for multiple sclerosis patients

Immunic Inc

Immunic Inc (NASDAQ:IMUX) president and CEO Dr Daniel Vitt joined Thomas Warner from Proactive ahead of World Brain Day to provide an update on the biotechnology company's novel multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. Dr Vitt gives an overview of the treatment that Immunic is currently working on, and emphasisedsthe significance of addressing the high unmet medical need for MS patients worldwide. Immunic's focus is on developing a new therapeutic option, using vidofludimus calcium, to treat both relapsing and progressive forms of MS. He says that the drug is the first known modulator of the "so-called Nurr1 target", making it a potential neuroprotective treatment. Immunic is conducting a phase two clinical study into its treatment for progressive MS, with biomarker data expected in the second half of the year. Dr Vitt says registration studies for relapsing MS are progressing well, with an interim analysis anticipated next year. He adds that the MS market holds significant potential due to demand for treatments that strike a good balance between being both effective and tolerable, and says that "if we could confirm in the phase three study that the drug really prevents disability worsening that would be a big step for patients." Contact Details Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

July 25, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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