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Roquefort Therapeutics establishes scientific advisory board

Roquefort Therapeutics PLC

Roquefort Therapeutics PLC (LSE:ROQ, OTCQB:ROQAF) chief executive Ajan Reginald speaks to Proactive's Thomas Warner after announcing the creation of a scientific advisory board. Reginald explains the rationale for the decision, before going to explain what each of the three-strong team will bring to Roquefort as it heads toward what he calls “key pre-clinical milestones”. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 08, 2023 08:22 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Destiny Pharma "making real progress"

Destiny Pharma PLC

Destiny Pharma PLC (AIM:DEST) chief executive Neil Clark updates Proactive's Thomas Warner on the latest news from the clinical-stage biotech company. The update follows the announcement that Destiny has reached a collaboration and co-development agreement for its phase 3 ready treatment for the prevention of C. difficile infection (CDI) recurrence. Clark says Destiny Pharma is "making real progess" and delivering on its strategy. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 08, 2023 08:19 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Fine Hygienic Holding continues to roll out a progressive female-friendly approach with its latest Menopause and Fertility Treatment Policy

Fine Hygienic Holding

Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), a world-leading wellness group and manufacturer of hygienic paper products and long-term germ protection solutions, has recently recommitted to its ongoing mission to make the workplace environment more inclusive and inviting for all its employees. The company has rolled out additional reforms in terms of its female-friendly policies to ensure everyone operates in a supportive environment. A step towards establishing positive change has been made, as the company is introducing the Fine Flourish Policy, which includes provisions for Menstrual, Menopause, and Fertility Treatment leaves, across all its locations. All female personnel - both full-time and probationary - are eligible to take advantage of the generous Fine Flourish policy. Employees are granted up to 12 days of leave annually in the event of any illness, symptoms, or complications related to menopause, menstruation, or fertility treatment. Moreover, flexible work arrangements can be made to ensure their comfort and convenience. All these provisions can be availed without a medical certificate and are granted separately from vacations or other leave policies. FHH is regarded as a pioneer in the region with its employee-friendly leave policies that offer time to recover both physically and emotionally. Kirsty Koen, FHH CHRO, said, “At Fine Hygienic Holding, we believe that a successful business must always prioritize its people. That’s why one of our core values has always been - if we take care of our people, the business will take care of itself. We are constantly exploring new methods and practices that will help ensure our employees are supported in every aspect, especially during times when they need it the most. Every policy we announce is tailored to embody our values and to provide support, and we will continue to be dedicated to looking after the wellbeing of our people and pave the way for woman employment across the Middle East.” Fine Hygienic Holding has already set the bar high in this field when it previously introduced a series of progressive leaves on top of which is its menstrual leave, which the company launched more than 10 years ago. For mothers to be, FHH provides up to 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, which is far more than the recommendations of the International Labour Organization. Furthermore, the company has amended its parental leave policy, allowing three weeks of paid paternity leave, and has also set a benchmark in global and regional companies by introducing a compassionate leave wherein a female employee or the spouse of an employee is granted a paid leave in cases of miscarriages or stillbirths. Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world’s leading wellness groups and MENA’s leading manufacturer of hygienic products, serves consumers in more than 80 countries around the world. Originally established as a paper manufacturer, FHH has transformed into a wellness company dedicated to enhancing global health and wellbeing. Committed to becoming “the shining star of the Arab FMCG business world,” the Group focuses on wellness, sustainability, pioneering CSR programs, and state-of-the-art production processes. Fine Hygienic Holding offers a diverse array of award-winning products including sterilized facial tissues, napkins, kitchen towels, toilet paper, baby diapers, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, as well as away-from-home products to accommodate all types of private and public institutions, in addition to its advanced range of personal protective equipment (PPE) and long-lasting germ protection solutions, it also brings Nai natural iced teas and innovative nutritional supplements, Motiva, to the market. Along with multiple awards over the years, particularly for its products and CSR initiatives, the company was recognized as a Top Employer Middle East 2022 by the prestigious Top Employers Institute in every country it operates. Contact Details Rana Kawalit | │ Corporate Communication & PR Director +971 54 531 5575 Rkawalit@finehh.com Company Website https://www.finehh.com/

March 08, 2023 01:40 AM Eastern Standard Time

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1606 Corp lands key acquisition with 51% stake in CBD supplier Brio Nutrition

1606 Corp.

1606 Corp CEO Greg Lambrecht joins Proactive's Natalie Stoberman with details of the company's purchase of a 51% stake in CBD supplier Brio Nutrition. Lambrecht said the acquisition includes the addition of over 45 products to the 1606 lineup, access to all Brio customer data and distribution channels for cross-marketing the 1606 line of products, as well as the opportunity to use 1606 to expand Brio's CBD development and distribution. Contact Details Proactive USA +1 347-449-0879 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 07, 2023 01:02 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Mindset Pharma and PharmAla partnership makes first medical grade psilocybin sale in Australia

Mindset Pharma Inc

Mindset Pharma CEO James Lanthier and PharmAla CEO Nick Kadysh join Proactive's Natalie Stoberman to announce their first sale of pharmaceutical grade psilocybin into the Australian market. Lanthier and Kadysh said the psilocybin is being purchased by Reset Mind Sciences Limited, a Western Australian based company focused on psychedelic medicines, and a subsidiary of ASX-listed Little Green Pharma. The CEOs added that regulatory developments in Australia have opened the door to more opportunities for their partnership that combines Mindset's novel synthesis processes and PharmAla's sales infrastructure. Contact Details Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 07, 2023 12:06 PM Eastern Standard Time

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This ‘Mini-Berkshire Hathaway’ Style Company’s Strategy Of Building And Spinning Off Companies Is Giving Retail Investors Pure-Play Opportunities For Additional Stock

DSS, Inc.

By Ernest Dela Aglanu, Benzinga A company with an investment style seemingly similar to the legendary Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.A) is reporting significant gains in its portfolio of companies going through IPOs, uplists, and spinoffs. Berkshire Hathaway, best known for its CEO Warren Buffet, one of the world’s wealthiest men and the “Oracle of Omaha”, owns big stakes in businesses in insurance, distribution, manufacturing, retailing, rail transportation, energy generation, and more. Insurance generates the most revenue for the company, but manufacturing generates the most earnings before taxes. Berkshire Hathaway’s stock is the most expensive stock on Nasdaq. On February 24, the stock was priced at $456,460 and currently has a market capitalization of about $670 billion. The company’s stock is so expensive that a single share is worth more than a house in many parts of the U.S. A Fast Rising Alternative? If you are an avid follower of Berkshire Hathaway’s business model and intrigued by how many businesses it has fostered, the name DSS, Inc. (NYSE American: DSS) could warrant attention. Unlike Warren Buffet’s company, which owns pure-play companies like Geico, DSS is not an investment firm but rather an incubator–building and spinning off companies with the goal of giving retail investors pure-play opportunities for additional stock. For some context, a spinoff occurs when a company splits off a portion of its business into a separate company and distributes shares of the new entity tax-free to the parent company’s shareholders. Some prominent companies that have pursued spinoffs include General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), and 3M Co. (NYSE: MMM). In joining these big players, DSS has evolved into a multi-industry business growing through acquisitions. The company has a diversified portfolio including biotech, a REIT focusing on healthcare facilities, a bank, and an alternative trading platform for token exchange, amongst other targeted businesses. The company’s Net Asset Value as of September 30 last year was $182.6 million, while Net Asset Value (NAV) per share was $1.31. Revenues were up by 172% year-on-year, total assets were $264 million, and asset growth was over 200%. DSS reports that its diversified, sustainable businesses driving strong cash flow and profitability are mainly: Premier Packaging Corporation — Innovative product and consumer packaging solutions. Impact Biomedical — Developing and acquiring companies and assets in biotech/healthcare. Decentralized Sharing Systems — Peer-to-peer decentralized distribution marketplace and direct marketing model DSS PureAir — Advanced technology that provides innovative, high-quality air and surface purification and filtration American Pacific Bancorp — Provides a complete range of banking and lending services DSS Securities — Investing and acquiring in fund management and market-making firm. Currently, with $1.7 billion assets under management. American Medical REIT — Medical REIT targets hospitals and acute care facilities in secondary and tertiary markets. Digital Securities Exchange — Developing and acquiring assets in securities trading and management, including digital asset exchanges and utility token exchanges. Spinoffs With The Goal Of Giving Investors Pure-Play Opportunities A Zacks Small-Cap Research report released in September 2022 revealed that DSS plans three (3) spinoffs in the next nine months: Impact Biomedical, American Pacific Bancorp, and American Medical REIT, with the first one, Impact Biomedical, potentially worth up to $160 million. The imminent spinoff of Impact Biomedical (its red herring has been filed) is in the comments phase with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with the eventual spinoff expected in the next quarter. Impact Biomedical is expected to file an amended S-1 and have a record date set in Q2 and could IPO within the next two quarters. The company’s valuation is expected to be determined by the bankers and the markets. DSS believes a spinoff of American Pacific Bancorp could happen quickly as it is a far less complicated entity — the spinoff could be executed by as early as the third quarter of 2023. “We expect it would be valued at the typical four to five times loans outstanding for commercial lenders, which currently stand at $40 million, thus valuing it at $160 million to $200 million. We believe it is earning approximately 10% on average on its loans. DSS’s current enterprise value is now $65 million,” the company said. AMRE REIT, on the other hand, has an 8% cap rate and is expected to reach $200 million to $250 million in assets before IPO’ing, which DSS anticipates could happen in Q3 of 2023. Again, this IPO process will provide DSS shareholders with a “no-cost” investment in a separately traded company. DSS says it plans to retain at least 50% of each entity in all three cases — the same will apply for future spinoffs beyond the initial three— but the Company assures shareholders would get a certain percentage. New shares will be issued to raise capital to support the growth of each newly public company. DSS appears to be a company that offers investors the opportunity to acquire a portfolio of curated pure-play companies in the form of stock dividends. In simple terms, when one of DSS’s companies goes public, if you own DSS stock, you’ll get their stock automatically, too — and benefit from individual increases in shareholder value with each spinoff. As DSS executes its business plan, more investors will most likely learn of these periodic spinoffs to participate in these ongoing stock dividends. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. DSS is a multinational company operating businesses within nine divisions: Product Packaging, Biotechnology, Direct Marketing, Commercial Lending, Securities and Investment Management, Alternative Trading, Digital Transformation, Secure Living, and Alternative Energy. DSS strategically acquires and develops assets to enrich the value of its shareholders through calculated IPO spinoffs and a parametric share distribution strategy. Since 2019, under the guidance of new leadership, DSS has built the necessary foundation for achievable growth through the formation of a diversified portfolio of companies positioned to drive profitability in multiple high growth sectors. These companies offer innovative, flexible, and real-world solutions that not only provide mutual benefits for businesses and their customers, but also create sustainable value and opportunity for transformation. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice Contact Details Rick Lutz- TraDigital IR rick@tradigitalir.com Company Website https://www.dssworld.com/

March 07, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

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The Unmet Need For Innovative And Effective Treatments For Kidney Disease: Acute Kidney Injury

Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.

By Julian Richard, Benzinga Unicycive Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: UNCY) is a biopharmaceutical company spearheading efforts to develop effective, safe, and novel treatments for kidney disease to improve patient and caregiver quality of life due to kidney failure. Its candidate UNI-494 is currently in development for treating acute kidney injury (AKI). Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious, life-threatening condition caused by an acute loss of kidney function. There are several causes of AKI, including heart failure and liver disease, blockage to the kidney and reduced blood flow, and drugs or toxic substances. Recent research has highlighted the role that mitochondrial dysfunction plays in AKI pathogenesis. Mitochondria are organelles (specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions) that produce energy for cell functions and regulate many other biological processes, such as cell death. When mitochondria become dysfunctional due to illness or trauma, it can lead to various diseases, including AKI. Treatment for AKI currently focuses on supportive care measures such as administering fluids and electrolytes to stabilize the patient’s blood pressure and dialysis treatment to remove waste from the body. While these treatments are effective in treating the symptoms of AKI, they fail to address the underlying cause of this medical condition and thus do not affect the progression of the disease. Symptoms of AKI include decreased frequency of urination and swelling in the legs and may lead to chronic kidney disease if not treated. Unfortunately, treatment options for mitochondrial dysfunction are limited. While several promising treatments can restore mitochondrial function, such as using antioxidants and other compounds to reduce oxidative stress, these treatments have yet to be successfully implemented on a large scale. This unmet medical need has left many patients with few treatment options. UNI-494 is a promising compound seeking to address this unmet clinical need. It is a patented pro-drug (a biologically inactive compound that can be metabolized in the body to produce an active drug) of nicorandil, which has been shown in preclinical models to improve mitochondrial function. Data for UNI-494 from three pre-clinical studies will be presented at the National Kidney Foundation’s (NFK) upcoming Spring Clinical Meetings in April 2023. “We are delighted to be presenting this bolus of data in support of UNI-494 as a potential treatment advance for acute kidney injury” said Shalabh Gupta, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Unicycive Therapeutics. Visit https://unicycive.com for more information on the company and its product candidates. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Unicycive Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for kidney diseases. Unicycive’s lead drug, Renazorb, is a novel phosphate binding agent being developed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia. UNI-494 is a patent-protected new chemical entity in late preclinical development for the treatment of acute kidney injury. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Anne Marie Fields - Stern Investor Relations +1 212-362-1200 annemarie.fields@sternir.com Company Website https://unicycive.com/

March 07, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Aqua Cultured Foods Holds First Industry-wide Alt-Seafood Tasting in Taste Lab at Future Food-Tech San Francisco

AquaCultured Foods

Food tech startup Aqua Cultured Foods today announced it will host a Taste Lab at Future Food-Tech San Francisco, held March 16-17, 2023 at the Marriott Marquis. The event will be the company’s first large-scale tasting event for members of the food industry in preparation for public availability later this year. Taste Lab events allow conference attendees to try novel foods for the first time and meet company founders. Aqua will offer various preparations of its tuna, ground shrimp and scallop derived from microbial fermentation. “Future Food-Tech is the ideal venue for us to showcase the results of nearly two years of R&D, scale-up and collaborative work with chef and foodservice partners,” said Aqua CEO Anne Palermo. “The food-tech industry already considers us a leader in alt-seafood, and this Taste Lab presentation is our opportunity to validate that reputation.” Aqua’s Taste Lab will take place Thursday March 16 beginning at 3:15 p.m. Launched in 2015, Future Food-Tech brings together international entrepreneurs, investors and major food brands to dig into the crucial issues facing the food industry today. The summit has become a global hub, connecting 1600 international food brands, ingredient providers, investors, start-ups and technology leaders. Over the two-day summit, food-tech pioneers and visionaries discuss innovative approaches to scaling alt-proteins, new formulations for healthier, nutrient packed foods, and commercial opportunities at the intersection of food and medicine. Future Food-Tech events take place in London, New York and San Francisco alongside World Agri-Tech Innovation Summits, together forming Rethink Agri-Food Innovation Week. In-person events are livestreamed to maximize connections and accessibility among a global audience. For more information visit https://futurefoodtechsf.com. Aqua is developing a range of alt-seafood such as calamari, shrimp, scallops, and filets of tuna and whitefish from novel fermentation processes. A unique strain of microorganism transforms plant-based ingredients into “seafood” with a realistic taste, texture, and appearance that can be used as a one-to-one replacement for animal seafood. The company is also producing minced fillings for applications such as dumplings, ravioli, and sushi rolls. Aqua’s calamari, shrimp, scallops, and filets of tuna and whitefish are created from fermentation processes that do not use any animal inputs, genetic altering or modification. Unlike plant-based processed foods formulated with starches and protein isolates, Aqua’s alt-seafood retains its naturally occurring fiber, protein, and other micronutrients. For images visit https://app.box.com/s/wfbrvgraf2ty2b7by5h6ahjsaqrd8zx3. About Aqua Cultured Foods Aqua Cultured Foods is an innovative food technology startup developing the world’s first whole-muscle cut seafood alternatives created through microbial fermentation. Its novel technology produces a sustainable, complete protein source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional aquaculture. As the first to develop realistic alt-seafood with fermentation, Aqua Cultured Foods occupies a unique position in the burgeoning alt-seafood market, as well as within the fermentation industry. The company’s mission is to mitigate global challenges such as overfishing, climate change and feeding the world’s expanding population with delicious, nutrient-rich foods. For more information visit https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com. Contact Details Gary Smith +1 818-783-0569 gary@evolotuspr.com Company Website https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com

March 06, 2023 03:54 PM Central Standard Time

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Keep Underestimating Michigan: This Midwest Powerhouse is Just Hitting its Stride

Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan

By Denise Pollicella, Esq. It is no secret that Michigan cannabis businesses have had a rough time of it lately. The market consolidation that took three to five years in other maturing legal cannabis states compressed into the span of roughly 18 months in Michigan in which the wholesale price of marijuana cratered by an astounding 90%. This is in a state that most MSOs had already passed on, primarily due to the unlimited state license structure. Over-leveraged and cash-poor companies with limited to no options for traditional financing found no help from the private equity market, which appears to have pulled up stakes for the younger and more fertile East Coast. But those quick to write Michigan off are not paying close enough attention. Take, for example, the wholesale price of marijuana. According to Leaflink’s Wholesale Cannabis Pricing Guide, Michigan had a 3.2 score in 2020 (1 being the highest on a 1 – 10 scale). At the time, Michigan had the third highest flower prices in the country, and the second highest concentrate prices in the country, while the more mature states in the West and Southwest had the lowest. But in Leaflink’s 2022 Guide, even though Michigan’s score fell to 4.8, it was still well above the more mature West and Southwest markets and continues to hold the spot for the third-highest flower prices in the country. It is in the edibles and cartridges that the state has seen the steepest declines. Still, after the expected brief Croptober dip, Michigan has seen its prices level off and even tick up slightly. The sigh of relief from growers across the state has been almost audible. Demand in the legal market is also increasing, thanks to Detroit, Port Huron and Traverse City all finally permitting recreational adult use retailers after years of messy litigation. Twenty-four are already online in Detroit, with a second application period due to open in March, which will likely bring at least another two dozen online in short order, all in the state’s most populous city, and all before the start of baseball season and a host of arts and cultural events that bring fans and tourists to Michigan in the Summer. A completely non-scientific poll of my own licensed cannabis retailers in Detroit shows an increase of roughly $150,000 monthly in sales and climbing from the addition of recreational adult use licensing. While the majority of the State’s most populous cities have already welcomed not only the licensed cannabis industry as a whole but recreational adult use retailers, the number of retailers will likely continue to climb as the more than 1,300 Michigan municipalities who opted out of the recreational adult use market watch the state write nearly $61,000,000 in checks to the 129 municipalities who did, up nearly $17,000,000 from 2021’s distribution. At $51,800 per retailer and microbusiness license, smaller cities are starting to run out of reasons to “just say no”. And let’s not forget about Michigan’s border towns, now the most sought-after locations in the state: in the South, bordering Indiana and Ohio, and in the North, bordering Wisconsin. A mere 45-minute drive from Green Bay on the East and a 90-minute drive from Minneapolis on the West, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is booming. Whether cannabis is federally legalized or not, Michigan is situated, both in infrastructure and location, to dominate the Midwest for the next ten years. This expected growth in continued revenue, taxes, and demand is good news for the Michigan licensed cannabis industry, which, by all accounts, has not met the projected demand of the state’s reported cannabis-consuming population. So while the consolidation happened earlier than anyone expected, and we will continue to argue about why, it was, in the end, inevitable and necessary, and the businesses that survived came out all the stronger for it. As a state, Michigan certainly still has its challenges, and for our legal cannabis industry’s age, our laws and policies very often do not reflect maturity. We seem determined to continue to disregard a $2 billion industry that has created over 30,000 primary full-time, living wage jobs, and is rapidly becoming the primary revenue generator for many of Michigan’s communities, big and small. We have a lot of work to do, and not all of it will be painless. The MSOs can continue to pass Michigan on the way to Massachusetts and New Jersey. We don’t mind. That was never Michigan’s plan. If you have been to even one planning commission meeting in rural Michigan, you already know that Michigan prefers its businesses to be locally owned and operated. We are an agricultural, manufacturing state that has always thrived on free market competition and local economic development, and Michigan’s cannabis industry fits in nicely. Denise Pollicella is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan and a business attorney in her 27 th year of practice. See her bio at cannabisattorneysofmichigan.com This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan are experts in licensing and representation for Michigan’s cannabis industry since 2009 Contact Details Tiffinay Burgess Tiffinay.burgess@pollicella.net

March 06, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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