Tall Ships, Flying Dogs, a Water Circus and One Giant Duck!

The Redpath Waterfront Festival celebrates a decade on Toronto’s waterfront

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Redpath Waterfront Festival (RWF), presented by Billy Bishop Airport, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by releasing a video highlighting the evolution of the festival since its inception in 2010.

The live celebration was supposed to take place this past June featuring the return of the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, however, due to COVID-19, the festival was postponed and ultimately cancelled. With 2020 coming to an end, the festival producers still wanted to celebrate this milestone year and show appreciation to all of the partners and attendees for their ongoing support.

The 10th anniversary video, produced by Chris Monette Films, was released today on the Redpath Waterfront Festival’s YouTube channel and features interviews and footage from those who have helped make the festival possible for the past decade, including Co-Producer Lea Parrell.

“Over the past decade, we have tried to connect our visitors to the waterfront in unique and engaging ways,” says Co-Producer Lea Parrell. “I think that our fun on-water and on-land activations have encouraged people to come back each year to discover this beautiful area of our city.”

In partnership with the Waterfront BIA, the initial objective of the Redpath Waterfront Festival was to bring visitors to this unique area and promote Toronto as a waterfront destination. The first event brought 14 tall ships that docked along the water’s edge offering visitors an opportunity to go on board the ships and experience and explore the full extent of the waterfront at the same time. Over 600,000 people attended the inaugural event in 2010 and due to its success the RWF became an annual festival.

Over the past 10 years, there have been many memorable moments, but none quite like the World’s Largest Rubber Duck’s visit in 2017. Mama Duck floated into the Toronto harbour for Canada’s 150th anniversary and drew over 750,000 visitors, creating an economic impact of $7.6M for the province of Ontario.  

Redpath
Waterfront Festival
h
istory of
e
vents
:

  • 2010: Tall Ships Challenge® Great Lakes Series
  • 2012: East Coast/Maritime celebration in partnership with Nova Scotia Tourism & Saltscapes
  • 2013: Launch of the Tall Ships 1812 Tour
  • 2014: Flyboard North American Championships & Dock Dogs Championships
  • 2015: Party on the Promenade celebrating the newly revitalized Queens Quay Blvd.
  • 2016: Tall Ships Challenge® Great Lakes Series in partnership with the Royal Canadian Navy
  • 2017: World’s Largest Rubber Duck & the launch of the ONTARIO 150 Tour featuring Rhythm of the Nation and the West Coast Lumberjack Show
  • 2018: Aqua Cirque & HTO Pendulum Wave presented by Menkes
  • 2019: Launch of the Tall Ships Challenge® Ontario Tour

Past festival partners include: Redpath Sugar, Billy Bishop Airport, The Waterfront BIA, Menkes Developments, RBC, Hyundai Canada, Porter Airlines, The Westin Harbour Castle, Waterfront Toronto, CTV, Parks Canada, Tall Ships America, and many more. Additionally, all levels of government have continually funded and supported the festival over the past 10 years.

Visit the Redpath Waterfront Festival’s YouTube channel to watch the 10th anniversary video and towaterfrontfest.com to learn more. In addition to the video release, the festival is taking a trip down memory lane on social media with “10th Anniversary Tuesday” posts that focus on one year of the festival each week for 10 weeks. People are encouraged to follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for exclusive photos and videos and use #TOwaterfrontfest to share their favourite festival moments from the past decade.

ABOUT REDPATH WATERFRONT FESTIVAL:

The Redpath Waterfront Festival is an annual summer event providing on-land and on-water programming for people of all ages and interests, with the goal of promoting Toronto locally and internationally as a premiere waterfront destination. With music, food, nautical programs and entertainment, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy. Every three years, the event welcomes majestic tall ships to Toronto.

ABOUT WATER’S EDGE FESTIVALS & EVENTS:

Water’s Edge Festivals & Events (WEFE) is an Ontario not-for-profit corporation created in 2011 with a mandate to produce exceptional annual family festivals and provide a strong economic impact for Toronto and Ontario.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Logan Kazimer
Harmony Marketing
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3369826e-12b9-4180-a79f-b5e84dd109f4

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/626d40be-08ec-4927-881a-aee459916a9d



BIIB Shareholder Alert: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Notifies Biogen Inc. Investors of Class Action and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Attorney Advertising — Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Biogen Inc. (“Biogen” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BIIB) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired Biogen securities pursuant between October 22, 2019 and November 6, 2020, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/biib.

This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the larger dataset did not provide necessary data regarding aducanumab’s effectiveness; (2) the EMERGE study did not and would not provide necessary data regarding aducanumab’s effectiveness; (3) the PRIME study did not and would not provide necessary data regarding aducanumab’s effectiveness; (4) the data provided by the Company to the FDA’s Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee did not support finding efficacy of aducanumab; and (5) as a result, defendants’ statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/biib or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Biogen you have until January 12, 2021 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff.  Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique.  Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients.  In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm’s expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration.   Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact:
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz
212-697-6484 | [email protected]



BABA Investor Alert: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Notifies Alibaba Group Holding Limited Shareholders of Class Action and Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 12, 2021

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Attorney Advertising — Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Alibaba Group Holding Limited (“Alibaba” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BABA) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired Alibaba securities between October 21, 2020 and November 3, 2020, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”).  Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/baba.    

This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:  (1) Ant Group did not meet listing qualifications or disclosure requirements for certain material matters; (2) certain impending changes in the Fintech regulatory environment would impact Ant Group’s business; (3) as a result of the foregoing, Ant Group’s IPO was reasonably likely to be suspended; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/baba or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Alibaba you have until January 12, 2021 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff.  Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique.  Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients.  In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm’s expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration.   Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact:
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz
212-697-6484 | [email protected]



No Mall? No Problem. Mom to the rescue with Santa Pics App; teams up with First Descent Software to create augmented reality Santa experience

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sharon Knutson, a dedicated mom of two, has taken her kids to the mall every year to get a picture with Santa. That’s just not safe these days in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Like any parent, she was determined to make the best of a bad situation so she came up with an idea and made it a reality.

She spearheaded the creation of the Santa Pics App. It’s a first-of-its-kind app that uses augmented reality to allow people to pose for a picture or dance with Santa Claus, keeping Christmas traditions alive and allowing families to have some fun together – from the safety and comfort of their own home.

“I just couldn’t let COVID-19 take one more thing from us and our family. I didn’t want to see moms and dads and kids risk getting sick at the mall. I think the Santa Pics App will really help us all stay safe, do our part and have some fun when we need it the most,” said Knutson.

Knutson teamed up with software developer, First Descent Software Ltd., to take the app from concept to reality in just a few short months so it would be available for this holiday season. Santa Pics App users can take traditional and customized pictures with Santa, and also create fun videos with a dancing Santa. Users can save their pictures and videos to their phone or tablet, share them on social media, or send professional-quality prints to loved ones. It’s fun for all ages!

Santa Pics App has launched worldwide for smartphones and tablets. It is available on the App Store and Google Play, as well at santapicsapp.com. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross Violence Risk Reduction Program, as part of their Supporting Safer Communities initiative.



Media inquiries:

Matt Maruca

[email protected]

204-951-3746

CLSN DEADLINE ALERT: Zhang Investor Law Alerts Investors of Deadline in Securities Class Action Lawsuit Against Celsion Corporation – CLSN

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zhang Investor Law announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of shareholders who bought shares of Celsion Corporation (NASDAQ: CLSN) between November 2, 2015 and July 10, 2020, inclusive (the “Class Period”).

To join the class action, go to http://zhanginvestorlaw.com/join-action-form/?slug=celsion-corporation&id=2458 or call Sophie Zhang, Esq. toll-free at 800-991-3756 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

如果您想加入这个集体诉讼案,请在这里提交您的信息。http://zhanginvestorlaw.com/join-action-form/?slug=celsion-corporation&id=2458

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court before the December 29, 2020 DEADLINE.   A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. 

According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:  defendants had significantly overstated the efficacy of ThermoDox; the foregoing significantly diminished the approval and commercialization prospects for ThermoDox; as a result, the Company’s public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

Lead plaintiff status is not required to seek compensation.  You may retain counsel of your choice.  You may remain an absent class member and take no action at this time.

Zhang Investor Law represents investors worldwide. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Zhang Investor Law P.C.
99 Wall Street, Suite 232
New York, New York 10005
[email protected]
tel: (800) 991-3756



Richardson Electronics Strengthens Power Conversion Product Offering with Fuji Electric’s 7th Generation (X-Series) IGBT Modules

LA FOX, Ill., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Richardson Electronics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: RELL) strengthened their power conversion product offering with Fuji Electric’s 7th generation (X-Series) IGBT modules.

Fuji’s 7thGeneration IGBT modules represent the latest IGBT chip technology and is specifically designed to complement requirements needed for the latest power conversion applications including energy savings, miniaturization, and increased reliability. Key features are:

  • The module has been optimized by thinning the thickness and miniaturizing the structure of the IGBT chip and diode chip that makes up the module, reducing power loss when compared to previous generations. Applications have seen inverter loss reduced by 10% and chip temperature improved by 11°C.
  • A newly developed insulating board has improved the heat dissipation of the module, allowing a footprint reduction of 36% while reducing power loss and suppressing heat generation when compared with previous generations.
  • Higher temperature operation: This new series is rated for continuous operation at 175°C allowing up to 35% more output; doubling power cycling capabilities compared to previous generations.

Product series includes 650/1200/1700V, 10-1800A, offered in small PIM, EconoPIM™, 6-Pack, Dual, Dual XT, EconoPACK™ and PrimePACK™ packages

With over 90 years of experience, Fuji Electric is a leading developer of industrial products such as IGBT power modules, intelligent power modules, discrete rectifier diodes, and discrete MOSFET & IGBT devices.

“Fuji Electric’s X-Series comes in a wide array of package types and voltage ranges making it ideal for our customers,” said Greg Peloquin, Executive Vice President of Richardson Electronics’ Power & Microwave Technologies group “The X-Series features and benefits coupled with our team’s expertise – I am confident we will be able to deliver a best-in-class solution.”

“Our 7th Generation X-Series IGBT Technology combined with the excellent support from Richardson Electronics’ Power & Microwave Technologies group provides our valued customers with the highest level of commercial and technical support,” said James Usack, Division General Manager, Fuji Electric America

PrimePACK™ is registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG, Germany. EconoPIM™ is registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG, Germany. EconoPACK™ is registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG, Germany


About Richardson Electronics, Ltd.

Richardson Electronics, Ltd. is a leading global provider of engineered solutions, power grid and microwave tubes and related consumables; power conversion and RF and microwave components; flat panel detector solutions and replacement parts for diagnostic imaging equipment; and customized display solutions. We serve customers in the alternative energy, healthcare, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific, and semiconductor markets. The Company’s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and “engineered solutions” based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The Company provides solutions and adds value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics, and aftermarket technical service and repair through its global infrastructure. More information is available at www.rell.com.

Richardson Electronics common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol RELL.


About Richardson Electronics – Power & Microwave Technologies

For 70 years, Richardson Electronics has been your industry-leading global provider of engineered solutions, RF & microwave, and power products. With the launch of the Power & Microwave Technologies group, we continue this legacy and complement it with new products from the world’s most innovative technology partners. Richardson Electronics’ Power & Microwave Technologies group focuses on what we do best: identify and design disruptive technologies, introduce new products on a global basis, develop solutions for our customers, and provide exceptional worldwide support. As a global company, we provide solutions and add value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics, and aftermarket technical service and repair—all through our existing global infrastructure. More information is available at www.rellpower.com.

For Details Contact:
                           

Chris Marshall
CTO/VP of Marketing                                       
Phone: (630) 208-2222                          
[email protected]



Couchbase Honored with Two Industry Awards: Battery Ventures’ Top 25 Cloud-Computing Companies to Work For and Deloitte’s Top 500 Fastest-Growing Companies in North America

Leading NoSQL database provider recognized on Battery Ventures’ list of top private cloud-computing companies to work for, and for the fourth consecutive year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™

Santa Clara, Calif., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Couchbase, the creator of the enterprise-class, multicloud to edge NoSQL database, today announced it has been named to Battery Ventures’ list of the 25 Highest-Rated Private Cloud Computing Companies to Work for During the COVID Crisis. The ranking is based on Couchbase’s Glassdoor reviews over the past six months, which demonstrates the company’s ability to lead during a crisis. And for the fourth consecutive year, Couchbase also announced it has been named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500TM, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, and energy tech companies in North America. 

This year’s Top Privately-Held Cloud-Computing Companies to Work For list is a twist on Battery’s annual list of highest-rated cloud firms in terms of employee happiness. The list is based on data collected during the first six months of the pandemic from jobs and recruiting site, Glassdoor, which measures employee satisfaction at work. Battery elected this year to focus on company ratings only during the pandemic, given the tremendous disruption COVID-19 has caused many companies. Couchbase’s inclusion on this list highlights the company’s ability to lead during a crisis. But more broadly, the rankings can be an indicator of corporate innovation, growth and strong financial performance.

“We are honored to be included on Battery’s list,” said Matt Cain, President and CEO of Couchbase.  “We are doing everything we can as a company to protect and help our employees and their families, along with our customers and partners, as we collectively navigate the challenges of this pandemic.  This recognition is really a testament to the character, dedication, and toughness of the extended Couchbase team and its unrelenting focus to do the right thing by those we serve.  We pride ourselves at Couchbase not only on what we do, but how we do it, and current circumstances are no exception.”

Couchbase’s inclusion in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500TM list, for the 4th consecutive year, recognizes the exceptionally high rate of growth achieved through a consistent focus on sustained differentiation and innovation in service of its customers.   New products launched over the past year include Couchbase Cloud, the fully-managed database as a service; Couchbase Server 6.6; Couchbase Sync Gateway and Couchbase Lite version 2.8; and Couchbase Autonomous Operator 2.0.  As a result, existing customers such as AppDynamics, AT&T, BD, Carrefour, and Zynga expanded their relationships and new logos including Bankinter, S.A, Evernote, Orange Espana and TripActions were added.  To support the continued expansion of the company, Couchbase grew its employee base substantially over the previous fiscal year. 

“We are becoming the next great enterprise software company by simultaneously delivering sustained differentiation, driving long-term profitable growth, and building a world-class team,” continued Cain. “We are proud to be named to the Deloitte Technology Fast500 for the 4th consecutive year as a result of our continued focus and commitment to all of these areas as we accelerate growth of our technical innovation, our customer base, and our talent.  I’d like to thank our customers, partners and employees for making all of this possible.”

The two latest industry awards add to a growing list of recognition that Couchbase has garnered this year, including:

About Battery Ventures

Battery strives to invest in cutting-edge, category-defining businesses in markets including software and services, Web infrastructure, consumer Internet, mobile and industrial technologies. Founded in 1983, the firm backs companies at stages ranging from seed to private equity and invests globally from offices in Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, London, New York and Israel. Follow the firm on Twitter @BatteryVentures, visit our website at www.battery.com and find a full list of Battery’s portfolio companies here.

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

About Couchbase

Unlike other NoSQL databases, Couchbase provides an enterprise-class, multicloud to edge database that offers the robust capabilities required for business-critical applications on a highly scalable and available platform. As a distributed cloud-native database, Couchbase runs in modern dynamic environments and on any cloud, either customer-managed or fully managed as-a-service. Couchbase is built on open standards, combining the best of NoSQL with the power and familiarity of SQL, to simplify the transition from mainframe and relational databases. 

Couchbase has become pervasive in our everyday lives; our customers include industry leaders Amadeus, American Express, Carrefour, Cisco, Comcast/Sky, Disney, eBay, LinkedIn, Marriott, Tesco, Tommy Hilfiger, United, Verizon, as well as hundreds of other household names. For more information, visit www.couchbase.com

© 2020 Couchbase, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Couchbase, the Couchbase logo, and the names and marks associated with Couchbase’s products are trademarks of Couchbase, Inc.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

###



Christina Knittel
Couchbase
7752092461
[email protected]

PGEN, XON IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Pawar Law Group Announces a Securities Class Action Lawsuit Against Precigen, Inc. f/k/a Intrexon– PGEN, XON

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pawar Law Group announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of shareholders who purchased shares of Precigen, Inc. f/k/a (NASDAQ: PGEN, XON) from May 10, 2017  through September 25, 2020, inclusive (the “Class Period”). The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Precigen, Inc. f/k/a Intrexon Corporation investors under the federal securities laws.

To join the class action, go here or call Vik Pawar, Esq. toll-free at 888-589-9804 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that adverse facts about its business. As such, the Company’s financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 were false and could not be relied upon; the Company had material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting; the Company was under investigation by the SEC since October 2018; and as a result of the foregoing, defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 4, 2020. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

No class has been certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you hire one. You may hire counsel of your choice. You may also do nothing at this time and be an absent member of the class. Your ability to share in any future recovery is not dependent upon being a lead plaintiff.

Pawar Law Group represents investors from around the world. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
——————————-

Contact:  
Vik Pawar, Esq.  
Pawar Law Group  
20 Vesey Street, Suite 1410  
New York, NY 10007  
Tel: (917) 261-2277  
Fax: (212) 571-0938  
[email protected] 



New Study Highlights the Importance of Genetic Testing for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

— Study finds nearly 1 in 10 show genetic changes with established clinical management recommendations, potential eligibility for precision therapies and/or clinical treatment trials —

— Data presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Conference, which will also include ceremony honoring excellence in genetic counseling patient care —

PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Invitae (NYSE: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, today presented study findings that show nine percent of patients with pancreatic cancer had genetic changes in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes that would make them eligible for PARP inhibitor therapy or clinical treatment trials. Despite professional guidelines that recommend testing for all pancreatic cancer patients, it remains underutilized in routine care. The study was presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors 39th Annual Conference.

“New therapeutics have recently become available to treat pancreatic cancer for patients with certain changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Yet despite the availability of these treatments and professional guidelines recommending testing, utilization is still lagging,” said Robert Nussbaum, M.D., chief medical officer of Invitae and study author. “Pathogenic variants in these genes are associated with an increased risk of other cancers as well, such as breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, which means that a failure to test patients with pancreatic cancer impacts not only their treatment, but also the health of their families.”

Importantly, the study of over 2,000 patients found that 15% of patients with actionable genetic changes reported no family history of cancer, which underscores the limitations of using testing criteria based on reported family history.  National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend genetic counseling and germline genetic testing for everyone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer as well as their first degree relatives — approximately 3.5 million individuals in the United States.

In addition to evaluating the clinical relevance of genetic testing results, the study offered sponsored, no-charge testing to patients to evaluate the role of cost as a barrier to testing. Researchers found a small but significant increase (2%) in testing among African-American patients compared to typical rates among patients using health insurance, suggesting reducing cost may increase access to testing among this population.

The research was presented at the virtual annual meeting of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. The full research presentation from Invitae included:

Oral platform presentations:

  • Increasing access for patients with pancreatic cancer to germline genetic testing: Clinical impacts across disease stage and ethnicity. Presented by Ed Esplin, MD, PhD, FACMG, FACP
  • Evaluating variant reclassification in reproductive carrier screening. Presented by Julia Wilkinson, MS, LCGC

Poster presentations:

  • Utility of adding phenotypic criteria refinement to ACMG guidelines. Presented by Lauren Frank, MS, CGC
  • Comprehensive germline multigene panels change clinical care and inform treatment strategies for breast cancer patients. Presented by Sarah Nielsen, MS, LCGC
  • Carrier screening for X-linked conditions is common practice. Presented by Dana Neitzel, MS, CGC

In addition to its scientific presence, Invitae will again partner with NSGC to present the Heart of Genetic Counseling award, which honors excellence in genetic counseling and patient care as recognized by patients. Nominations include stories from patients that highlight both the clinical and personal impact a genetic counselor had on their lives and the lives of their families. This year’s award will be presented during a virtual ceremony on Thursday, November 17th. The finalists include:

  • Rachelle Manookian, MS, LCGC, City of Hope in Duarte, CA, was nominated by a man who had been searching for answers about the origin of his cancer for more than 10 years. He hoped that any identified mutations would lead to a newly developed drug or clinical trial that could attack his cancer with precision. Manookian left no stone unturned and remained in touch until she found a clinical trial. Thanks to Manookian’s persistence, he finally got answers and learned that his sons did not carry the same increased genetic risk of prostate cancer.
  • Donna McDonald-McGinn, MS, LCGC, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, was nominated by the mother of a son with a rare genetic condition called 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. McDonald-McGinn has been his care coordinator and navigator for 21 years, explaining and managing the care that he has needed through his life. Always acting as his advocate, McDonald-McGinn has been there for each of his 21 surgeries and is a staunch advocate for those with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
  • Gretchen MacCarrick, MS, CGC, Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, was nominated by a mother whose daughter has Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), which was discovered in 2005. For nearly 12 years, MacCarrick has been by their side guiding them. She explains what tests are needed, what the results mean and navigates their daughter’s care during their regular visits to Baltimore, including a major heart surgery. Importantly, MacCarrick has even developed a strong relationship directly with the patient who is now 16 and getting more engaged in her care.

About Invitae

Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company, whose mission is to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. Invitae’s goal is to aggregate the world’s genetic tests into a single service with higher quality, faster turnaround time, and lower prices. For more information, visit the company’s website at invitae.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the implications of the company’s study results; and the importance and potential benefits of genetic testing for pancreatic cancer patients. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:  the company’s history of losses; the company’s ability to compete; the company’s failure to manage growth effectively; the company’s need to scale its infrastructure in advance of demand for its tests and to increase demand for its tests; the company’s ability to use rapidly changing genetic data to interpret test results accurately and consistently; security breaches, loss of data and other disruptions; laws and regulations applicable to the company’s business; and the other risks set forth in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Invitae Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact:

Laura D’Angelo


[email protected]

(628) 213-3283

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-highlights-the-importance-of-genetic-testing-for-pancreatic-cancer-patients-301177392.html

SOURCE Invitae Corporation

Ryan Sitton Inspires Energy Industry’s Future Leaders in Series of Speaking Events

Pinnacle founder shares industry experience in hopes of inspiring next generation

HOUSTON, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ryan Sitton, founder of Pinnacle, the world’s largest reliability data analytics company and author of debut book, “Crucial Decisions,” was recently featured as a guest lecturer to university students enrolled in top energy management programs across the country. Featured topics included his vast knowledge of data analytics and the energy industry including potential challenges, opportunities and transitions. Sitton, the youngest person honored as a distinguished engineering alumnus by Texas A&M University, will continue to educate students through a series of speaking events into February 2021 on how data is redefining the energy industry and why the secret to sustainability is reliability.

In late October, Sitton was invited to virtually speak with students enrolled in the University of Tulsa’s energy department to share his vast experience with business analytics and data systems, explaining how big data helps industry leaders make complex decisions, a topic widely discussed in his newly released book, “Crucial Decisions.”

Most recently, Sitton spoke to students at Rice University during the university’s annual energy finance summit, moderated by Rachel Adams-Heard of Bloomberg, to share how energy supply and demand may change both domestically and globally in the coming years. Sitton also shared the changes ahead in the energy industry and what navigating those opportunities, challenges and transitions may look like for those involved.

Sitton and the Pinnacle team are ardent about investing time and resources into early stage innovative companies in the reliability technology space. In October, Pinnacle announced the establishment of Pinnacle Ventures, a corporate venturing fund, and a commitment to invest $50 million into startups with impactful data-driven solutions.

“Innovation is at the core of Pinnacle’s values,” said Sitton. “While we continue to drive innovation internally, we also want to empower others within the energy industry to do the same in order to make the energy industry the most reliable it has ever been. Students are our future and we want to inspire and support them in as many ways as we can, whether that be sharing our knowledge and expertise through these series of talks or by supporting early stage innovation companies, we are committed to continuously supporting and improving the energy industry.”

On Nov. 30, Sitton will sit down with students at Texas A&M University for a virtual distinguished lecture in energy. On Feb. 2, 2021, Sitton will speak to students at the University of Texas as a guest of the university’s energy symposium series.

For more information on Ryan Sitton, please visit: https://ryansitton.com.

About Ryan Sitton:

Ryan Sitton is the founder of one of the world’s largest reliability data analytics companies. He consults international corporations on energy markets, holds a number of patents in system design, and has served as chief energy regulator for the state of Texas. He has spent the last decade developing and applying quantitative methods to ensure optimal reliability.

About Pinnacle:

Headquartered in Pasadena, Texas, Pinnacle is exclusively focused on helping industrial facilities in the oil and gas, chemical, mining, and water and wastewater industries better leverage their data to improve reliability performance, resulting in increased production, optimized reliability and maintenance spend, and improvement in process safety and environmental impact. Pinnacle is privately held, and has been consistently recognized for its growth by Inc. Magazine, the Houston Business Journal, and more. For more information, visit pinnaclereliability.com.

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